Cathedral City implements City Detect AI for proactive code compliance monitoring

In a recent study session held on May 28, 2025, the Cathedral City Council discussed the implementation of City Detect AI technology for code compliance. This innovative system utilizes advanced artificial intelligence and computer vision to assess housing conditions and identify potential code violations across the city.

Code Compliance Manager Justin Gardner introduced the technology, emphasizing its ability to enhance efficiency in monitoring city neighborhoods. City Detect has already been adopted by various jurisdictions, including Stockton and Desert Hot Springs, and aims to provide real-time data on code compliance issues. The system generates heat maps and district overlays, allowing city officials to pinpoint problem areas and trends before they escalate.

Gavin Von Blake, CEO and co-founder of City Detect, elaborated on the technology's capabilities. The AI system can detect a range of issues, from litter and illegal dumping to structural problems in homes. It operates through cameras mounted on city vehicles, which capture images as they traverse neighborhoods. This data is then uploaded to a cloud-based platform, where city officials can access and analyze it to inform their code enforcement strategies.

A significant aspect of the discussion centered on privacy and data security. Council members raised concerns about the potential misuse of images captured by the system, particularly regarding the protection of minors and sensitive information. City Detect representatives assured the council that robust security measures are in place, including a chain of custody for images and tracking of who accesses the data. However, the council acknowledged that further legal clarifications regarding data ownership and public access are still needed.

The council expressed optimism about the potential of City Detect to revolutionize code enforcement in Cathedral City. By automating data collection and analysis, the system is expected to allow code officers to focus on more complex issues and improve community engagement through targeted outreach. The council plans to continue discussions on the technology's implementation and its integration with existing city systems.

As Cathedral City moves forward with this initiative, the council remains committed to ensuring that the use of AI technology aligns with community values and privacy standards. The next steps will involve finalizing legal agreements and addressing any outstanding concerns before full deployment.