August 3, 2026

Digital Permitting: Improving the Process Behind the Platform

Before COVID-19, obtaining a permit often meant walking into a permit office, speaking directly with reviewers, and gaining a clearer understanding of what was needed to secure approval. Although the process was not always perfect, face-to-face communication often helped applicants resolve questions quickly and keep projects moving.

Today, online permitting systems have become the standard across many jurisdictions. These platforms are intended to streamline applications, reduce in-person visits, improve transparency, and make the permitting process more efficient for developers, property owners, contractors, design professionals, and permit expeditors.

However, transitioning a complex permitting process to a digital platform does not automatically eliminate the underlying challenges. In some cases, existing issues related to staffing, outdated records, departmental coordination, or inconsistent procedures may simply appear in a new digital format.

Applicants may encounter inaccurate property addresses, outdated ownership information, difficulties adding contractors or licensed trade professionals, unclear application requirements, or other data-related problems. Rather than simplifying the process, these issues can create additional steps and delays.

When problems arise, applicants typically turn to customer support or permitting staff for assistance. Jurisdictions, however, may be managing new technology while also facing staffing shortages, high application volumes, limited training resources, and changing code requirements. Even knowledgeable staff members may need time and additional support to become fully proficient with a new permitting platform.

For digital permitting systems to succeed, investment in technology should be accompanied by investment in staff training, data accuracy, clear procedures, and responsive communication. Strong applicant support not only helps resolve immediate issues but can also identify recurring problems and improve the experience for future users.

Modernizing permitting should involve more than replacing paper forms with online submissions. The most effective systems combine reliable technology with knowledgeable staff, clearly communicated requirements, consistent review procedures, and practical ways for applicants and reviewers to resolve questions.

Improving these areas benefits everyone involved, including jurisdictions, developers, property owners, contractors, design professionals, and permit expeditors.

How Arium Helps

Even when permitting systems and review processes present challenges, proactive planning can help keep projects moving forward. At Arium AE, we understand that successful permitting depends on clear communication, complete documentation, current technical knowledge, and familiarity with jurisdiction-specific procedures.

A single permit application may be reviewed by several departments, each with its own responsibilities and requirements. Maintaining open communication with reviewers can help identify questions or concerns before they become formal correction comments. Early coordination may also prevent an application from being delayed because of misunderstandings in the submitted plans, forms, or supporting documentation.

Equally important is a thorough understanding of the permitting process, current building codes, regulations, fees, and submission standards. Counties and cities regularly update their requirements, and digital platforms may change how documents are named, uploaded, routed, or revised.

Submitting plans under an outdated code, using the wrong application type, or overlooking a jurisdiction-specific requirement can lead to rejected submissions, additional review cycles, and increased project costs. By staying current and maintaining productive relationships with permitting agencies, Arium helps clients anticipate requirements and navigate the process more efficiently.

Our team also understands that permitting staff and applicants share the same fundamental goal: receiving a complete, code-compliant submission that can move through review and toward approval. We approach the process collaboratively, working to clarify requirements, respond promptly to comments, and provide reviewers with the information they need.

Ultimately, successful permitting is not simply about submitting paperwork through an online portal. It is about understanding the process, communicating effectively, and helping everyone involved get it right as early as possible.

Here are the recent permitting updates:

August 2026 Permitting Updates

Maryland

New Maryland law goes into effect October 1, 2026, to enhance fire prevention in high-rise apartment buildings:

• Effective October 1, a new Maryland state law requires automatic fire sprinkler retrofits and other life safety upgrades when a residential high-rise building undergoes substantial renovation. Under House Bill (HB) 149, a high rise is defined as a building in which the floor of an occupiable story is more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department access. Substantial renovation means permanent alterations intended to enhance the value of the building and whose cost is equal or greater than 40% of the building’s assessed value (as determined by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation – SDAT) and meet the criteria for substantial renovation under any applicable law.

Washington D.C.

The Fast Track Fit Outs Program is fairly new in the District, and it is meant to fast-track the plan review process for office renovations that qualify under the new job classification at no additional cost to customers.

• • Advantages of New Fast Track Fit Outs Classification include:
    • Expedited plan review timeline for office renovation projects: 15 business days for the initial review, and 5 business days each for any additional rounds of review.
    • Plan reviews are streamlined. Designs comply with the code in fewer review cycles because of additional guidance given to applicants on common code citations.
  •  Eligibility:
    • Fast Track Fit Outs are limited to nonstructural alterations (Levels 1 and 2 only) of conventional Group B offices with no change of occupancy. Clearly indicate “NO structural work/alteration” in your application.
    • In this context, DOB considers an “office” as a room, or set of rooms, used for providing professional services per 2017 DCBC 304.1, and is located in existing buildings that are mostly occupied by businesses for a similar purpose. This excludes medical procedures or storing/selling substances.

We can help! Through jurisdictional knowledge, technical expertise, proactive coordination, and responsive project management, Arium helps clients navigate permitting requirements and move their projects toward approval as efficiently as possible. Please reach out to us at 410-730-2300 or use our contact form to discuss the permitting process for your next project.