Bellevue testing AI tool to speed up permits, boost housing supply

(The Center Square) – The city of Bellevue, Wash., is turning to artificial intelligence, better known as AI, to streamline its permitting process and advance housing goals.

Bellevue is partnering with Govstream.ai, a startup company that utilizes AI to eliminate obstacles to the permitting process that constrain the housing supply. The tool works by turning a city’s codes, geographic information system, records and permit application history into step-by-step guidance. This is intended to help manage backlogs and permit reviews.

The Bellevue and Govstream.ai partnership set out goals for a 30% reduction in effort and time required to guide pre-application inquiries, a 50% reduction in resubmissions during the application phase, and faster issuance of building permits directly supporting the city’s housing and economic development goals.

Bellevue’s Comprehensive Plan established the goal of 35,000 additional housing units within the city by 2044.

“The initiative will help reduce the turnaround time and complexity of permit applications—an objective Bellevue has prioritized for several years,” Bellevue City Manager Diane Carlson said in a statement. “We think it will reduce headaches for residents and staff alike.”

The initial phase of the pilot program entails customer support for permitting staff. The AI interface will help staff access information, with the potential to expand into other areas in the future.

Afterwards, Bellevue will determine whether to implement the AI tools into standard practice.

Depending on what happens in the pilot phase of the partnership, Bellevue could implement the AI tools into its standard permitting practice.

Bellevue Deputy Communications Officer Emily Inlow-Hood told The Center Square that city staff time is the only cost associated with this pilot project as staff members have been testing the AI-powered tools being developed by Govstream.ai.

Other initiatives the city is considering to hasten housing development includes the proposed “Housing Opportunities in Mixed-Use Areas land use code amendment,” which would create an affordable housing program in various mixed-use areas of the city. The proposal also updates land use districts and the city’s land use map.

The Bellevue Planning Commission last discussed this amendment during a study session on May 14.