eCheck: Check zoning and building rules before you apply

Use eCheck to review plans for compliance with the City’s zoning regulations and the building code before submitting for approvals and permits.

What is eCheck?

eCheck is an online tool that uses artificial intelligence to review plans for compliance with the City’s zoning regulations and the Ontario Building Code.

Designed to enhance customer experience, the tool helps applicants move through the development review process with more confidence by providing clear guidance about requirements before an application is submitted.

eCheck does not replace professional review by City staff. It is an early support tool.

Try eCheck Now (Testing Phase)

eCheck is currently in a testing phase. More zones and building types will be added soon.

Right now, you can:

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.

eCheck a Property in Burlington

How to use eCheck

Use eCheck to review your plans for compliance with the City’s zoning regulations and the Ontario Building Code before you apply for planning approvals or permits.

1. Get started by creating a free account

Create a free eCheck account on Burlington's eCheck site or log in to your existing account to get started.

By registering and using this platform, you agree to the terms and conditions.

2. Search a property

Use the interactive City map to search for a Burlington address and view the zoning and building code rules that apply to that property.

During the testing phase, you can review requirements for:

Industrial buildings (Zoning only)
Single detached dwellings (Ontario Building Code only). Not available for accessory buildings or structures, e.g. decks, sheds, detached garages, pool enclosures.

3. Submit your plans

Drag and drop your design files into the eCheck platform for review. (Note: During the testing phase, this is available for industrial buildings and single family dwellings only.)

4. Receive your assessment

eCheck uses artificial intelligence to evaluate your plans for completeness and compliance. You will receive a clear report showing:

Where your plans meet requirements - 'pass'
Where updates may be needed - 'fail'

Use this report to revise your drawings before submitting your development application.

How eCheck Can Help

While eCheck is not a replacement for professional review of plans and decision-making, it can help applicants:

Save time – get earlier feedback about how a design complies to the City’s zoning regulations and building code before an application is submitted
Find issues sooner – easily identify any compliance issues in drawings early before they delay a project
Submit with more confidence – have the comfort of knowing drawings have been pre-checked for common compliance issues when submitting a development application
Better understand each step of the City’s development review process.

eCheck Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When will I be able to upload drawings?

You can now upload drawings to eCheck to review plans for single detached dwellings (Ontario Building Code review) and industrial buildings (zoning review).

Coming soon, you'll be able to complete a zoning review for commercial and residential buildings.

Who can use eCheck?

eCheck is available to anyone designing:

Industrial buildings (Zoning only)
Low-density residential buildings (Ontario Building Code only)

How are drawings protected?

The eCheck system follows strict security protocols to protect your information and the files being uploaded.

The copyright holder of the plans maintains the ownership rights and other existing intellectual property rights in the drawings.

There is no transfer of ownership in drawings to the City or eCheck platform.