"New technologies such as full-size 3D printers are enabling the construction of concrete houses that offer disaster resistance, low labor requirements and improved insurability. Modular construction is gaining traction for its efficiency and cost savings, and could be further streamlined through robotics. Innovations in building materials and the use of AI to optimize raw material usage for traditional builders will all drive affordability through cost reduction and waste minimization."
"AI could also be used by municipalities to speed up the processing of permits. Checking plans against local building codes could save builders administrative and legal review costs. Plans could be reviewed to determine compliance with existing zoning guidelines and, when they do not comply, AI could suggest redesigns that meet requirements. Internally, AI has the capacity to quickly review local building codes to ensure consistency with state policy and identify obsolete regulations."
"In addition to these efficiencies, the city is already advancing technology-driven tools that support housing production. For example, the San Jose Housing Department will deploy a production data lake and a neighborhood-level production heat map designed by Policy Map in January 2026 as part of its Department Data Dashboard, offering developers clearer insight into local conditions and development opportunities. Although the city does not directly build housing, these tools help facilitate and foster a stronger ecosystem for its production."
Technology is introducing solutions that reduce construction and regulatory costs and remove transaction friction across housing. Full-size 3D printers can build concrete houses offering disaster resistance, low labor requirements, and improved insurability. Modular construction and robotics can increase efficiency and cut costs, while new materials and AI optimization reduce raw material use and waste. AI can speed municipal permit processing, check plans against building codes, suggest compliant redesigns, and identify obsolete regulations. City tools like a production data lake and neighborhood heat map improve developer insight, shorten timelines, and increase certainty for builders.
Read at San Jose Spotlight
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