Digital construction tools
Last updated on December 16, 2025Learn about and access the Province’s digital tools that help make the design, approval and construction of projects easier.
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Standardized housing designs
People building small-scale, multi-unit housing can plan faster and at a lower cost by using free standardized designs that are available to the public.
The standardized and customizable residential design catalogue helps people build small-scale, multi-unit housing on lots previously zoned for:
- Single-family homes
- Duplexes
Standardized designs can be used by builders, designers and homeowners. The catalogue contains illustrations and describes the designs in more detail.
To view and download the design files, read and accept the terms of use
How to use the designs
Use the standardized designs to build:
- Accessory dwelling units
- Duplexes
- Triplexes
- Quadplexes
- Townhomes
The designs have components that allow many configurations with interchangeable floor plans. Designs can be two or three storeys and include garages and number of bedrooms. There are various components to choose from like:
- Roof shapes
- Materials
- Exterior cladding
- Customizable window awnings, porches and more
Costing estimate
A high-level costing estimate based on general costing assumptions is available. It provides an approximate cost range for a project and can help in planning and decision making.
Building Permit Hub
Building Permit Hub is an online tool that simplifies the permit submission process. Applicants are connected to their local government or First Nation with easy-to-follow instructions.
The Hub provides a more consistent online application experience for those building in participating communities.
The Hub also provides compliance tools. These tools enable you to pre-check design compliance with requirements in the BC Building Code. Current tools cover the BC Energy and Zero Carbon Step Codes and more are being developed.
People who are planning to build small-scale, multi-unit housing can quickly find out which BC Energy and Zero Carbon Step Code levels apply in their community with the Step Code look-up tool.
The look-up tool makes it simple to get the information you need, just enter your address or search by jurisdiction.
Step Code compliance reports
Builders can access Part 9 and Part 3 compliance reports through the Step Codes reporting tool in Building Permit Hub. The results of the compliance report can be directly attached to a permit application in Building Permit Hub, downloaded, or emailed through the Hub to the appropriate local government.
These reports are intended to support permit applications and are not an official determination on compliance.
The tool also provides access to archived step code reports from previous applications that can be re-linked to new projects.