Department of Planning and Permitting

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Department of Planning and Permitting

Ka ʻOihana Hoʻolālā A Me Nā Palapala ʻAe

NEWS RELEASE

MAYOR RICK BLANGIARDI

DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND PERMITTING

CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, December 8, 2025
Davis Pitner: (808) 768-8003

 

DPP Launches AI Software to Enhance Permitting Process

HONOLULU — The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) is excited to announce the launch of CivCheck, a new AI-guided permit preparation software for industry design professionals that will improve the accuracy and completeness of residential building permit applications before they enter the City’s review process.

 

The software is currently optional to use, but will eventually become a required feature, so all design professionals are highly encouraged to create an account now. They can do this by going to DPP’s website (www.honolulu.gov/dpp) and clicking on the CivCheck banner at the top of the screen.

Using artificial intelligence, the software helps permit applicants check for compliance with applicable code regulations and local permitting requirements at the time of submission, cutting down the review time and back-and-forth with the City. The tool also checks to make sure all required documents supporting documents have been submitted.  

“We are very excited to integrate AI into the building permit review process with the launch of CivCheck,” said Dawn Takeuchi Apuna, director of the Department of Planning and Permitting. “One of the biggest challenges that create permitting delays is submission of building permit applications that are incomplete and of poor quality, requiring corrections that result in additional review cycles that extend the overall building permit process.

“CivCheck aims to reduce the number of review cycles and back-and-forth with applicants by guiding applicants to prepare higher quality and complete building permit applications before they are submitted to DPP staff for review,” she added. “The result is higher quality applications, shorter permitting times, and better-informed applicants.”

 

How Does it Work

CivCheck is easy to use and an effective way to have applications checked before they are sent to DPP for official review. The software:

  • Asks you for basic information about your project to identify which files and regulations to check for;
  • Walks you through the process of adding all the required plans and documents;
  • Helps applicants check plans and documents for City-specific requirements, such as code references and electrical outlets on project plans. The software can process handwritten submissions;
  • Helps check compliance with permit and code requirements, such as intake, residential, and land use regulations.

After any required fixes are made and the review is completed, applicants will receive a CivCheck certificate of completion, which contains an ID code. You will include your CivCheck ID when submitting a building permit application using the City’s standard submission process. The software does not replace the DPP’s official review, nor does it guarantee permit approval.

 

Who Can Use CivCheck

CivCheck is intended for industry design professionals. It is free to use, regardless of how many projects an applicant prepares.

It’s currently available for residential permit applications, including single-family, two-family, and duplex projects; accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and ohana units’ and all residential new construction, additions, and alterations.

Anyone preparing a qualifying project, such as a design professional, contractor, or knowledgeable homeowner, can use the software. However, because the process may require revising plans or technical documents, DPP recommends that the individual most familiar with the project’s design prepare the CivCheck submission.

The software will be available for commercial projects by mid-2026.

“At CivCheck, we know the permitting process can feel overwhelming: requirements evolve, interpretations vary, and even small oversights can cause major delays,” said CivCheck CEO Dheekshita Kumar. “Our platform brings transparency and predictability to the entire experience. By showing applicants exactly what DPP reviews for—and guiding them to correct issues before their application reaches the City—CivCheck helps make sure submissions are complete, compliant, and ready for review. Plan reviewers also have access to CivCheck, giving them a clear view of how applicants are meeting each requirement. The result is more confidence in the process, fewer surprises, and faster, smoother permit approvals.”

 

How to Get Started

  • Head to the DPP website and click on “Create an Account” under the CivCheck tab located at the top of the screen.
  • Complete this form to set up a CivCheck account: New User Account Request
    • This lets you manage your projects and access CivCheck’s Support center.
  • Log in to app.civcheck.ai/login/Honolulu. Create a new project and prepare your application materials.
  • Download the CivCheck certificate of completion from CivCheck
  • Start a new application in HNL Build and copy and paste the CivCheck ID into the corresponding box on the project information page.
  • Upload the CivCheck certificate of completion along with your checked plans and documents.

Have questions? Email us at DPPOnline@honolulu.gov

-PAU-

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