Naples Launches “Fraser” AI Chatbot to Transform Permitting Process

Naples is gearing up for a digital revolution in its permitting process with the introduction of Fraser, an AI-powered chatbot designed to radically accelerate building permits and inspections. After passing a unanimous City Council vote on July 3, the city has allocated $514,096 to implement BlitzAI across multiple departments, including IT upgrades and licensing for 15 BlitzAI workspace users.

⚙️ What’s Changing & Why It Matters

• Speed and accuracy: BlitzAI reportedly brings permit reviews down from hours or days to mere minutes, automatically checking plans against Florida Building Code, zoning rules and environmental regulations Gulfshore Business.

• Transparent and proactive: Users receive a clear, color-coded feedback—compliant, questionable, or failed—along with a redlined drawing version for precision.

• 24/7 virtual support: Fraser will answer applicant queries on the spot, facilitating tasks like scheduling inspections or file submissions—even outside city office hours.

• Data-driven resources: Predictive insights from historical permit data will help city planners forecast workload spikes and allocate staff more efficiently.

🗂️ Rollout Timeline

• Phase 1 (Sept–Oct): The Building Department will get first access; users can begin permit pre‑reviews and inspections through Fraser.

• Full integration over 12–18 months: The Planning Department and other units will be added progressively, with BlitzAI tied into CityView and Questys for consolidated documentation and workflows.

💸 Investment & Returns

• Cost break‑down:

  • $120K to BlitzAI for licensing and setup.

  • $369,620 to N. Harris Computer Corp (Ontario) for CityView and Questys integration.

  • $24,476 for Questys records‑management integration.

• Savings ahead: While upfront costs are significant, City leaders anticipate a strong ROI—fewer manual tasks, fewer errors, and streamlined services will free funds for training and community development.

🌍 Community Impact

Mayor Teresa Heitmann affirms the move makes Naples “the first in Florida” to fully integrate AI for both residential and commercial permit reviews. Builders and developers will be able to get faster pre‑submittal reviews, while homeowners gain self‑service tools for checking permit status and inspection scheduling on their phones.