Automated Permitting Systems Demonstration NOFO
Can you apply?
This grant is for state and local government agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations and private entities working in partnership with government, seeking to implement or demonstrate automated permitting systems for housing and development projects. The program supports projects that streamline and modernize the building permit process through technology solutions. Activities eligible for funding include system development, pilot demonstrations, technology integration, staff training, and process improvement initiatives that reduce permitting timelines and increase efficiency. Geographic scope is nationwide, and applicants must demonstrate readiness to implement solutions that can potentially be replicated or scaled in other jurisdictions.
Key dates
- May 29, 2026 Applications open
- Jul 13, 2026 Application deadline in 30 days
- Sep 1, 2026 Award announced
- Oct 1, 2026 Project start
Program description
The Automated Permitting Systems Demonstration NOFO is intended to support jurisdictions that will deploy automated building code permitting systems and partner with HUD to evaluate their applicability and effectiveness within real-world operating conditions. This demonstration will test the real-world deployment of an automated permitting platform within a government permitting environment to evaluate its effects on processing timelines, workflow efficiency, staff roles, and applicant experience. The demonstration will generate empirical evidence on operational performance, costs, governance needs, and potential cost savings to inform broader adoption by state and local jurisdictions.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- SF-424 Supplement
- Project narrative describing the automated permitting system, implementation plan, and replication potential
- Detailed project budget and budget narrative
- Letters of commitment or memoranda of understanding from government partners
- Organizational capacity documentation and relevant experience
- Baseline data on current permitting processes and timelines
- Evaluation plan with measurable performance metrics
- Timeline and milestone schedule
- Evidence of financial capacity and matching funds (if required)
Program contact
- 👤 Policy Development & Research
- 📧 researchpartnerships@hud.gov
- 📞 202-402-4354
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 14.506 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$3,999,998
-
$3,207,839
-
$3,000,000
-
$3,000,000
-
$2,500,000
-
$2,459,527
-
$1,832,634
-
$1,694,702
-
$1,000,002
-
$882,054
Top States by Funding
- TX 6 awards $10.9M
- NC 5 awards $7.2M
- MD 7 awards $4.2M
- AZ 2 awards $3.7M
- DC 9 awards $3.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 14.506). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $2,999,000 | |
| 2025 | $7,357,807 | |
| 2026 est. | $44,000,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
State and local government agencies are primary applicants. Nonprofits and private entities may be eligible if they are partnering with government agencies and demonstrate capacity to implement automated permitting solutions.
What types of activities are supported?
Funding supports the development, piloting, and implementation of automated permitting systems, including software development, system integration, staff training, process redesign, and technology infrastructure improvements.
What is the typical funding range?
Funding amounts vary by project scope; consult the Notice of Funding Opportunity for specific funding limits and award sizes typical for this demonstration program.
How competitive is this funding?
This is a competitive demonstration program. Success depends on clear project design, strong partnership structures, realistic timelines, and evidence of potential for replication or broader impact.
When is the application deadline?
Check the HUD website or NOFO for the specific application deadline, as this information was not provided in the initial grant facts.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize how your automated permitting system will reduce application processing time and improve transparency for applicants, as HUD prioritizes efficiency gains that benefit the broader housing ecosystem.
- Include detailed letters of commitment from government partners showing they are formally committed to implementing and sustaining the system beyond the grant period.
- Develop a clear replication and scalability plan demonstrating how the solution could be adopted by other jurisdictions, as demonstration projects are evaluated on their potential for broader impact.
- Budget carefully for training, change management, and technical support, as inadequate planning in these areas is a common reason for implementation delays in permitting modernization projects.
- Provide baseline data on current permitting timelines and backlogs to establish measurable targets and demonstrate the significance of your proposed improvements.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications often fail due to insufficient government commitment or partnership documentation—HUD needs clear assurance that agencies will fund and maintain the system long-term. Many projects underestimate the change management and staff training components required for successful adoption, leading to poor implementation outcomes. Weak evaluation plans and vague metrics for measuring success also hurt competitiveness; applicants should include specific, quantifiable targets for permitting time reduction and system performance.
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