Greater Sudbury city council has given the green light to an $800,000 pilot project utilizing artificial intelligence to assist in reviewing building permit applications. The main objectives are to detect issues earlier in the process and reduce processing times.
The AI technology will serve as an initial screening tool and not replace city staff. Once plans are submitted through the city’s Pronto portal, the software will analyze the applications for missing information and check for possible conflicts with Greater Sudbury’s zoning regulations and sections of the Ontario Building Code.
Kris Longston, the city’s general manager of planning and growth, explained that this approach could lead to quicker feedback for applicants, potentially eliminating the need to wait several days for an initial staff review to identify missing or incorrect details.
The system will undergo training on the city’s zoning rules and permit procedures, akin to onboarding a new employee who needs to grasp the workflow before handling more complex tasks. Longston anticipates that the technology could prevent incomplete applications from being submitted via Pronto, setting a higher standard for incoming applications and ultimately expediting processing times.
Morgan Roleau, CEO of the Northern Ontario Home Builders Association, expressed cautious optimism about Sudbury’s initiative. While acknowledging the potential for AI to standardize requirements and compliance checks, Roleau cautioned that faster screening might not address all issues within the permitting process, such as delays caused by processing inefficiencies, staff turnover, and inconsistent requirements.
AI specialist Mojgan Jadidi from York University emphasized that artificial intelligence excels at repetitive tasks in permitting processes, streamlining administrative work and allowing professionals to focus on complex decisions. However, she stressed the importance of human oversight, especially in situations involving nuanced interpretations or conflicting priorities.
John Lane, president of the Ontario Building Officials Association, noted that AI is effective for checking clear and repetitive requirements, like identifying non-compliant elements in building plans. Nevertheless, he highlighted the irreplaceable role of human judgment, particularly with intricate drawings or open-to-interpretation code requirements.
The project’s funding will come from the city’s Building Permit Revenue Stabilization Reserve Fund. If the pilot proves successful, potential annual AI licensing fees of $350,000 would be covered by building permit revenues. Sudbury aims to evaluate the pilot’s effectiveness before deciding on full implementation to enhance the front end of the permitting process.