Harris County engineering outlines AI pilot to speed permitting; commissioners ask for KPIs and fiscal note

Harris County’s Office of County Engineering presented a plan to pilot artificial‑intelligence and other software improvements intended to streamline building and development permitting. The office described a four‑step approach: assess current permitting systems, research best practices (including visits to Austin and Los Angeles), identify a pilot AI product, and coordinate with Universal Services for implementation readiness.

Engineering officials estimated an initial implementation startup similar to Austin’s approach and budget — about $1,000,000 for first‑year programming and licensing — though they said a formal fiscal note was pending. Dr. Mike Hateson, the new chief of planning and development services, said the county’s immediate focus would be automated ‘precheck’ of permit completeness so that applications arrive at reviewers in a more complete form.

Commissioners pressed for precision on targets, timetables and user experience. Commissioner Ramsey repeatedly requested baseline permitting metrics and insisted the goal be faster permit issuance for constituents (not simply internal efficiencies). Engineering staff said they have launched a public dashboard tracking ninetieth‑percentile performance metrics and will continue quarterly stakeholder working groups to refine KPIs.

The court continued the discussion, asked for a fiscal note and directed staff to coordinate with Universal Services and other county departments; no budget appropriation was approved at this meeting.