Permitting & Licensing
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Guadalajara, JA dramatically weeds out corruption with new licensing system
The City of Guadalajara launched a new licensing system (Visor Urbano) aimed at reducing corruption by increasing transparency and streamlining processes for businesses. The Visor Urbano program is an open-source, fully customizable digital platform that streamlines the issuance of construction licenses and business permits—making the process efficient and transparent.
Guadalajara, JA
Mexico
San Francisco, CA streamlines conversion of office spaces into residential units
San Francisco has introduced new building code guidelines aimed at facilitating the conversion of office spaces into residential units downtown. These guidelines are designed to streamline the permitting process and encourage developers to repurpose vacant offices amid a growing housing crisis. The initiative is part of a broader effort to revitalize the downtown area and address the challenges posed by the shift in remote work trends.
San Francisco, CA
United States
Austin, TX evaluates the impacts of Archistar's eCheck assessment tool on permit review times
City officials worked with Archistar on integrating eCheck into its building permit system for the pilot. Permit applicants uploaded their 2D and 3D files through an easy-to-use interface. eCheck uses artificial intelligence to compare building plans against Austin's land-use and zoning ordinances. In minutes, applicants receive compliance reports indicating which areas passed, failed, or lacked sufficient information for approval.
Austin, TX
United States
Scottsdale, AZ develops interactive online resource for short-term rental licensing compliance
The city's daily checks for current registration, liability insurance, and neighbor notifications are mapped in this resource. Users find markers for every known short-term rental in the city categorized as passing minimum requirements, not meeting requirements, or application in progress. Each marker features property information including the owner, emergency contact, and license number. There is also a quick guide about reporting violations like excessive noise and commercial use.
Scottsdale, AZ
United States
Burlington, ON trials AI-driven review technology for industrial-commercial building permits
Developers working on designated employment lands upload their applications to the system. An AI-powered platform uses its knowledge of local zoning bylaws for immediate responses on project compliance. A comprehensive report identifies how components like floor area ratios and setbacks meet requirements or can be brought into compliance. City officials will evaluate the technology through 2023 with the potential for expansion into other land-use types.
Burlington, ON
Canada
Vancouver, BC designs Project Requirement Exploration Tool for laneway house permitting
Homeowners interested in building secondary units on their properties can develop project plans in PRET. The digital tool first asks for the user's address to determine eligibility for laneway house permits. A draft project plan creator walks eligible applicants through required permits in areas like street use, plumbing, and electrical. Vancouver streamlined PRET through testing by those who have built laneway homes.
Vancouver, BC
Canada
London Royal Borough of Greenwich, GB promotes low-emission vehicle use with parking discounts
Borough officials approved public parking rates of £2, £5, and £7 per hour based on vehicle emissions. The PayByPhone app used for parking payments cross-checks plate numbers with the DVLA in calculating rates with low-emission discounts of up to 65%. Greenwich's residential and commercial parking permits are based on 13 emission bands with the lowest bands saving up to 80%. The permitting process applies surcharges for multi-car households and diesel vehicles.
London Royal Borough of Greenwich, GB
United Kingdom
Vancouver, BC simplifies permit applications and compliance with Archistar digital tools
Vancouver partnered with Archistar for the first local government use of the company's products in North America. The Project Requirements Exploration Tool (PRET) estimates costs, timelines, and feasibility based on pre-application materials. Permit applicants will use eComply for automated assessments of project compliance with city regulations. These digital tools reduce staff time spent on manual reviews and improve applicant experiences.
Vancouver, BC
Canada
Leeds City Council, GB designs alcohol licensing data matrix for postcode-level licensing decisions
City officials identified data limitations in curbing anti-social behavior and health issues related to alcohol consumption. The licensing and public health units collaborated on an easy-to-use matrix for licensing decisions. Seventeen data sets covering areas like deprivation, alcohol-related hospital admissions, and looked-after children offer fuller pictures than crime statistics. Licensing committee members rely on the matrix when deciding on off-premises alcohol licenses.
Leeds City Council, GB
United Kingdom
Portland, OR turns underutilized office buildings into new apartments with conversion incentives
Portland faces a shortage of approximately 20,000 housing units based on current demand. The approved incentive package waives System Development Charges (SDCs) on office-to-apartment conversions. This waiver covers up to $3 million in SDCs and lasts through 2027 or as long as funds are available. The Portland City Council also changed seismic improvement standards on eligible projects to meet life safety performance levels at lower costs.
Portland, OR
United States
Rushmoor Borough Council, GB works with other councils on digital licensing system for taxi drivers
The borough's existing process requires considerable personnel time on calls and emails with licensees. Rushmoor received £138,150 from the Local Digital Fund for a shared pilot with Hart District Council, North Tyneside Council, and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. Partner councils will identify areas of alignment in licensing as they create a digital system for licensing applications and renewals. This pilot will evaluate improvements to applicant experiences and license enforcement.
Rushmoor Borough Council, GB
United Kingdom
North Tyneside Council, GB
United Kingdom
+2Basildon Borough Council, GB bolsters ranks of licensed taxi drivers with Earn as you Learn pilot
The borough approved the nine-month pilot in response to a shortage of licensed drivers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Earn as you Learn trainees receive extended time and council support for required topographical assessments of local streets. Participants who pass criminal background checks and driving assessments can work for private taxi companies before full licensure. The Licensing Committee and the Taxi and Private Hire Forum will evaluate results for a potential extension of the pilot.
Basildon Borough Council, GB
United Kingdom