Case Study: Streamlining Plan Approvals in High Growth Cities with AI - A Look at Charlotte, NC

In high growth cities like Charlotte, NC, the rapid pace of development often leads to significant delays in plan approvals, particularly when submissions fail to comply with complex and lengthy Unified Development Ordinances (UDO). With UDOs that can extend over 600 pages, the challenge for architects, engineers, and developers to ensure full compliance is substantial. This case study explores how Building Sense, a SaaS company specializing in aiding AEC companies with UDO reviews, leverages AI to cut costs and save time, enhancing efficiency and compliance in the process.

Background

Charlotte, NC, like many growing urban areas, faces the challenge of managing an influx of development projects efficiently. The city's UDO is a comprehensive document that outlines zoning laws, building codes, and other regulations. However, the complexity and volume of information in the UDO often lead to submissions that are either incomplete or non-compliant, resulting in delays that can last up to 90 days or more.

Challenges Faced

1. Volume of Information: Navigating a 600-page UDO to find relevant information is time-consuming and prone to human error.

2. Compliance Issues: Submissions often lack essential details or do not fully comply with UDO stipulations, leading to back-and-forth communications and resubmissions.

3. Project Delays: Each delay not only impacts the timeline but also significantly increases project costs and resource allocation.

Building Sense's AI-Driven Solution

Building Sense offers a SaaS platform that incorporates advanced AI technologies to address these challenges:

1. Automated Compliance Checks: The AI system reviews project plans against relevant UDO regulations, identifying discrepancies and areas lacking compliance. This preemptive check reduces the likelihood of submissions being returned for corrections.

2. Interactive UDO Navigation: AI-powered tools help users navigate the UDO more efficiently, allowing quick searches and highlighting relevant sections based on the specifics of the project. This feature saves valuable time and reduces the effort required to understand complex regulations.

3. Real-Time Updates and Integration: As city regulations evolve, the AI system updates in real-time, ensuring that users always work with the most current information. This integration helps prevent delays caused by compliance with outdated rules.

Impact and Outcomes

In Charlotte, Building Sense's AI integration has led to measurable improvements:

• Reduced Approval Times: The average time taken from plan submission to approval has decreased significantly, with most plans being approved on the first submission due to higher initial compliance rates.

• Cost Efficiency: Early detection of non-compliance and guided corrections cut down on the costs associated with repeated submissions and delayed project timelines.

• Enhanced Productivity: AEC professionals can allocate more time to design and development rather than administrative tasks, boosting overall productivity and project turnover rates.

Building Sense's AI-driven platform has transformed how AEC companies approach city planning and development in high-growth areas like Charlotte. By integrating advanced technology into the review process, the company not only streamlines compliance and reduces approval delays but also offers a competitive edge to its users, promoting faster and more efficient urban development. This case study highlights the potential of AI in overcoming traditional challenges in the AEC industry, paving the way for smarter, faster city planning and development.

This case study exemplifies the potential for technology to significantly enhance operational efficiency in the AEC sector, particularly through the use of AI in navigating complex regulatory environments like those found in rapidly growing urban areas.