Seattle Unveils AI-Driven Permitting Reforms to Alleviate Housing Bottleneck

Seattle is addressing its outdated permitting system by incorporating artificial intelligence through the newly established Permitting and Customer Trust (PACT) Team. Mayor Bruce Harrell’s initiative aims to modernize the review process for housing and small business permits, which have seen delays triple in recent years. PACT is partnering with CivCheck, a startup that utilizes AI to pre-screen building plans for missing documents or errors, allowing applicants to submit “permit-ready” applications on their first try. This tech-forward approach is designed to reduce approval times and clear up bureaucratic delays, which can stall housing projects and businesses. Other cities, such as Honolulu, are already experiencing success with similar AI solutions. Seattle’s focus remains on enhancing efficiency while retaining human oversight in complex decisions. If successful, this model could inspire similar efforts in mid-sized cities nationwide, potentially transforming urban development processes.

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