Permavia vs. Archistar
Both Permavia and Archistar apply AI to the built environment, but they solve different parts of the problem. Permavia is built around getting a building-permit submittal first-pass ready; Archistar is best known for site assessment, feasibility, and planning-rule compliance.
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 site assessment, property feasibility, and planning/compliance pre-checks.
Permit Review Diagnostic with exact code citations and a readiness score (e.g. "87% ready").
Site/feasibility insights and automated planning-rule compliance checks.
Architects, engineers, and developers getting a submittal first-pass ready.
Property feasibility, site selection, and planning-led workflows.
Code Scout — free AI concierge for building & zoning questions.
Varies by product and region.
Where they overlap — and where they don't
Archistar has built its reputation on site feasibility and planning-rule analysis — answering “what can I build here?” Permavia starts later in the lifecycle, at the submittal: it reviews your plans against building, fire, and zoning codes and tells you what a reviewer will flag before you submit, with the exact code section cited for each issue and a readiness score for the package as a whole.
If your need is applicant-side permit readiness, that's the workflow Permavia is designed for.
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. Permavia is built around exactly that.
Require code-cited traceability
A flag you can't trace is a flag you can't act on. Permavia 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. Permavia covers building, fire, and zoning — the rules that actually get projects bounced.
Permavia vs. Archistar: FAQ
What is the difference between Permavia and Archistar?
Both apply AI to building and planning compliance. Permavia focuses on the applicant-side, pre-submittal workflow for U.S. building permits — a Permit Review Diagnostic with exact code citations and a readiness score — and also serves cities. Archistar is known for AI-driven site assessment and planning/compliance pre-checks, with a strong footprint in property feasibility and council/planning rules.
Does Permavia do site feasibility like Archistar?
Permavia concentrates on getting a submittal permit-ready — checking plans against building, fire, and zoning codes before submission — rather than property/site feasibility analysis. If your priority is catching code issues and proving readiness before you submit, that's the workflow Permavia is built for.
Can I try Permavia for free?
Yes. Code Scout, Permavia's free AI concierge for building and zoning questions, is available at no cost.
Which should I choose?
Evaluate both against your jurisdictions and use case. For applicant-side U.S. permit readiness with code-cited findings, Permavia is purpose-built; for planning/feasibility-led workflows, weigh Archistar's strengths there.
Run your plans through the Permit Review Diagnostic
Get a clear, code-cited path to first-pass approval.