Last June, New Jersey made it the law for local governments across the state to say goodbye to paper for all construction-related applications and permits with Bill 1145. By the end of 2022, all local governments in New Jersey must have e-permitting software.
Every local government must adopt and implement an “Electronic Permit Processing Review System” that is Internet-based, allows electronic submission of construction permits, plans, and “specifications pursuant to the ‘State Uniform Construction Code Act’.” (Learn more about the bill here.)
For applicants and builders: Applicants and builders, including homeowners and citizens, will be able to apply for building permits online and submit all materials needed for their application online.
They will also be able to request on-site inspections online and have 24/7 access to the solution. They will have improved transparency into their permits since the building permit process will exist online.
So, no more travel to the office or costs related to travel or printing. It also makes the permit experience more convenient since they can apply for permits when it suits them best, not just during normal business hours, and can request inspections online instead of needing to call or email their building department.
For local government departments and third-party agencies: The new law ensures that local government departments, local enforcing agencies, and private agencies have electronic access to permits and relevant materials online.
An online building permit process makes it easier for these parties to collaborate and share information with one another. It also helps reduce front counter visits, phone calls, and emails since all parties can access permits online.
So, local governments can work with other departments and agencies online to be more efficient and issue more permits (online permitting software speeds up permit issuance by at least 50 per cent).
For New Jersey as a state: New Jersey will be an easier place to build for all parties involved when all local governments have access to permits and the building permit process online. And the more departments that use the same system or implement systems that can integrate with one another, more collaboration can occur for a unified and state-wide standard.
For your local government: Now comes the time to consider which online permitting software makes the most sense for your department.
At Cloudpermit, we often say that building departments are its own business. Building departments bring in a profit to communities, so treat this decision as a business decision and ask yourself some essential questions.
Check out our customer stories to learn for yourself how we help local governments become more efficient with a streamlined online building permit process, or book a demo with us to start a conversation.
We look forward to saying hello to you soon.