As federal and state debates continue over the risks and limits of artificial intelligence, cities are already putting the technology to work in an area where delays are common and costly: building permitting. Backlogs in this process slow housing delivery, stall infrastructure projects, and frustrate residents and businesses alike. By deploying AI and modernizing their permitting systems, local governments hope to accelerate approvals, improve accuracy, and bring greater transparency to a process often criticized as opaque.
In June, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell issued an executive order to move forward with citywide permitting reform. Under the order, the Permitting and Customer Trust (PACT) Team is piloting AI tools to pre-screen applications, flag common errors, clarify complex regulations, and support staff training, with a full rollout expected in 2026. In the greater metropolitan area, nearby Bellevue officials are testing an AI assistant to help staff quickly access codes, GIS data, and application histories.
Honolulu has already shown what this can mean in practice, cutting permit wait times from six months to just days with an AI prescreening tool. Austin has adopted similar technology, while Naples, Florida, has introduced mobile-based checks and instant zoning feedback that reduce costly revisions and speed delivery.
Boston is also joining the movement. Mayor Michelle Wu recently signed a Technology Modernization Executive Order aimed at unifying the city’s systems to support large-scale permitting reform. The initiative focuses on better department coordination, “no wrong door” access, shared data to eliminate repetition, and real-time status updates for applicants. Early wins include a 75 percent jump in online permit payments, simplified flameproofing submissions, mobile inspection requests, elimination of unnecessary zoning review steps, and streamlined rehab permits.
In California, state and local leaders are applying similar tools to accelerate recovery from wildfires. Governor Gavin Newsom announced the launch of an AI-driven pilot to supercharge building permit approvals, aiming to cut timelines from months down to days. In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass has complemented the effort with executive actions to aid rebuilding in the Palisades, including a self-certification program for architects and a design library of pre-approved building plans.
These local actions point to a clear shift in how cities are using technology to tackle longstanding permitting delays. While questions around accuracy, bias, and accountability remain, permitting is becoming a proving ground. Municipalities are showing that technology can do more than shorten review times. It can modernize core services, speed up development, and redefine how residents experience local government in real time.