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Lafayette County, MS launches GovWell online permitting portal
Lafayette County, Mississippi launched GovWell, a web-based portal where residents, contractors and developers can submit building and land-use applications online. The portal centralizes building and trade permits, planning and zoning applications, site work permits, E911 address requests and contractor registrations, and sends automated email updates; standard permits can be handled entirely online.
Lafayette County, MS
United States
Summit County, OH moves building permits and inspections to GovWell portal
Summit County's Division of Building Standards began using GovWell, a new online platform for building permits and inspections, on Sept. 28, replacing its CityWorks portal for new requests. Applicants can apply for permits, submit plans, schedule inspections and track application status in one place, which officials expect will reduce review delays.
Summit County, OH
United States
Menlo Park, CA launches Laurel AI chatbot to answer resident questions
The City of Menlo Park launched Laurel, a Citibot-powered AI chatbot that answers community questions about city services using information from the city website, its Xplor Recreation software and its Accela permit portal. Laurel received over 1,000 questions in its first weeks, is available in more than 70 languages, and department staff review its responses for accuracy.
Menlo Park, CA
United States
Harris County, TX approves AI platform to speed permit and plat reviews
Harris County Commissioners Court approved a contract with Australia-based Archistar to use AI to pre-check plat applications and run technical code-compliance reviews for new construction. The program aims to cut permit processing time by 50% and includes a chatbot for applicants, while county staff keep final review and approval. Commissioners earmarked over $750,000 for it in the FY2027 budget.
Harris County, TX
United States
Lancaster, CA deploys agentic AI permitting platform to cut approval times from months to days
Lancaster, California became one of the first US cities to deploy a next-generation AI permitting platform from Labrynth, using agentic AI workflows to automate application screening. The platform reduces errors and back-and-forth, cutting approval times from months to days. Mayor R. Rex Parris launched the initiative alongside Labrynth's Red Tape Index, a national benchmark measuring permitting speed and transparency, to turn permitting into a driver of housing and infrastructure growth.
Lancaster, CA
United States
Louisville, KY launches first AI pilot project to improve permitting process
Louisville has launched its first AI pilot project to modernize the permitting and development processes. The pilot deploys AI-powered smart assistants grounded in the city's codes, spatial data, and permit records to identify bottlenecks, accelerate reviews, enhance transparency across the permitting lifecycle—from initial inquiries to final approvals—and provide faster, more predictable feedback to residents, builders, and developers.
Louisville, KY
United States
Pueblo County, CO implements AI to make its building permit process more efficient
Pueblo County has become the first jurisdiction in Colorado to implement AI for building permit reviews by partnering with Blitz AI, integrating the tool into its existing OpenGov permitting system. The AI automates early-stage application checks, identifying missing information, submission errors, and ensuring compliance with local and state building codes, which previously required time-consuming manual reviews by staff. This initiative aims to significantly reduce permit processing times.
Pueblo County, CO
United States
Arroyo Grande, CA implementing cloud-based online permitting portal
Arroyo Grande is implementing a new cloud-based online permitting portal in collaboration with OpenGov to streamline its development approval process. The system enables residents and businesses to submit applications, track progress, and communicate with city staff digitally, aiming to reduce approval times by approximately 25%. The portal is scheduled to launch in summer 2025, with training sessions planned to ensure a smooth transition for staff and the community.
Arroyo Grande, CA
United States
Guadalajara, JA dramatically weeds out corruption with new licensing system
The City of Guadalajara launched a new licensing system (Visor Urbano) aimed at reducing corruption by increasing transparency and streamlining processes for businesses. The Visor Urbano program is an open-source, fully customizable digital platform that streamlines the issuance of construction licenses and business permits—making the process efficient and transparent.
Guadalajara, JA
Mexico
San Francisco, CA streamlines conversion of office spaces into residential units
San Francisco has introduced new building code guidelines aimed at facilitating the conversion of office spaces into residential units downtown. These guidelines are designed to streamline the permitting process and encourage developers to repurpose vacant offices amid a growing housing crisis. The initiative is part of a broader effort to revitalize the downtown area and address the challenges posed by the shift in remote work trends.
San Francisco, CA
United States
Austin, TX evaluates the impacts of Archistar's eCheck assessment tool on permit review times
City officials worked with Archistar on integrating eCheck into its building permit system for the pilot. Permit applicants uploaded their 2D and 3D files through an easy-to-use interface. eCheck uses artificial intelligence to compare building plans against Austin's land-use and zoning ordinances. In minutes, applicants receive compliance reports indicating which areas passed, failed, or lacked sufficient information for approval.
Austin, TX
United States
Scottsdale, AZ develops interactive online resource for short-term rental licensing compliance
The city's daily checks for current registration, liability insurance, and neighbor notifications are mapped in this resource. Users find markers for every known short-term rental in the city categorized as passing minimum requirements, not meeting requirements, or application in progress. Each marker features property information including the owner, emergency contact, and license number. There is also a quick guide about reporting violations like excessive noise and commercial use.
Scottsdale, AZ
United States