Getting approval to install residential rooftop solar panels in San Diego just got a little easier, after implementation of a new system by e-PlanSoft was expedited due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Rather than driving to city hall with stacks of paper, installers can now get things taken care of online, a huge advantage as people shelter in place, according to the Irvine-based company, which makes software used to electronically review plans needed by government agencies.
e-PlanSoft sees more local agencies and businesspeople moving to digital plan review for a whole array of building and construction permits.
“We’re increasing sales. It’s the right time for us,” e-PlanSoft Chief Executive Michael Chegini told the Business Journal on April 29. “Business will increase because of this epidemic,” which he calls “unfortunate.”
e-PlanSoft’s software allows for digital review of the whole array of building, engineering and construction plans, depending on the customer’s needs. Collateral benefits extend to fewer cars and less pollution outside city halls, as people can send in their plans online for official review and approval.
“This is the green movement in California,” Chegini said.
10,000 Permits/Year
The city of San Diego’s Development Services Department (DSD) went live with the first phase of e-PlanSoft’s electronic plan review software, called e-PlanReview, last month, starting with home solar panels that generate electricity for home use.
“DSD aims to accelerate implementation in response to COVID-19 to eliminate the need for customers to carry in hard copies of plans by completely transitioning to online permitting,” Department Director Elyse Lowe said. The cloud-based e-PlanReview software is integrated into the city’s already existing online permitting tool.
Since 2016, San Diego has issued between 10,000 and 13,000 residential solar panel permit approvals each year as the state puts increasing emphasis on sun power.
The e-PlanReview implementation is projected to save more than 225,000 sheets of paper and associated costs annually in San Diego. Customers can apply for permits, pay fees, and receive permits online by allowing the city reviewers to access the submitted plans for approval.
Solar Mandate
San Diego is anticipating an increase in applications in response to the California Solar Mandate that went into effect Jan. 1.
The city plans to expand the DSD’s use of e-PlanSoft to review and approve residential solar panel projects for use with most other construction permits and approvals, according to Interim Deputy Director and City Building Official Kelly Charles.
“These include reviews of buildings, public works, affordable housing and even complex 5G projects, when a more robust online review system is rolled out later this year,” she told the Business Journal.
$3 Million
Chegini said San Diego is “the largest user of our software,” adding that the contract with the city will be worth over $3 million over three years.
“You don’t have to take the actual plans to the city to get a permit for solar. They need to give you a platform that you can submit.”
Employees can conduct plan review efficiently without having to step foot inside the building as well. The software does not require city agencies or applicants to install any software on their servers or workstations.
e-PlanSoft’s client list includes the cities of Long Beach and Fountain Valley, as well as Kern County in addition to sites across the country including Arizona, Texas, and New York.
