AI Permitting Aims to Speed Up Pacific Palisades Recovery

In the wake of the January 2025 fires, a new AI-powered permitting tool developed by Archistar automates plan reviews, offering faster approvals for homeowners, architects, and custom builders.

The Need for Faster Approvals

In Los Angeles, permitting delays are common due to complex codes and an overwhelming number of applications.

Archistar's AI tool uses machine learning and automated rules to instantly verify building plans against local codes, avoiding the frustrating back-and-forth with city officials. This means plans that comply with building codes are processed in hours rather than weeks or months.

“Bringing AI into permitting will allow us to rebuild faster and safer, reducing costs and turning a process that can take weeks or months into one that can happen in hours or days,” said Rick Caruso, founder of Steadfast LA. “We identified Archistar as the right company to develop and apply this game-changing technology.

Challenges and Limitations

One key concern is the tool’s reliance on accurate and up-to-date zoning and code data. If local regulations change frequently or are not properly integrated into the system, the AI may miss important compliance details, potentially delaying projects or leading to errors in plan approval.

AI systems are only as good as the data they are trained on. It remains to be seen how well it will handle the complexities of a high-demand, multifaceted city like Los Angeles, where building codes can vary significantly from one neighborhood to another.

The tool may also face challenges with more complex projects, such as multifamily buildings, which could require additional manual review. Relying solely on AI for more complex projects might overlook unique nuances in design that only a human reviewer can address.

Complementing Self-Certification

In addition to the AI tool, Los Angeles has also introduced a self-certification program. This allows qualified architects and engineers to verify that their designs meet building codes, bypassing the traditional plan check process.

While self-certification offers its own advantages - such as quicker turnaround times for qualified professionals - it also relies on human judgment, which can vary in its consistency.

Archistar aims to provides a more standardized approach in ensuring every plan is reviewed using the same criteria. For simpler projects, self-certification may be faster, but for more complex builds or areas prone to regulatory change, the AI-driven system could offer a more reliable solution.

Broader Impact

The new AI tool has already been deployed in other cities like Austin, Texas, where it improved permitting efficiency by reducing approval times by up to 30%. The broader adoption suggests that AI could become a standard part of the permitting process for cities dealing with large-scale development or post-disaster recovery.

However, to succeed in Los Angeles, local governments will need to fully embrace it and work closely with the developers and architects who use it. Early adoption will require adjustments as the system learns and adapts to the specific needs of the LA building environment.

Rick Caruso emphasized the urgency of implementation: “It’s easy to have a press conference. Now we’re going to hold their feet to the fire.”