California has launched an artificial intelligence-driven tool to accelerate rebuilding permits in Los Angeles following the Eaton and Palisades fires in January.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the tool, which was developed by Archistar and will help local governments speed up recovery efforts for the 58 square miles that were burned. The software is being provided free to local governments through a partnership with LA Rises, Steadfast LA, Autodesk, and Amazon.
The AI software uses computer vision, machine learning, and automated rulesets to check building designs against zoning and code requirements. Property owners can pre-check their plans, with the aim of reducing errors and avoiding delays in the permitting process.
“Bringing AI into permitting will allow us to rebuild faster and safer, reducing costs and turning a process that can take weeks and months into one that can happen in hours or days,” said Rick Caruso, chairman of Steadfast LA, in a statement.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass praised the technology as a way to keep recovery efforts on track. “With the announcement of this AI solution, we’re infusing new technologies into City Hall processes to ensure nothing stands in the way of families getting home,” she said.
Los Angeles County has also adopted the tool and approved a resolution creating a unified permitting authority at the Altadena recovery center. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said, “This AI tool has the potential to save homeowners valuable time by helping them submit code-compliant plans from the start.”
A statewide contract also allows other California local governments to access the tool for their own rebuilding efforts.
The technology is already used in more than 25 cities and regions, including Vancouver, Austin, Houston, Seattle, Colorado, British Columbia, and New South Wales.
Newsom’s announcement follows other recent efforts by the governor to integrate the use of AI into government operations, including those recently announced to deploy generative AI in easing highway congestion, improving road safety, and streamlining customer service for taxpayers.