California Launches AI Tool to Accelerate Fire Recovery Permits in Los Angeles

California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the deployment of a free AI-powered software tool, developed by Archistar, to accelerate building permit approvals in Los Angeles communities recovering from the Eaton and Palisades wildfires. The tool uses computer vision, machine learning, and automated rulesets to rapidly assess building plans for compliance with local zoning and safety codes, reducing review times from weeks to hours. This initiative is offered at no cost to the city, county, and residents thanks to a public-private partnership involving philanthropic groups such as LA Rises and Steadfast LA, as well as Autodesk and Amazon. Local officials praise the tool for its potential to cut bureaucratic delays and enable faster, safer rebuilding, with the added benefit of residents being able to pre-check their plans before submission. The technology is already used in cities like Vancouver, Seattle, and Houston, and will be available to other California cities through a statewide contract. Leaders see this effort as a model for integrating innovation into government processes and disaster recovery.