City of Austin rolling out new AI system, speeding up zoning review process for developers

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin is launching a new AI tool next week in hopes of expediting the zoning review process for residential developers.

The city’s Development Services Department is partnering with Archistar for the AI pre-check beta test.

“This is a cutting-edge artificial intelligence tool that will enhance our review process for residential building plans, improving your experience as an applicant,” the City of Austin Development Services Department said in a memo to stakeholders. “During this beta phase, we will work with a small group of applicants within Expedited Residential Building Plan Review to gather feedback and integrate Pre-Check into our intake process.”

Beginning Sept. 30, city staff said they will reach out to applicants who have projects that would be a good fit for pre-check. Applicants will submit their plans through Archistar’s web form, and the pre-check AI tool will begin its review process.

“Within one business day of submittal, you will receive a report highlighting potential issues or areas that need adjustment,” The Developmental Services Department said. “You can either update your plans based on these recommendations or immediately submit a copy of your existing plans and the Pre-Check report for review.”

According to the city, this new tool is expected to cut the review time in half. While the actual cost is based on use by applicants, the city told KXAN it has budgeted an annual cost of about $1 million.

Residential Developer Kevin Burns said a tool like this could have saved him millions on his new property downtown, that opened a couple of months ago.

“It’s a multi-year process to get to get a site development permit in Austin at this point in time,” Burns said. “Any time that the city can implement tools that can make the development and permitting process easier, it’s going to eventually lead to more housing. More Housing creates more affordability in Austin.”

The city told KXAN it is opening up its beta phase as an option for Expedited customers so they can test the tool and provide valuable feedback and be refined.

“We shared the recent notice with about 150 customers, in addition to our regular subscribers. We have already received numerous requests for applicants to run their projects through the Pre-Check,” the city said. “We expect the interest to grow.”