Planning & Regulatory Submissions

Q: Do we still need an architect to review the submission before it goes out?

Yes, the studio principal still reviews and signs off before anything is filed.

Q: Will this work with the tools our studio already uses?

It connects with the drawing, spreadsheet, and portal tools most studios already rely on.

Q: What happens if the zoning rules don't match our data?

Any mismatch gets flagged for a person to review rather than being submitted automatically.

Q: Is this suitable for a small architecture studio?

Yes, it fits studios of any size handling a handful or a steady stream of submissions each month.

Keep every planning application on track by automating document assembly, deadline alerts, and council correspondence from one place.

180 hrs

Manual time identified

Companies have mapped

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About This Automation

Planning and regulatory submissions require compiling drawing sets, verifying zoning figures, and filing paperwork with local authorities. Doing this by hand across multiple documents invites errors and slows down project milestones.

An automated version assembles the drawing set, checks compliance, and routes the package for approval and filing. This shortens the path from milestone to filed submission and reduces rework from missed errors.

Key features:

Compiles the current drawing set automatically from project files

Cross-checks zoning figures against the jurisdiction's code table

Flags compliance issues directly on the drawing set for review

Routes the marked-up set for internal sign-off before filing

Fills application forms and uploads the complete package to the submission portal

Posts status updates as the review progresses

Data insights How it works Apps used What you get FAQ

Top friction points when done manually

The issues teams report most often with this process

#	Friction point	Companies Report This
1	Manual drawing set assembly Gathering the latest drawing files by hand takes time and invites version mix-ups.	80%
2	Zoning figures cross-checked by hand Comparing setbacks, height, and coverage figures manually is slow and error-prone.	67%
3	Markup and correction cycles Flagging and fixing compliance issues on the drawing set adds back and forth.	53%
4	Sign-off delays Waiting on principal review can stall a submission close to a deadline.	40%
5	Manual status follow-up Checking the portal for reviewer updates pulls staff away from other work.	26%

Disclaimer

Automation readiness

How well-suited this process is for automation

Process Pain Score™

9.3/ 10

AI Fit Rating™

9.0/ 10

Automation Lift Index™

8.5/ 10

Hidden Overhead™

6.5/ 10

How The Automation Works

The full workflow, from trigger to completion.

1. Project Reaches Permit Milestonetrigger

The project's status flags when it hits the permit or planning submission stage.

2. Compile Drawing Set & Check Zoning

The automation pulls the latest drawing files, assembles the submission set, and cross-checks zoning figures against the local code table.

3. Generate Compliance Markup

The automation annotates the drawing set with compliance notes and flags any figures needing correction before it reaches the principal.

4. Send For Signature

The marked-up set and zoning summary route to the studio principal for review and e-signature.

5. Revise Drawings If Rejected

If the principal rejects the package, the flagged items route back to a person for correction before re-submission.

6. Prepare Application Package

The automation fills the jurisdiction's application forms using project details from the drawing set and zoning check.

7. Upload Package

The finished submission package uploads automatically to the project's portal record.

8. Post Status Update

A confirmation with submission details and portal link posts to the project's channel.

Most popular tool stack used

— the complete tool combinations companies use

55% of companies

28% of companies

15% of companies

Disclaimer

What you get when you map this process

Everything you need to understand, plan, and build your automation.

ROI and business case

What this process costs today and what changes once it's automated.

Launch schedule

What gets built, in what order, and what success looks like once it's live.

Process runbook

How the automation runs day to day, including exceptions and human decision points.

Developer handover pack

Full build spec, logic, and configuration — ready to hand off without a briefing call.

Integration and connections guide

Every tool connection, credential, and data mapping the build needs.

Test and QA plan

216 hrsIdentified

4Mapped

View

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know before mapping this process.

What parts of the planning submission process does this handle?

It compiles drawing sets, checks zoning compliance, flags issues, and files the complete package for you.

Do we still need an architect to review the submission before it goes out?

Will this work with the tools our studio already uses?

What happens if the zoning rules don't match our data?

Is this suitable for a small architecture studio?

View more FAQs

Process pain:9.3/10

Mapped by:12 Companies

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Page updated 10 August 2026