Permittable vs. Firmus AI
Permittable and Firmus AI both review drawings early to reduce risk, but they aim at different outcomes. Firmus AI catches constructability clashes for contractors. Permittable is tuned for regulatory approval — getting a submittal past the plan checker on the first try.
Side-by-side comparison
Based on publicly available information as of 2026. Capabilities change quickly — verify current details with each vendor.
Pre-submittal permit readiness for U.S. building permits (applicants), plus tools for cities.
AI-driven pre-construction risk mitigation and cross-discipline drawing coordination for contractors and builders.
Permit Review Diagnostic with exact code citations and a readiness score (e.g. "87% ready").
Design error reports, cross-discipline conflict tracking, and constructability risk matrices.
Native CAD/PDF drawings, vectorized into a structured digital model.
2D architectural, structural, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) drawing sets.
Building, fire, and zoning codes including recent local amendments, across the U.S.
Design consistency rules, constructability clashes, and high-level building code risks.
Constructability vs. code approval
Both platforms serve the applicant side to mitigate risk early, but their targets differ. Firmus AI is tailored for contractors looking for constructability clashes — for example, a pipe hitting a structural beam. Permittable is strictly tuned for regulatory approval, cross-referencing drawings against localized building, fire, and zoning code frameworks to guarantee a fast path through City Hall.
If the question is “will this build cleanly?”, weigh Firmus AI; if the question is “will this pass plan review on the first submission?”, that's exactly what Permittable is built to answer.
How to choose
Demand first-pass readiness
The goal isn't a slicker workflow — it's approval on the first submission. Judge every tool by whether it actually tells you you're ready to submit. Permittable is built around exactly that.
Require code-cited traceability
A flag you can't trace is a flag you can't act on. Permittable cites the exact code section for every issue — fast to fix, and defensible when a reviewer pushes back.
Check real local coverage
Codes and local amendments vary by jurisdiction. Permittable covers building, fire, and zoning — the rules that actually get projects bounced.
Permittable vs. Firmus AI: FAQ
What is the difference between Permittable and Firmus AI?
Both review drawings early to reduce risk, but for different goals. Firmus AI targets constructability — cross-discipline clashes like a pipe hitting a structural beam — for contractors and builders. Permittable is tuned for regulatory approval, cross-referencing plans against localized building, fire, and zoning codes to guarantee a fast path through plan review.
Does Permittable do clash detection like Firmus AI?
Permittable focuses on code compliance and permit readiness rather than MEP/structural clash detection. If your priority is catching code violations before submission and proving readiness with cited findings, that's the workflow Permittable is built for.
Should I use Permittable or Firmus AI?
For constructability QA/QC during the build, Firmus AI has its place. But for the permit itself — getting a submittal approved on the first pass — Permittable is purpose-built, and that's the difference between a clean approval and a round of corrections. If the goal is clearing plan review, Permittable is the one built for it.
Can I try Permittable for free?
Yes. Code Scout, Permittable's free AI concierge for building and zoning questions, is available at no cost.
Run your plans through the Permit Review Diagnostic
Get a clear, code-cited path to first-pass approval.