City hall launches AI tool to help residents speed up building permit applications

Toronto launched the Building Permit Application Pre-Check last week, a voluntary AI tool designed to identify potential issues in eligible building permit applications before formal submission.

The tool uses artificial intelligence to provide real-time feedback on missing, incomplete or inconsistent information, and can flag certain zoning issues and Ontario Building Code-related issues. After review, the tool generates a findings report that applicants can use to address or explain flagged items before submitting formally through the city's process.

The pilot is currently available for residential buildings with two units or fewer, additions, alterations, laneway suites, garden suites, decks, porches, and detached garages in eligible residential zones. The pilot will run for one year, with additional features introduced in stages during that time.

The tool does not approve permits or replace staff review. Applicants must still submit their building permit application through the city's formal process, and city staff will conduct a complete review and make all final decisions regardless of whether the tool was used. Incomplete applications slow down reviews for both applicants and staff, and the city cautions that the tool may not catch every problem. Receiving a favourable assessment pre-submission is no guarantee of approval.

The city said the program "aims to reduce avoidable resubmissions, support faster first reviews and advance the city's broader work to improve housing approvals and help get more homes built." The pilot aligns with the city's Digital Infrastructure Strategic Framework. The city will assess applicant experience and application quality during the pilot period. In 2024, the city began an overhaul of its internal development review process focused on improving housing application approvals, especially for affordable housing.