Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Steve Monowitz, Director of Planning and Building
Subject: Contract for Artificial Intelligence Plan Review Services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with CBIZ Technology LLC for the provision of AI plan review services, with a term commencing on June 10, 2025 through June 9, 2028, for a total amount not to exceed $1,211,000.
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BACKGROUND:
The County of San Mateo Planning and Building Department seeks to modernize and enhance the efficiency of its plan review process through the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Currently, the Department relies on third party plan review contractors to facilitate permit processing and to support the Department with increased permit application volumes. The proposed AI plan review services pilot is aimed at interpreting building and site plans, checking these plans for compliance with Zoning Regulations and Building Codes, and providing a recommendation of approval or denial for staff review.
The Department circulated a request for proposals (RFP) (RFP number PLN23-0825, closed on August 25, 2023) seeking an experienced provider of AI plan review services. The Department received two proposals. After careful review by the RFP evaluation committee, the Department recommended the contract be awarded to CBIZ (formerly Marcum Technology).
DISCUSSION:
The Department is seeking approval of a three-year agreement. CBIZ’s scope of work includes a multi-phase approach beginning with a Proof of Concept (POC), followed by continued development and implementation. Key components of CBIZ’s proposal include use of UiPath for Robotic Process Automation (RPA) services and a comprehensive development and implementation plan for both Building and Land Use Assessment Products.
This pilot project is expected to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the plan review process, aligning with the County's goals of modernization and improved service delivery. By implementing AI plan review services, the County of San Mateo is positioned to enhance its building and planning permit processes including reducing turnaround times for plan reviews.
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES:
|
Proof of Concept Success Criteria |
FY 25-26 |
FY 26-27 |
|
System accuracy in identifying zoning/building code compliance for Residential, Commercial, Planning modules |
80% |
90% |
|
Percentage of AI-reviewed plans marked “accepted” by County reviewers |
80% |
90% |
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The County of San Mateo is dedicated to ensuring access to quality services for all residents. This pilot AI plan review project is intended to streamline the plan review process overall and to improve plan review processing timelines for building and planning permit applicants.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Sufficient appropriations for the agreement with CBIZ are included in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Adopted Budget and the FY 2025-26 Recommended Budget. The County's investment in this project is anticipated to yield efficiency gains and cost savings over time by streamlining the plan review process and reducing the turnaround time for plan approvals.
ATTACHMENTS
A. AI Questionnaire