Across the country, many municipalities are modernizing their permitting systems, and the submission of commercial building plans is are going digital. What once required couriered drawings, physical stamps, and handwritten approvals now lives inside online platforms like EnerGov, Accela, and ePlan Review.

For architects, contractors, and developers, this digital shift brings clear advantages: faster access, simplified tracking, and better visibility into review status. But it also introduces a new set of challenges. File naming rules, upload errors, and portal-specific requirements can derail even the most organized teams.

That’s where Scout Services comes in. We help clients adapt to every new permitting system, ensuring commercial building plans move smoothly from upload to approval, no matter the jurisdiction.

The Shift from Paper to Digital Plan Submittals

Cities and counties are phasing out paper plan sets in favor of digital submission portals that centralize review and communication. Systems like EnerGov, Accela, and ePlan Review are now the norm, replacing physical hand-offs with automated workflows and digital mark-ups.

The intent is efficiency — reducing time spent routing plans between departments and creating an audit trail of comments and revisions. But while digital permitting has streamlined access, it hasn’t necessarily simplified the process.

Scout sees recurring issues across new portals: file size limits that reject large drawings, inconsistent naming conventions, system outages, and compatibility problems between file types. Each municipality configures its system differently, which means what works in one city might fail in another. Staying compliant requires understanding those local nuances before you upload.

What Commercial Developers and Architects Need to Know

Submitting commercial building plans online may sound straightforward, but each platform comes with its own learning curve. Some require PDFs broken down by discipline, while others want consolidated plan sets with bookmarked sheets. File permissions, naming structures, and required pre-checks all vary by jurisdiction.

Missing even one item — from an energy compliance sheet to a single signature —  can send your application back to the start of the queue. And because review queues are now managed automatically, rejections or resubmittals can add weeks to your timeline.

That’s why proactive preparation matters. Scout helps clients confirm submittal requirements early, ensuring uploads are complete, properly formatted, and routed to the right departments the first time.

Inside the Most Common Digital Platforms

EnerGov

EnerGov integrates zoning, permitting, and plan review into one centralized system, giving cities real-time visibility across departments. For applicants, it’s transparent but also unforgiving: file organization and metadata must be precise. Scout helps clients align submittals with local EnerGov configurations to avoid upload failures and revision delays.

Accela

Accela is widely used by large municipalities because of its scalability and ability to manage complex workflows. For design teams, it’s also one of the most technical platforms to navigate. Common issues include upload errors, locked file versions, and unclear reviewer feedback. Scout’s team knows how to interpret these system quirks and maintain direct communication with reviewers to keep progress visible and on track.

ePlan Review

ePlan Review (often built into existing municipal websites) streamlines digital mark-ups, comments, and resubmittals. It’s efficient, once you understand how to prepare your files. Scout ensures all commercial building plans meet portal specifications before upload, minimizing errors that can trigger automatic rejection.

How Scout Services Keeps Clients Ahead of the Curve

New technology shouldn’t slow down experienced teams. Scout helps commercial developers, contractors, and architects manage every stage of the digital permitting process — from upload to approval. We handle:

  • Pre-submission research: We identify exactly which portal, file types, and department reviews apply before you begin.
  • Document quality checks: Our specialists review plans for naming, format, and compliance with both municipal and state requirements.
  • Ongoing coordination: We track submittals, follow up with reviewers, and manage resubmissions across multiple platforms and jurisdictions.
  • Proven expertise: Scout has experience with digital systems in thousands of municipalities nationwide — from small towns to major metro areas.

For more information on digital portals and how Scout Services can help, check out our blog and case study: “Why Digital Doesn’t Always Mean Easier — and How to Avoid Delays” | “How Scout Services Expedited Sign Permits in 800+ Locations for a Major National Bank”.

Preparing for the Future of Digital Plan Review

As more jurisdictions expand online permitting, hybrid systems are emerging, combining digital uploads with occasional paper deliverables or in-person verifications. These mixed processes can confuse even seasoned project teams.

Scout helps clients stay adaptable, integrating digital readiness into their permitting strategy. By organizing documentation early and maintaining consistent file standards across projects, teams can reduce errors, shorten review cycles, and maintain compliance no matter which system a municipality uses.

Get Expert Support for Your Next Commercial Building Plan Submittal

Navigating new permitting portals doesn’t have to slow your project down. Whether you’re managing multiple rollouts across states or handling a single large commercial build, Scout Services ensures your commercial building plans are complete, compliant, and approved faster.

Need help submitting or tracking your commercial building plans? Contact Scout Services today for expert permitting support across all municipalities.