Seattle is embarking on an innovative journey to leverage the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to overhaul its permitting processes for housing and small businesses. Mayor Bruce Harrell recently issued an executive order to launch the Permitting and Customer Trust (PACT) Team, a citywide initiative dedicated to streamlining the construction of housing and the opening of small businesses across the city. This initiative represents a significant effort to cut red tape, reduce delays, and provide clear, consistent guidance to applicants.
The PACT Team brings together staff from all departments involved in permitting with the goal that permits should rarely demand more than two review cycles, and any new corrections after initial approval are prohibited unless they pertain to life-safety concerns. The project envisions a future where half the current average number of review cycles are needed for housing, and small businesses can navigate the otherwise daunting process with greater ease. By the end of 2025, the PACT Team must establish a process to ensure permits are issued after no more than two review cycles when basic safety and zoning standards are met.
A key component of this initiative is the AI pilot program, expected to launch in the fall of 2025, which aims to assist both applicants and city staff. This program will help applicants identify and correct common errors before submitting their applications and support staff in applying consistent, objective standards during reviews. The AI tools will also alert staff to unclear or overly complex regulations, enabling the city to improve its processes. The public roll-out of the technology is expected in 2026. The mayor's office anticipates that the AI pilot program, which aligns with the city's Responsible Artificial Intelligence policy, could potentially cut housing review cycles by 50% or more.
The city is partnering with CivCheck, a company that works with various jurisdictions across North America, to implement the AI program. This collaboration aims to identify unclear processes and simplify complex regulations, pre-screen applications for completeness and compliance, reduce back-and-forth communication by resolving common errors early, and assist in onboarding new reviewers with AI-guided training.
Recognizing the challenges faced by small businesses, the city will provide tailored support to streamline permitting, reduce barriers to storefront improvements, provide consistent direction, and make it easier for small businesses to occupy vacant spaces and revitalize commercial districts. The city will also explore policies and a pilot program to reduce permitting requirements for small businesses and cultural organizations seeking to use vacant storefronts, expand allowable use of these spaces, and reduce associated time and costs.
This initiative has garnered support from various stakeholders. Council President Sara Nelson emphasized the order's anticipated impact on reducing economic hindrances, while others highlighted the importance of equipping minority business enterprises with the tools to adapt and compete in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Seattle's initiative reflects a growing trend among state and city governments to adopt AI for automating permitting processes and improving wait times. By embracing AI, Seattle aims to create a more efficient, transparent, and customer-focused permitting system that fosters housing and economic growth, ensuring that residents of all income levels have access to housing and business opportunities.
