Greater Sudbury city council has given the green light to an $800,000 pilot project that will utilize artificial intelligence to assist in reviewing building permit applications. The primary objective is to identify issues earlier in the process and reduce processing times. The AI technology will serve as an initial screening tool and not as a substitute for city personnel.
Under this initiative, when individuals submit plans via the city’s Pronto portal, the AI software will analyze the application for missing details and potential violations of 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 result in applicants receiving prompt feedback, eliminating the need to wait several days for an initial staff review to identify any deficiencies.
Initially, the system will undergo training on the city’s zoning laws and building permit procedures. Longston likened this process to onboarding a new employee who must familiarize themselves with the workflow before handling more complex tasks. The technology is also anticipated to prevent incomplete applications from being submitted through Pronto, setting a higher standard for incoming applications and potentially leading to faster processing times.
Morgan Roleau, CEO of the Northern Ontario Home Builders Association, expressed cautious interest in Sudbury’s plan, citing permit delays as a significant concern for builders in the region. While acknowledging the potential benefits of AI in standardizing requirements and compliance checks, Roleau cautioned that expedited screening may not address all issues within the permitting process.
According to Mojgan Jadidi, an associate professor at York University specializing in regulatory compliance, AI can streamline repetitive aspects of the permitting process by automating checks against established rules. However, human expertise remains crucial for situations involving complexity, interpretation, or conflicting priorities.
John Lane, president of the Ontario Building Officials Association, emphasized that AI is best suited for checking clear and repetitive requirements, such as dimensions of stairs, doors, and windows. Nevertheless, he stressed that human judgment remains irreplaceable, especially for intricate drawings or code interpretations.
The project, funded through the city’s Building Permit Revenue Stabilization Reserve Fund, will evaluate whether AI can enhance the initial stages of the permitting process. Should the pilot prove successful, the city may proceed with full implementation, with annual AI licensing fees covered by building permit revenues. Collaboration among municipalities on such technologies was also encouraged to address varying approaches to managing zoning and planning information.