Caruso Nonprofit Secures AI Tools to Hasten LA Rebuilding

A nonprofit founded by developer Rick Caruso has helped land AI software to speed up building permits to replace thousands of homes lost in the Los Angeles wildfires.

Steadfast LA helped secure the artificial intelligence software to scan building plans for code compliance in hours, instead of months, Westside Current reported. Caruso wants it to hit the ground running within 30 days.

“Help for thousands and thousands of people,” Caruso, founder of Steadfast LA, who has worked for months to bring the software to Los Angeles, said. “We’re going to get people back in their homes.”

The software is being provided at no cost to Los Angeles and Los Angeles County, Malibu and Pasadena. It’s a result of a partnership between the state, Steadfast LA and LA Rises, with contributions from Autodesk and Amazon.

Developed by Australian firm Archistar, the technology uses computer vision, machine learning, and “automated rulesets” to instantly check designs against local zoning and building codes while assessing building permits.

The software will allow property owners to pre-check building plans before filing them to make sure they’re turning in valid blueprints, avoiding frustrating delays and expediting project reviews.

Caruso said Steadfast LA first proposed the solution to city and county officials, but was straight-armed.

“We were told over and over again that it couldn’t happen,” Caruso told the Westside Current. “So we took it to the state. They got excited — and it was their involvement that finally brought everyone to the table.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom, who joined the announcement, praised the innovation as critical to accelerating post-fire rebuilding.

“The current pace of issuing permits locally is not meeting the magnitude of the challenge we face,” Newsom said. “To help boost local progress, California is partnering with the tech sector and community leaders to give local governments more tools to rebuild faster and more effectively.”

Despite initial resistance by the city, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has issued an executive directive to support the pilot program and said the rollout will help ensure a speedy recovery for those who lost 12,958 homes in January to the Eaton and Palisades fires.

Los Angeles County Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Lindsey Horvath also committed to the software rollout. Barger called it a valuable time saver, while Horvath emphasized cutting red tape.

Archistar’s AI permitting technology was first adopted in the U.S. by the city of Austin, Texas, which had been exploring AI tools since 2019. In October, Austin signed a contract with Archistar after a three-month pilot focused on single-family homes.

The technology is used in more than 25 cities across North America and Australia, including Vancouver, Seattle, Houston, Colorado and British Columbia. It’s now available through a statewide contract that allows any city or county in California to adopt the platform.

— Dana Bartholomew