Ontario Construction News staff writer
Toronto is rolling out a new online tool that leverages artificial intelligence to assist building permit applicants in spotting potential issues before they submit their applications to the City.
This service, called Building Permit Application Pre-Check, is optional and allows applicants to upload their documents to receive instant feedback on any missing, incomplete, or inconsistent information.
It can also identify specific zoning and Ontario Building Code concerns that are relevant during the pilot phase. Applicants will get a report detailing the findings which they can use to fix problems or clarify details prior to making a formal submission.
Applications that aren’t complete can cause delays and might require resubmission of information. Toronto aims for this new tool to enhance application quality, minimize unnecessary resubmissions, and speed up the initial review process.
The pilot will run for one year and is currently limited to certain residential projects involving two units or fewer within eligible residential areas. Work that qualifies includes additions and modifications, laneway and garden suites, decks, porches, and detached garages.
Additional features are expected to be added gradually as the pilot moves forward.
Using Pre-Check won’t change the City’s current application requirements. Applicants still need to go through the standard process for submitting their building permit applications, where City staff will perform a thorough review and make the final call.
The feedback generated by AI does not guarantee approval of an application. The service aims to help applicants pinpoint potential issues ahead of staff’s official review.
Toronto mentioned that this pilot is part of its larger initiative to streamline housing approvals while responsibly integrating artificial intelligence into processes.
Diving into this year-long trial, officials will evaluate applicants’ experiences along with application quality and whether this service affects review times. These insights will help decide if pre-check should be expanded for other types of building permit submissions.
You can find more about eligibility and access the building permit application pre-check webpage at www. toronto. ca/precheck.
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