Denver-Inspired Chatbot Serves as Prototype for AI in City Planning and Zoning

A prototype City Planning Chatbot uses AI to answer public questions on zoning and city planning in Denver. Although not endorsed by the City, the experiment demonstrates the potential power of AI to provide accurate planning and zoning answers.

2 minute read

November 5, 2023, 9:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


The Denver Skyline, according to Midjourney, an AI image generator.

The Denver Skyline, according to Midjourney, an AI image generator. | Chris Steins, via Midjourney / The Denver Skyline, according to Midjourney, an AI image generator.

In a groundbreaking experiment that leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) for public governance, former Planetizen editor Chris Steins collaborated with Code Studio, an urban design firm, to create a prototype City Planning Chatbot. Using Generative AI technologies like ChatGPT, the chatbot is trained on publicly available documents from the City and County of Denver to answer questions about city planning and zoning regulations. Though not officially endorsed by Denver, the chatbot serves as a proof-of-concept that aims to improve public access to information, thereby increasing transparency and civic engagement.

The prototype can answer a wide range of questions, from the height limitations of fences in residential zones to the conditions for putting up temporary commercial signs. The chatbot's utility extends to helping citizens navigate the complex landscape of city planning by providing step-by-step guidance on processes like getting a conditional use approved. While not perfect, the chatbot demonstrates that when given access to a more extensive knowledge base, including information from ChatGPT-4, it can significantly improve its response quality.

Developers took the precaution of limiting the chatbot's responses to verified information available in the city's public records or within its Generative AI knowledge base. The technology leverages CustomGPT, allowing it to focus on specific topics while reducing AI-related errors, like hallucinations.

The project aims to revolutionize how governments engage with citizens by using AI to provide real-time, accurate, and interactive responses on official websites. This not only enhances transparency but could also significantly improve the efficiency of governmental departments. The City Planning Chatbot showcases the immense potential of integrating AI into public service and could become a model for other cities to follow.

Monday, September 4, 2023 in Chris Steins via Medium

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Black and white photos of camp made up of small 'earthquake shacks' in Dolores Park in 1906 after the San Francisco earthquake.

The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees

More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?

April 15, 2025 - Charles F. Bloszies

Spiral ramp on exterior of parking garage in downtown Spokane, Washington.

Washington State Legislature Passes Parking Reform Bill

A bill that would limit parking requirements for new developments is headed to the governor’s desk.

1 hour ago - OPB

Missouri state capitol dome in Jefferson City, MO.

Missouri Law Would Ban Protections for Housing Voucher Users

A state law seeks to overturn source-of-income discrimination bans passed by several Missouri cities.

1 hour ago - Missouri Independent

Los Angeles, California

Op-Ed: Looking for Efficiency? Fund Intercity Buses

Much less expensive than rail, intercity buses serve millions of Americans every year, but public subsidies are lacking.

3 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive