AI system to fix permit errors

About 95% of permit applications in Everett required at least one correction from staff between January 2023 and June 2026. The city unveiled a new pilot program on Monday that uses artificial intelligence to catch these mistakes before they slow down the approval process for accessory dwelling units. The system is designed to cut through the lengthy timelines that often frustrate homebuilders and applicants.

The average permit in Everett goes through about four review cycles to correct simple errors. City officials hope the new intake system will identify these issues early, reducing the number of back-and-forth exchanges between applicants and permitting staff. The program is a collaboration with Govstream.ai, a startup based in Seattle that developed the software specifically for this local government use case.

Govstream.ai founder Saf Rabah demonstrated the system at a Monday press conference. He explained that the tool tells users exactly which permits they need to file for a specific project based on their property and city regulations. The software translates complex city codes and checklists into plain language and can translate the interface into eight different languages. Rabah emphasized that the AI only makes suggestions, while humans retain the final decision-making authority.

The system limits its information sources to the city’s own data, including building codes and checklists, rather than the broader internet. Rabah noted that this creates guardrails against the AI providing incorrect information. He described the model as one that executes the city's rules rather than relying on probabilistic guesses. This approach is critical for a process as important as permitting, he said.

Everett received about $130,000 in funding from Challenge Seattle to start development of the project. The organization is led by former Washington Governor Christine Gregoire and includes CEOs from major state companies. The city contributed an additional $70,000 to the initiative. This financial support helped cover the initial development costs for the pilot program.

Gregoire spoke at the announcement event, noting that while high interest rates and supply chain problems affect construction costs, permit times are an area where local governments can take direct action. She said that developers frequently cite permitting delays as a major barrier. "The idea here is to really go after what we can," Gregoire said. "And if you talk to the developers, as we have considerably, they will say this is one of the biggest barriers for them, because time is money."

Mayor Cassie Franklin said the city will maintain the same number of staff in its permitting department after the program launches. Human input is still required for reviewing complex permits and designs. Franklin stated that the system will help the team of experts use their skills where they are most productive by handling smaller, routine mistakes. She described the program as a tool to simplify the process for both reviewers and applicants.

The new system is expected to launch to the public in spring 2027. It will initially be available only for permits to build accessory dwelling units on existing residential lots. City officials plan to expand the program to cover more permit types by 2028. Everett began accepting pre-approved designs for accessory dwelling units earlier this year as another step to speed up the process for these small homes.

The software includes a pre-application screening feature that flags minor mistakes and typos. This allows permitting staff to identify errors before applications are officially submitted. By catching these issues early, the city aims to save time on reviews and reduce the overall workload for both applicants and city employees.