What is CivCheck?
CivCheck is a Guided AI Plan Review solution that improves the accuracy and completeness of applications before they enter the City’s official review process. CivCheck creates better quality applications, reduces review times and cuts down on back-and-forth with the City.
Note: CivCheck does not replace the official City review, nor does it guarantee a permit. CivCheck is a screening tool, used prior to submittal of a building permit application.
Many residential applications are eligible for CivCheck. The software is free to use.
Eligible Applications
CivCheck can pre-check applications only for residential projects that are:
- New construction, additions, and alterations of residential single-family, two-family and duplex projects
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and ʻOhana units
If a project qualifies for a “Quick Permit,” do not use CivCheck.
Projects That Should NOT Use CivCheck
CivCheck is not yet available for:
- Commercial projects
- Electrical meters
- General electric work
- Electrical vehicle chargers
- General plumbing work
- Fences
- Retaining walls
- Rewire projects
- Solar projects
Who Should Use CivCheck?
CivCheck is intended for industry design professionals.
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.
How to Use CivCheck
1. Set up CivCheck Account
The applicant using CivCheck must request an account using the form “New User Account Request”. The CivCheck team will set up a new account and provide login credentials.
There is no fee for the account or using CivCheck, no matter how many projects are submitted.
2. Begin Project
It is recommended to begin the project on CivCheck a few weeks before the planned DPP submission date. CivCheck verifies compliance with detailed code regulations, so updates may take some time. This initial work facilitates a smooth review process with DPP.
Applicants log in to CivCheck, fill in basic information about the project, and prepare files for upload.
3. Upload Files
Applicants upload all required plans and supporting documents. The software can process handwritten submissions.
4. Meet Pre-Check Requirements
Applicants must answer questions about the project and then continue the pre-check process. CivCheck will help verify that documents are provided and complete, and that the project complies with applicable regulations and codes.
If the application contains errors, files will need to be revised. CivCheck will scan them again. Comments can be added for City plan reviewers, where necessary.
Once the application meets all CivCheck requirements, it must be submitted on CivCheck.
5. Submit to DPP
Once the application is submitted on CivCheck, applicants must submit the project to DPP for formal review using HNL Build.
How CivCheck Helps Applicants
While CivCheck is not a replacement for official review by DPP staff, it helps applicants:
Prepare more complete and code compliant applications.
Save time: Applications prepared with CivCheck reach a permit decision 55% faster on average (32.5 days, compared to 73 days for non-CivCheck applications). The refreshed tool is even faster than before.
Find and correct issues: CivCheck’s AI technology identifies errors in real-time, helping applicants catch and correct them before submission. The applicant refresh makes this process smoother and more intuitive.
Reduce corrections: DPP implementing CivCheck dropped the number of total corrections per permit by 67% (from an average of 23.5 to 7.7 corrections).
Submit with more confidence: CivCheck helps applicants verify that their plans meet compliance standards, including key information that plan reviewers check for. DPP’s fast-track gives applications even more of a boost.