Sudbury City Council has given the green light to an $800,000 trial initiative utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline the review of building permit applications. The aim is to detect issues earlier and accelerate processing times, not to replace human staff.
Through the Pronto portal, applicants’ plans will be scrutinized by AI software for missing details and potential violations of Sudbury’s zoning regulations and sections of the Ontario Building Code. Kris Longston, the city’s Planning and Growth General Manager, noted that this could lead to near-instant feedback for applicants, rather than waiting days for staff to identify any deficiencies.
The AI system will first undergo training on Sudbury’s zoning guidelines and permit procedures, akin to onboarding a new employee. Longston anticipates that the technology will eventually prevent incomplete submissions, raising the quality of applications and potentially expediting turnaround times.
Morgan Roleau, CEO of the Northern Ontario Home Builders Association, expressed cautious optimism about Sudbury’s plan, citing permit delays that have plagued builders in the region. While AI could standardize requirements and checks, Roleau stressed that faster screening might not address all issues in the permitting process, such as delays caused by various factors beyond technology.
According to Mojgan Jadidi, an associate professor at York University, AI is beneficial for repetitive tasks in permitting, freeing up professionals to focus on complex decisions. However, human expertise remains crucial for nuanced situations that require interpretation or judgment.
John Lane, president of the Ontario Building Officials Association, highlighted AI’s potential in flagging clear and repetitive issues in building plans but emphasized the irreplaceability of human judgment, especially in complex or ambiguous cases. The ultimate goal of AI in this context is to streamline administrative processes, leaving room for human review and final decisions.
Funding for the project will come from Sudbury’s Building Permit Revenue Stabilization Reserve Fund, with potential full implementation costs covered by annual AI licensing fees from building permit revenues. The trial will assess the effectiveness of AI in enhancing the initial stages of the permitting process before any decision on broader adoption.
