City to launch innovative platform to enhance review processes for building permit applications

Kingston is one of a handful of Ontario municipalities to launch an AI program to improve transparency and consistency for building permit application reviews.

Starting Aug. 31, the City will begin using Archistar AI PreCheck during the intake process for building permits. The program assesses compliance with local zoning and building code requirements and ensures that submitted plans are complete with all necessary documents.

“The main priority in integrating AI PreCheck is to give applicants greater transparency around any issues or deficiencies with their submission by indicating what needs to be added or updated,” says Lisa Capener-Hunt, Director of Building Services and Chief Building Official at the City of Kingston.

The program offers benefits to staff and applicants by shortening processing times and improving service delivery.

“It’s beneficial for both sides,” says Capener-Hunt. “Applicants get clear feedback from the beginning and therefore have time to make corrections and submit a higher-quality application. There’s less back-and-forth required, the turnaround time is quicker, and staff can process applications more efficiently.”

Applications will continue to be submitted through the City’s Development and Services Hub (DASH) and the overall application process remains unchanged. After applicants submit their building permit or development application, Building staff will use AI PreCheck to review the initial application for building code and zoning compliance, and to ensure all required documents have been provided. Once complete, applicants will receive a detailed report indicating if any changes need to be made, supporting greater transparency in the review process.

Staff will continue to review every application and make final determinations. The submission intake is the only point in the process in which AI will be used to review applications.

Archistar has seen success with AI PreCheck in cities across Canada, such as Ottawa, Burlington, Markham, Cambridge, Surrey and Burnaby, as well as the United States and Australia. To meet local building regulations, AI PreCheck is adapted to each community that uses it. In Kingston, the program will assess applications based on local zoning bylaws and the Ontario Building Code.

The addition of AI PreCheck also supports Kingston’s commitment to grow its housing supply. Using a phased approach, the program will focus on low-density residential projects, including single detached dwellings, semi-detached dwellings, detached garages and additional residential units. The second phase for mid-rise buildings will be integrated in fall 2026.

Benefits to applicants

Having a clear and transparent process for building permit applications will help applicants plan their next project with confidence.

Applicants will benefit from AI PreCheck during the screening process with:

• Stronger first submissions by catching compliance issues early
• Shorter processing times
• Clearer expectations and greater transparency
• A reduced number of revisions

Safety at every step

The program will act as a screening tool to identify any issues early in the review process, but it will not approve applications. Applications will always be checked by qualified staff before final approval to ensure regulatory compliance and safety.

“This tool is in no way a replacement for staff expertise. It’s a support mechanism to quickly identify incomplete or noncompliant applications while allowing staff to focus on the more complex aspects of an application,” says Capener-Hunt.

Implementation timeline

AI PreCheck will be integrated into building permit applications review processes in two phases:

• Aug. 31: Low-rise buildings (single detached dwellings, semi-detached dwellings, duplexes, detached garages, sheds and additional residential units)
• Oct. 31: Mid-rise buildings (row houses, stacked townhouses and multiplexes)

Stay informed and learn more

Before the City launches AI PreCheck, the community is invited to see how the program works and ask questions. Register for an upcoming information session:

• Aug. 10: Building/development industry professionals info session
• Aug. 12: General community info session

Review answers to frequently asked questions at CityofKingston.ca/DASH or by picking up information at Planning & Development Services, located at 1211 John Counter Blvd. Offices are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.