Denver City Council members approved a $4.6 million contract with ComplyAI, Inc. for a new online tool intended to speed up the city’s permitting process.

Officials say the platform, CivCheck, uses artificial intelligence automation, machine learning and “intelligent document analysis” to streamline application intake and code-compliance review.

The council members approved the five-year contract Monday on a 10-1 vote.

District 7 City Council member Flor Alvidrez cast the sole dissenting vote, citing concerns about the system’s reliability.

“I appreciate the department’s efforts on how technology can streamline the process,” Alvidrez said. “At the same time, I am growing more concerned because we’re seeing more reporting regarding inaccuracies and limitations of AI systems, especially when they are also asked to interpret complex rules and regulations.”

Alvidrez added that she has also heard from local architects and professionals in the development community who say that current AI tools “may not be ready to handle the full complexity of codes, building codes, and site-specific conditions.”

At-large Council member Sarah Parady suggested the city evaluate the program in a year.

“I hope we will check in in a year, and make sure that we’re seeing if it’s delivering the kind of results that we’re hoping that it will,” Parady said. “Because this is a lot of money that otherwise could go towards staff, and we know that Community Planning and Development lost a lot of staff in layoffs.” 

Robert Peek, development systems performance director for the Denver Permitting Office, has previously described the new platform as a tool to guide applicants through a process and “works like a smart-checklist or validation engine for our customers, and as they submit their construction drawings, it’ll surface any deficiencies.”

As for being ready to deal with the complexity of the city’s codes and regulations, Peek said it would be a gradual process, adding subsequent modules over the life of the contract.

“I think we realize that, as well, and that we need to build up the tool, see the value, and then start to expand from there,” Peek said. “Right now, we see about 37% of our applications get accepted on the first round of submittal, which is quite low.”

Peek said his department aims to increase the number of successful first-round submittals to 80% using the new AI tool.

This year, Denver City Auditor Tim O’Brien is scheduled to audit the city’s Technology Services Department, which oversees the city’s use of artificial intelligence.

According to the auditor’s 2026 audit plan, this audit will examine how the city governs and plans its use of artificial intelligence, including the data governance and controls needed to underpin its proper use.

In April 2025, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston overhauled the city’s permitting office and made a public commitment to ensure every permit submitted is reviewed and completed within 180 days of reaching the city’s hands.

Created by executive order, the “shot clock” sets an expedited timeline for the city to review and approve permits for renovations and new construction. In cases where the city fails to meet that deadline, applicants may appeal to the Denver Permitting Office and, in some cases, receive a refund of up to $10,000.

The new platform is projected to go live later this year.