Governments across the U.S. are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) and geographic information systems (GIS) to address common permitting challenges, including delays, inefficiencies, and lack of transparency. According to Ashley Silver’s Government Technology article, “How Governments Are Using AI and GIS to Fast-Track Permits” (July 11, 2024), these technologies are helping state and local governments modernize permitting processes, enabling faster approvals, greater transparency, and improved service delivery source: Government Technology, Ashley Silver, July 11, 2024.

How AI and GIS Improve Government Permitting

Silver notes that while governments face common hurdles, their approaches differ based on local needs and priorities, allowing for tailored solutions that improve service and empower residents to handle applications more effectively.

Honolulu’s CLARITI System Reduces Permit Delays by 70%

The Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) tackled long-standing backlogs and delays by implementing the CLARITI system, which integrates land management tools and mobile optimization to streamline building permit processing. According to Honolulu DPP Director Dawn Takeuchi Apuna, CLARITI has reduced residential permit processing times by 70%, mainly by addressing bottlenecks in specific areas like stormwater quality reviews (Silver, 2024).

Virginia’s Permit Transparency Platform (VPT)

Virginia’s Office of Regulatory Management (ORM) created the Virginia Permit Transparency (VPT) platform to give applicants real-time visibility into the status of their applications. This web-based system provides Gantt chart views that illustrate the progress and ownership of each step in the permitting process, making it easier for applicants to understand timelines and responsibilities (Silver, 2024).

Reeve Bull, ORM’s director, explains that the VPT platform “demystifies the permitting process” by offering users insight into the process, including an acronym library to assist with government terminology. Since launching in January 2024, the platform has reduced average processing times by over 70% for the permits it oversees (Silver, 2024).

Pennsylvania’s PAyback System: Accountability and Fee Refunds

Pennsylvania’s PAyback system is designed to increase transparency and accountability by offering refunds for permit, license, or certification fees if processing takes too long. Launched in late 2023, PAyback allows residents, businesses, and organizations to request refunds, addressing delays directly. Dan Egan, communications director in the Governor’s Office of Administration, notes that PAyback has tackled issues of unpredictability and long processing times, providing a way to hold agencies accountable when reviews are delayed (Silver, 2024).

Maricopa County’s Centralized Permit Center

Maricopa County, Arizona, one of the nation’s most populous counties, launched an online Permit Center in June 2024 to centralize permitting activities across departments. Using Tyler Technologies’ EPL platform with integrated GIS capabilities, the system consolidates applications, inspections, and payments in one place, allowing residents to access real-time updates, schedule inspections, and pay fees (Silver, 2024).

According to Traci Ruth, Maricopa County Strategic Communications Division Manager, residents requested a “one-stop shop” for permitting. The Permit Center includes GIS-based tools like the Application Helper, which guides users to the correct service locations. By meeting residents’ needs for transparency, the platform has become a valuable resource for users seeking a streamlined, accessible permitting experience (Silver, 2024).

Key Takeaways

• AI and GIS in Permitting: The use of AI and GIS is transforming how governments manage permitting, making processes more efficient and accessible.

• Tailored Approaches: Different governments, from Honolulu to Maricopa County, are customizing AI- and GIS-driven solutions to meet their unique challenges, from transparency to reducing processing times.

• Enhanced Transparency and Accountability: Platforms like Virginia’s VPT and Pennsylvania’s PAyback provide applicants with visibility into their applications and offer mechanisms for accountability, addressing long-standing issues of unpredictability in permitting.

AI and GIS are not only making the permitting process faster but also empowering citizens by improving visibility and accountability. Integrated AI Solutions provides consulting services to help governments and businesses leverage AI for streamlined operations and improved citizen services. Contact us today to learn more, and subscribe to our newsletter for ongoing insights into AI’s role in public sector transformation.