Norwegian System for eGovernment in the fields of zoning, building and construction

The National Office of Building Technology and Administration is responsible for the project, which now consists of three modules. Jotne EPM Technology has developed and provided the technology platform, including databases and user interfaces for all ByggSøk modules.

”The goal for local governments is to offer electronic services in the field of zoning and building,” explains Øivind Rooth, department director in the National Office of Building Technology and Administration.

”The next phase,” says Rooth, “will bring together geographical data and factual information about the physical environment, as well as zoning regulations from local governments. We will also be able to offer extensive information from a variety of sources. ByggSøk has taken the first steps towards a nationwide standardization of zoning proposals and building applications that will save time and money, and increase efficiency. We believe that the benefits will be substantial and that the system will develop rapidly.”

The vision is to deliver better and more efficient public services and improve the industrial competitiveness by nationally standardizing zoning proposals and building applications. The system for submission of building applications was inaugurated in the summer of 2003. Local authorities all over Norway then started to receive applications submitted electronically.

ByggSøk consists of three modules: an information system, a system for submitting building applications and a system for zoning proposals. These systems are designed to encourage more efficient processes, for both the private and public sectors. Use of ByggSøk is free of charge to the public and local governments.

ByggSøk Information is a system for information required when preparing a plan or application. All 431 municipalities in Norway are offered the opportunity to publish information on a joint website related to zoning and building. ByggSøk Information provides general and municipality-specific information related to zoning plans and building applications.

ByggSøk Zoning serves as a basis for communication between developers and local governments. This module provides a forum for developers to enter into dialogue with local authorities early in the zoning process. The system for submission of zoning initiatives has been available since January 2005.

Building applications are registered via the Internet. The applicant is guided through an application process customized to the matter concerned and receives assistance during the process. Once all the information has been entered, the content is checked. If the application is complete it can be printed or submitted electronically to the local authority. Applications will be more correct, saving local authorities and the applicant time and money.

In its third year of operation, ByggSøk offers integration with map systems, and may also be used for automated checking against zoning rules and regulations through an integrated EDMmodelServer™.

Benefits

• Electronic processing of zoning proposals and building applications encourages more efficient work procedures.
• Reduced costs for private and public sectors.
• More open and transparent public sector, delivering more comprehensible, accountable and predictable services.
• IT standards for data exchange provide quality assurance of the information and make it possible to register information only once.
• More user-centered public authorities, providing 24/7 services to citizens.