Greater Sudbury city council has given the green light to an $800,000 trial initiative utilizing artificial intelligence to aid in the review of building permit applications. The aim is to identify issues earlier and streamline processing times. The AI technology will serve as an initial screening tool and not a replacement for city personnel.
Through the city’s Pronto portal, when individuals submit plans, the AI software will analyze the applications for missing details and potential zoning bylaw and Ontario Building Code discrepancies. Kris Longston, the city’s general manager of planning and growth, mentioned that this could lead to immediate feedback for applicants, rather than waiting days for a staff review.
The system will undergo training on the city’s zoning regulations and permit procedures initially. Longston likened it to onboarding a new employee who must grasp the system before tackling more complex tasks. Eventually, the technology is anticipated to prevent incomplete applications from being submitted, setting a higher standard for incoming applications and potentially speeding up processing times.
Morgan Roleau, CEO of the Northern Ontario Home Builders Association, expressed cautious interest in Sudbury’s plan due to permit delays affecting builders in the region. While AI could standardize requirements and checks, Roleau cautioned that faster screening might not address all issues in the permitting process, such as delays stemming from processing challenges and inconsistent requirements.
AI, as per Mojgan Jadidi, an associate professor at York University, can streamline repetitive tasks in permitting processes, freeing up professionals to focus on intricate decisions. However, human expertise remains crucial for complex scenarios. John Lane, president of the Ontario Building Officials Association, noted that AI is best suited for clear and repetitive checks but cannot replace the judgment of plans examiners in complex cases.
Funding for the project will come from the city’s Building Permit Revenue Stabilization Reserve Fund, with potential full implementation subject to evaluation of the pilot results. Annual AI licensing fees of $350,000, if implemented, would be covered by building permit fees. This trial aims to enhance the initial stages of the permitting process, with the city assessing outcomes before any final decisions are made.