California Introduces AI Tool to Expedite Building Permit Approvals in Los Angeles Fire Recovery
Photo Credit: State of California
LOS ANGELES, April 30, 2025 (CALIFORNIA NEWS TODAY) — The State of California, has announced the deployment of a new artificial intelligence (AI) software to assist Los Angeles City and County in accelerating building permit approvals for areas affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires.
The AI-driven software, developed by Archistar, utilizes computer vision, machine learning, and automated rulesets to assess building designs against local zoning and building codes. This tool enables property owners to pre-validate their plans before submission, aiming to reduce delays in the permitting process
Photo Credit: State of California
The software will be provided at no cost to local governments and users through a partnership involving the State of California, LA Rises, Steadfast LA, Autodesk, and Amazon.
Governor Gavin Newsom stated, "The current pace of issuing permits locally is not meeting the magnitude of the challenge we face. To help boost local progress, California is partnering with the tech sector and community leaders to give local governments more tools to rebuild faster and more effectively."
Rick Caruso, Chairman of Steadfast LA, commented, "Bringing AI into permitting will allow us to rebuild faster and safer, reducing costs and turning a process that can take weeks and months into one that can happen in hours or days."
Photo Credit: State of California
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass noted, "Getting residents home quickly and safely is my top priority. Last week, I signed an Executive Directive to spearhead an AI pilot program to streamline the permitting process for Palisades residents. With the announcement of this AI solution, we're infusing new technologies into City Hall processes to ensure nothing stands in the way of families getting home – and to keep our recovery effort on track to be the fastest in modern California history. I thank Governor Newsom and our County partners for their collaboration on this exciting effort."
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger added, "I'm excited to see Los Angeles County embrace innovative technology like Archistar to accelerate the rebuilding process in Altadena and neighboring communities recovering from the Eaton Fire. This AI tool has the potential to save homeowners valuable time by helping them submit code-compliant plans from the start. I appreciate Governor Newsom's stewardship of this opportunity and SoCal Grantmakers for their fiduciary support. Their help—along with collaboration from our County's permitting departments—helped make this opportunity possible. Our collective work will help ensure we're delivering real, efficient solutions to those working hard to rebuild their lives. Our wildfire survivors deserve nothing less."
Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath stated: "Together, government and philanthropy are standing with our community to ensure a safe, swift, and lasting recovery from the Palisades and Eaton Fires. With new AI-powered tools and LA County's One-Stop Permitting Centers, we're cutting red tape to help residents rebuild and return home sooner. I'm grateful to Governor Newsom, Steadfast LA, and LA Rises for their investment in our recovery."
The AI software is already in use in over 25 municipalities across the United States, Canada, and Australia, including cities like Vancouver, Austin, Houston, and Seattle, as well as states like Colorado, British Columbia, and New South Wales. The tool is now available on a statewide contract for other local governments in California to access.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by the state to streamline rebuilding processes. Governor Newsom has issued executive orders to suspend certain permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act and the California Coastal Act to facilitate faster reconstruction.
Read the full press release here.
Source: State of California
