Welcome to Permit Guide

Written By Kevin Ruth

Last updated 3 months ago

Permit Guide is an AI tool built specifically for to help with permitting. It's designed to help you answer permit questions faster, whether you're responding to emails, looking up code requirements, or helping someone at the counter.

This isn't a generic chatbot. It only knows what we've taught it using your jurisdiction's actual data - including codes, guidelines, GIS data, and permit history. Think of it as a research assistant that reads faster than you can.

What you get

You have access to two AI assistants:

  1. Email assistant - Drafts a clear, code-cited reply to permitting inquiries in seconds. Available in Outlook and on the web app.

  2. Chat assistant - Ask questions about codes, zoning, processes, and more. It answers based on your jurisdiction's data, not general internet knowledge.

Logging in for the first time

Verifying your account

When you're added as a new user, you'll receive an email from Permit Guide with the subject "Verify User."

  1. Click the Verify Email button (or use the link below it)

  2. Set a password that meets the requirements

  3. You'll be taken to the login page

Important: The verification link expires in 48 hours, so verify your account as soon as you get the email.

Signing in

Once your account is set up, you can sign in two ways:

  • Email and password - Enter your email and the password you created

  • Microsoft account - Click "Sign in with Microsoft" to use your work credentials

Bookmark the login page so you can get back to it easily.

Once you have logged in, you can explore the homepage and two AI assistant.

Can't log in?

See Troubleshooting for help with common login issues.

How is this different from ChatGPT?

Every answer references your jurisdiction's approved data sources, which may include:

  • Building codes (ICC, fire codes, and more)

  • Website content (guidelines, instructions, operating procedures)

  • GIS data from your mapping system (zoning, critical areas, lot coverage)

  • Permit history from your permit system of record

Every answer includes source citations so you can verify against your jurisdiction's actual requirements.

Tip: Contact your department administrator or your Govstream.ai representative to get a full list of connected data sources.

Transparency and feedback

  • All inputs and outputs are auditable

  • Your department can review interactions regularly

  • You can give feedback on any answer

The AI can still make mistakes, so always verify important information, and your feedback helps us improve.

Next steps