Burlington launches new Assistive AI tool to power an improved development review experience

Burlington, Ont.—April 27, 2026 – The City of Burlington is excited to introduce eCheck, a free online tool that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help make the development application process easier.

Available at burlington.ca/echeck, the tool allows applicants to check their plans against the City’s zoning regulations and the building code before submitting them for planning approvals and building permits.

eCheck is designed to improve convenience for applicants by helping identify potential issues early in the process, allowing for more complete submissions and a smoother review experience.

Burlington is leading the way as one of the first cities in Canada to use assistive AI technology to help simplify the development review process, and the first municipality anywhere to extend this capability for building code assessment.

How to use eCheck

eCheck is currently in a testing phase with more zones and building types to be added soon. In this first release, use eCheck to:

• Search for a property address using the interactive city map and view zoning rules that apply to that address. Use this information to assess a proposed concept against the zoning requirements for employment and industrial buildings.
• Upload plans and architectural drawings for:
  • single detached dwellings to assess compliance with the requirements in the Ontario Building Code for things such as ceiling heights, room sizes and fire protection criteria
  • employment or industrial buildings to assess compliance with zoning regulations for things such as setbacks, heights, floor area ratios, landscape areas, and parking ratios
• Receive a clear assessment report showing where plans and drawings meet requirements (pass) or where updates may be needed (fail). Use the information in the report to revise plans and drawings before submitting a development application.

Start exploring at burlington.ca/echeck.

Burlington is a city where people, nature and busineses thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at burlington.ca/Enews and follow @CityBurlington on social media.

Quotes

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward

“This is a significant milestone in modernizing the development review process in Ontario. We are the first municipality to deploy AI to support building code assessment. By proactively reviewing drawings before they are submitted, eCheck helps applicants identify potential issues earlier, improve the quality of their submissions, and reduce potential delays - helping to accelerate the permitting process and construction starts. It also provides transparency about each step of the city’s development review process for an enhanced customer experience.”

Kelvin Galbraith, Ward 1 Councillor and Deputy Mayor for Business and Red Tape Reduction

“The introduction of this tool will help streamline the development review process for our community and those building in our city. Ensuring any potential issues are identified early gives applicants the clarity and confidence they need to submit a strong application from the start.”

Links and Resources

• Explore eCheck at burlington.ca/echeck
• Learn more about building permits
• Learn more about development applications

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