- Denver will develop an AI platform worth $1.3M to improve the efficiency of reviewing commercial and residential projects. The goal is to reduce processing times by 50%.
- The AI is expected to be in use by Summer 2025 and will automate code cross-referencing, flagging compliance issues, and streamlining the permitting process.
- The move aligns with Denver’s goal to be a leader in AI civic innovation but is also a practical measure to handle the anticipated surge in project applications.
Denver is stepping up its efforts to modernize urban planning by incorporating artificial intelligence into the city’s permitting and project review process, as reported by The Real Deal.
With a $1.3M investment, the city aims to cut the time it takes to review both residential and commercial applications in half—boosting efficiency and positioning itself as an innovator in AI-driven city governance.
Inhuman Efficiency
Over the past year, Denver has already made notable strides in reducing its project review times. The city managed to cut the average review time for residential projects by 30%, reducing it to between 1 and 4 weeks.
Commercial projects have also benefited, with review times now averaging 2 to 4 weeks—17% faster than last year. However, the city hopes to streamline its processes even more with the help of AI.
In 2025, Denver’s Community Planning and Development department will launch a request for proposals to build an AI platform designed to automate and speed up the plan review process.
According to Robert Peek, the department’s director of development system performance, this AI-driven initiative could reduce review times by as much as 50%, streamlining both residential and commercial applications.
Behind The AI Model
The AI-powered tools being developed will focus on two key areas: improving efficiency in processing project applications and enhancing the quality of the reviews themselves.
For example, the AI platform will function as a “junior plan reviewer” by cross-referencing code requirements and flagging common compliance issues like missing signatures or stamps. By identifying these errors early in the process, the AI can prompt applicants to update and resubmit permits—something that currently takes days to process manually.
The AI tool will also guide applicants through the permitting process by asking a series of questions to ensure they meet all necessary criteria before submitting their applications for review. This proactive approach is designed to prevent delays and reduce the likelihood of applications being rejected due to simple oversights.
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Meeting Growing Demand
The move comes as the city anticipates a significant increase in project applications. One of the main reasons behind this rise is the city’s efforts to streamline processes for homeowners looking to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs), also known as granny flats.
These self-contained living spaces on the same property as a primary residence no longer require a rezoning process, but applicants will still need to file plans for approval.
The new AI-powered platform is expected to reduce residential project review times to between a few days and two weeks, while commercial project reviews could be completed in as little as 1 to 2 weeks. This is a far cry from the current wait times and should help meet the demand for faster, more efficient city services.
AI Innovations
Denver’s push to integrate AI into its planning and development processes is not a first for the city. Earlier in 2024, Denver introduced an AI-powered chatbot named “Sunny” to enhance 3-1-1 services, further emphasizing the city’s commitment to leveraging tech to boost local government efficiency.
Mayor Mike Johnston, who spoke at the Den AI Summit, has made it clear that Denver aims to be a national leader in using AI for civic improvement. The upcoming AI tools for the planning and permitting processes will be part of a broader strategy to modernize the city’s infrastructure and provide better services to residents.
What’s Next?
As Denver continues to innovate with AI in urban planning, the city’s success in reducing review times and improving permitting processes could become a model for other municipalities across the country. Its AI project review tools are expected to be in place by the summer of 2025.
This push toward automation is just one of many steps Denver is taking to maintain its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving tech landscape while ensuring that urban development moves forward in a way that supports the city’s long-term growth and livability.rrowing costs decrease. With interest rates potentially easing, originations may see a boost, providing additional momentum to the commercial and multifamily mortgage markets in 2025.
