SJ: City Announces Plans For Artificial Intelligence Tool To Speed Up Building Permit Application Process

San Jose plans to launch artificial intelligence software to streamline the building permit process, the city announced this week.

The AI software would allow customers to pre-check applications to build accessory dwelling units and identify missing or incomplete information before submitting. Currently, more than 90% of ADU applications in San Jose are sent back to the customer due to missing information, according to a press statement from the city Thursday.

City officials are currently testing the software in tandem with manual application checks. Internal testing is expected to finish this fall, and the program will launch as early as next year. According to the city, the software could reduce delays and costs, speed up approvals, and save time for city staff.

The software comes as part of San Jose's broader effort to bring technology to city government, including a citywide network of automated license plate readers by the Police Department and city workforce investments into AI upskill programs.

"It's time to bring permitting into the 21st century," San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said in the city's statement. "Our residents and our city planners need to be able to move faster and build better -- and here in the Capital of AI, we believe technology can help."

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