Ask a Canadian building code question
Building code questions tool
This tool isn't available yet.
Which codes it covers
The tool answers from the National Building Code and the provincial codes that have been loaded so far. They are listed here. It uses the edition that was in force where the building is, on the permit application date you give.
The list of codes will appear here once the tool is available.
| Place | Code | In force from |
|---|
For some of these codes the tool can also draw on published interpretations and commentaries. It treats them as guidance, not as code requirements.
How to get a useful answer
- Say where the building is. Choose the place from the list. The tool answers from the codes loaded for that place.
- Give the permit application date. It decides which edition applies. If you leave it empty, the tool uses today's date.
- Say whether it is a house or small building, or a larger one. The rules for each sit in different parts of the code.
- Name the provision if you know it. If you already have an article number, include it in your question.
- Put the details in your first question. Follow-up questions count toward your 10.
What it can't do
- It is not professional advice. An answer does not replace your own reading of the code or a decision by the authority having jurisdiction.
- It can be wrong or incomplete. Check every answer against the official code before you rely on it.
- It only knows the codes listed on this page. If a code is not in the list, the tool cannot answer from it.
- It does not see your drawings. It only knows what you type into the question box.
- It does not cover municipal by-laws, other than any that appear in the list.
Questions about the tool
Is it free?
Yes. You get 10 questions each calendar month, and the count resets on the first of the month. Follow-up questions count. A question only counts when the tool looked something up and answered.
Why do you need a work email?
The tool is for people who work at architecture, engineering and construction firms, and a work address is how we tell. It is also how you sign in. We email you a one-time link instead of asking for a password. The link works once and expires after 15 minutes. Personal addresses such as Gmail and Outlook.com, and mailboxes from an internet provider, are not accepted. We only send you other email if you tick the box when you sign up.
How accurate is it, and who should I confirm with?
Answers are written by an AI model (Claude, made by Anthropic) from the code text the tool looks up. Each answer cites the code, edition, article number and page so you can check it. It can still be wrong or incomplete. Before you rely on an answer, read the provision in the official code and confirm with the authority having jurisdiction. It is not professional advice.
What happens to my questions?
We keep your questions and the answers, with the date and time, along with your name, firm name and work email. Your question is sent to Anthropic so its AI model can write the answer. You can ask us to delete your account and question history by emailing info@huntertech.ca. The privacy notice has the details.
What happens after 10 questions?
The tool stops taking your questions until the first of the next month, when the count resets. The page also tells you that we can set up a private version for a firm, over the firm's own documents. There is no obligation.
Which edition does it use?
The edition in force where the building is, on the permit application date you give. If you leave the date empty, it uses today's date. Each answer names the code and edition it came from.
Want this over your own firm's documents?
We can set up a private version for a firm, over its specifications, office standards and past project records. Staff ask in plain words and get answers that point to the source document and page.
See how it works