The AI assistant chat in Know Before You Apply

Written By Kevin Ruth

Last updated 20 days ago

The chat assistant is part of Know Before You Apply. It answers questions based on your city's codes, your property data, and your project description.

Where the chat appears

In Know Before You Apply, the chat is front and center. It's how you describe your project, ask about requirements, and explore what you'll need before starting an application.

What it knows

  • Your city's building codes — residential, commercial, fire, plumbing, mechanical, and more
  • Your property data — zoning, lot size, site conditions, parcel boundaries from the city's mapping system
  • Permit requirements — what documents and information are needed for your specific permit type

It won't search the internet or make things up. If it doesn't have the information, it says so.

Example questions

  • "I want to build a deck off the back of my house. Do I need a permit?"
  • "What's the maximum height I can build in my zone?"
  • "Are there any setbacks I need to worry about?" (A setback is the minimum distance your structure must be from a property line.)
  • "My property is in a flood zone — what extra documents will I need?"
  • "Can I build an ADU?" (ADU stands for accessory dwelling unit — a small secondary home on your property, like a backyard cottage.)

Tips for better answers

Be specific. "What are the rules for fences?" gets a general answer. "What's the maximum fence height in the front yard for my zone?" gets a useful one.

Mention your project. The assistant knows your address and property data, but it helps to reference what you're building. "For my deck project, do I need a geotechnical report?" is better than "Do I need a geotechnical report?"

One question at a time. If you have three questions, ask them separately. You'll get clearer answers than if you jam them all into one message.

Use plain language. You don't need technical jargon. "How far from the fence can I build?" works just as well as "What are the rear yard setback requirements?"

What it cannot do

  • It can't make official determinations. It helps you prepare, but city staff make the final call on whether your application meets requirements.
  • It can't access information outside its knowledge base. It won't look up contractor reviews, material prices, or anything beyond codes and city data.
  • It can't edit your application directly. It answers questions and gives guidance, but you make the changes.
  • It can't provide legal advice. For disputes, easements, or legal questions about property rights, talk to a professional.

Good to know

  • Each conversation keeps its context, so you can ask follow-up questions without repeating yourself
  • If the conversation gets long or confusing, start a new thread — the sidebar lets you manage multiple threads
  • Answers include references to where the information came from so you can verify it yourself

Next steps