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Developing a reference building permit process model

delete2026-01-01
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PRE
AI
N
Nicholas Nisbet *
J
Judith Fauth
DOI:10.1080/09613218.2026.2613845delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
As countries seek to modernize regulatory frameworks and streamline construction approvals, digital building permitting has emerged as a key area of innovation. However, a lack of shared process models, inconsistent terminology, and the assumption that building permitting processes are too context-specific to generalize have hindered progress toward common digital solutions. This paper proposes a reference model of the building permit process, developed through Design Science Research based on 17 European jurisdictions and validated with international expert panels. Drawing on the ISO-based Information Delivery Manual (IDM) framework and expressed in Business Process Modelling Notation (BPMN), the model captures recurring patterns of information exchange, stakeholder involvement, and four key decision points - ranging from the necessity and validity of a submission to its compliance and acceptance. This research provides a foundation for the future development of supported and automated compliance checking and decision support systems, offering a scalable approach to digitalizing building permitting workflows while respecting local regulatory contexts.
Keywords:
Digital building permitting
BPMN
IDM
regulatory process modelling
building permitting automation

Journal

B
Building Research and Information
IF:
3.4
Papers:
1.6K
Citations:
4.2K

Organization

U
university college london
Scholars:
8.1K
Papers: 4.4K
Citations: 1
U
university of london
Scholars:
21.5W
Papers: 19.7W
Citations: 305