Comparison
Permittable vs. CivCheck
AI is reshaping how building permits get reviewed. Permittable and CivCheck both apply AI to plan review and code compliance, but they emphasize different workflows. Below is how they compare and how to decide which fits your team.
Based on publicly available information as of 2026. Capabilities change quickly — verify current details with each vendor.
| Dimension | Permittable | CivCheck |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Pre-submittal diagnostics for applicants (architects, engineers, developers), plus tools for cities | Guided AI plan review for city reviewers and applicants |
| Core output | Permit Review Diagnostic with exact code citations and a readiness Compliance Score (e.g., "87% ready") | Guided plan-review findings and code-compliance guidance |
| Inputs | Native CAD/PDF drawings, vectorized into a structured digital model | Plan sets submitted for review |
| Code coverage | Building, fire, and zoning codes including recent amendments, across North America | Code checks across review groups (e.g., zoning, building, fire, accessibility, plumbing, structural) |
What Permittable does
Permittable reviews your building plans against local building, fire, and zoning codes before you submit. It ingests native CAD or PDF drawings, vectorizes them into a structured digital model, and runs computer-vision and code-trained AI to flag violations, missing documentation, and cross-sheet inconsistencies — citing the exact code section for each issue. The result is a Permit Review Diagnostic with a readiness Compliance Score so you know how close your application package is to a clean, first-pass submission. Permittable also offers Code Scout, a free AI concierge for building and zoning questions.
Where the two differ
The clearest difference is the starting point. Permittable is built around the applicant's pre-submittal moment — proving readiness and resolving issues before a package ever reaches a jurisdiction — while also serving cities that want to accelerate and standardize review. CivCheck positions its guided AI plan review for both city reviewers and applicants, with an emphasis on guided review and code-compliance education. If your priority is catching code issues and demonstrating readiness on the applicant side, that is the workflow Permittable is designed for.
How to choose
- Choose based on your role. Applicants benefit most from a pre-submittal diagnostic; reviewer-side teams should weigh how each tool fits their intake and review process.
- Test against your jurisdiction. Code coverage and amendment freshness matter most for the cities you actually build in.
- Look for traceability. Exact code-section citations make findings defensible and faster to act on.
Permittable vs. CivCheck: FAQ
What is the main difference between Permittable and CivCheck?
Both apply AI to building-permit plan review. Permittable is built around an applicant-side, pre-submittal workflow — giving architects, engineers, and developers a diagnostic with exact code citations and a readiness score — and also serves cities. CivCheck positions its guided AI plan review for both city reviewers and applicants.
Does Permittable work for city plan reviewers too?
Yes. Municipal governments use Permittable to accelerate and standardize review, in addition to applicants using it before they submit.
Can I try Permittable for free?
Yes. Code Scout, Permittable's free AI concierge for building and zoning questions, is available at no cost.
Which one should I choose?
If your priority is catching code issues and proving readiness before you submit, Permittable is built for that applicant-side workflow. Evaluate both against your specific jurisdiction and use case.
See your readiness before you submit
Run your plans through Permittable's Permit Review Diagnostic and get a clear, code-cited path to first-pass approval.