The Province has published a new guide for local governments interested in converting bylaws, policies, and other regulatory documents into machine-readable formats such as JSON and XML to support work towards better digital services that streamline design, permitting, and construction.
The housing construction sector is transitioning to new ways of delivering housing, through the adoption of modern digital tools and off-site methods of construction. This transition requires investment in new data, tools, and processes. Structured, machine-readable rules can power AI-assisted tools, automated zoning and code compliance checks, and a more user-friendly, accessible, and searchable way to read land use and construction requirements.
For local governments, this may support more efficient processing of applications and more time for higher-value oversight and decision-making. In addition, this work will support the homebuilding sector in having earlier, more reliable insight into what can be built and how to comply, supporting faster, more predictable permitting.
This resource was developed based on the Ministry’s learnings from converting the BC Building Code to a JSON format. The Province also plans to provide future guidance that goes beyond the initial conversion step, such as implementation, lifecycle management, and optimization. Local governments interested in learning more or engaging in the development of a coordinated, provincial approach to digitizing land use and construction rules are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs.