Burlington looks to AI to get more homes built faster

Burlington intends to implement an artificial intelligence (AI) program with the expectation that it will fast-track building projects.

A proposal submitted at a committee meeting this week calls for the purchase of a software system that uses AI to quickly analyze development submissions, determine their suitability, and point out where changes need to be made so that permits can get into the hands of builders.

The purchase of what is known as the eCheck Automated Compliance comes in at slightly less than $1.7 million and is expected to be approved by city council next week.

The initial intention is for the system to assist with major high-density housing projects, but it can also be adapted to deal with small-scale residential applications such as additions, decks and driveways.

It works by allowing the AI technology to learn and adapt to Burlington’s bylaws and zoning regulations so that results can be given quickly, thus speeding up the building process which often slowed by red tape.

Burlington’s Chief Information Officer, Chad MacDonald, told the committee the AI system will learn what can be built and where and will eliminate some of the mundane tasks associated with the application process. He said this will allow city planning staff more face-time with applicants to deal with the bigger challenges of a project.

MacDonald said the system should solve traditional problems such as wait times and accuracy and reduce some of the frustrations faced by builders. He believes eliminating obstacles will encourage more housing projects that can come online quicker than what is currently being experienced. The long-range hope is that more housing will increase funds for the city coffers by growing the tax base.

“The faster we can get this housing stock to the community the better,” MacDonald said.

A report presented at the committee meeting pointed out the AI system is needed to help Burlington live up to its commitment to build 29,000 new housing units by 2031 which has been bogged down by slow housing starts.

The rollout of the system will focus on designated high-density project areas near transit hubs such as the GO stations before it is implemented city-wide.