AI Tool PlanAssist Cuts Building Permit Review Time by 58%

At a glance

PlanAssist, an AI tool built by Google DeepMind, helps government officials review building permit applications, such as requests to expand homes. In a pilot program, the time officials spent reviewing each case dropped by an average of 58%. Final decisions are still made by officials.

Key points

1. 1

   PlanAssist checks whether all required application documents have been submitted and whether the plan follows cultural heritage protection rules and local and national planning policies.

2. 2

   It also checks whether residents or others have raised problems or objections in the past.

3. 3

   It writes a draft review report with sources, which officials then revise and use to make the final decision.

4. 4

   In more than 70% of the pilot program reports, officials approved the draft as it was, with no changes needed.

Why it matters

When building permits are delayed, families' home expansion plans can be pushed back by months, and the government's housing supply goals can be affected.