The City and County of Honolulu's Planning and Permitting Department is incorporating the use of artificial intelligence to “improve the accuracy and completeness” of residential building permit applications before they enter the review process, according to a news release.
The new AI-guided permit creation software, called CivCheck, helps applicants “confirm compliance with applicable regulations and local permitting requirements at the time of application,” reducing review time and interaction with the city, according to the release. It will also be checked that all required documents have been submitted.
“We are very excited to integrate AI into the building permit review process with the launch of CivCheck,” Planning and Permits Director Dawn Takeuchi Apna said in a release. “One of the biggest challenges that causes permit delays is the submission of incomplete and poor-quality building permit applications, which require amendments, require additional review cycles, and lengthen the entire building permit process.
“CivCheck aims to reduce the number of review cycles and interactions with applicants by guiding them to create higher quality and more complete building permit applications before they are submitted to DPP staff for review,” she added. “As a result, the quality of applications will improve, permit times will be shortened, and applicants will have more information.”
Use of the software is currently voluntary, but officials say it will eventually become mandatory and encourage applicants to create an account now. To do this, visit the DPP website and click on “CivCheck” at the top of the screen.
How CivCheck works
This software assists applicants by:
- Ask for basic information about the project to identify which files and regulations to check
- Walk applicants through the process of adding all required plans and documents
- Helps review plans and documentation for city-specific requirements, such as code references and electrical outlets on project plans. The software can also process handwritten submissions
- Checks compliance with permit and code requirements such as water intake, housing, and land use regulations
Once the necessary corrections are made and the review is complete, applicants will receive a CivCheck Completion Certificate that includes an ID code. Please include your CivCheck ID when submitting your building permit application using the City's standard submission process. This software does not replace an official DPP review and does not guarantee permit approval.
Who can use CivCheck?
CivCheck is free to use for industry design professionals, regardless of the number of projects. Contractors and knowledgeable homeowners can also use this software. However, as the process may require amendments to plans and technical documentation, DPP recommends that the CivCheck submission be prepared by the person most familiar with the design of the project.
It is currently available for residence permit applications, including single-family, duplex, and duplex projects. Attached dwelling units and Ohana units. New construction, additions, and renovations of all homes.
The software is expected to be available for commercial projects by mid-2026.
“At CivCheck, we understand that the permitting process can seem cumbersome. Requirements evolve, interpretations change, and even small oversights can cause major delays,” said Dheeksita Kumar, CEO of CivCheck. “Our platform brings transparency and predictability to the entire experience. CivCheck helps ensure submissions are complete, compliant, and ready for review by showing applicants exactly what DPP will review and guiding them to fix issues before their applications reach the city.”
“Plan reviewers also have access to CivCheck, giving them a clear picture of how applicants meet each requirement. This increases confidence in the process, reduces surprises and makes permit approvals faster and smoother,” Kumar said.
How to get started
- Visit the DPP website and click Create Account under the CivCheck tab at the top of the screen.
- Set up your CivCheck account by completing the new user account request form. (This allows you to manage your projects and access CivCheck's support center)
- Log in to CivCheck, create a new project, and prepare your application materials.
- Download the CivCheck Completion Certificate Form
- Start a new application in HNL Build, copy and paste the CIvCheck ID into the corresponding box on the project information page.
- Upload your CivCheck completion certificate along with your checked plans and documents
If you have any questions, please email DPPOnline@honolulu.gov.
