Fernie, British Columbia
· No. 2526
· adopted 2025-04-15
· summary & facts
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THE CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF FERNIE
BUILDING AND PLUMBING BYLAW NO. 2526
2025
The Corporation of the City of Fernie
Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526
Table of Contents
Part 1: TITLE ................................................................................................................................................ 1
Citation ........................................................................................................................................................ 1
Part 2: PURPOSE OF BYLAW ........................................................................................................................ 1
Part 3: DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................................... 2
Part 4: SCOPE AND EXEMPTIONS ................................................................................................................ 7
Application .................................................................................................................................................. 7
Limited Application to Existing Buildings .................................................................................................... 7
Part 5: PROHIBITIONS .................................................................................................................................. 8
Part 6: PERMIT CONDITIONS ....................................................................................................................... 9
Part 7: POWERS OF A BUILDING OFFICIAL and the City ............................................................................... 9
Administration ............................................................................................................................................ 9
Refusal and Revocation of Permits ........................................................................................................... 10
Right of Entry ............................................................................................................................................ 10
Powers ...................................................................................................................................................... 10
Part 8: OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITIES .......................................................................................................... 11
Requirement for a Permit ......................................................................................................................... 11
Owner's Obligations .................................................................................................................................. 12
Damage to Municipal Works ..................................................................................................................... 12
Demolition ................................................................................................................................................ 13
Notice ........................................................................................................................................................ 13
Part 9: OBLIGATIONS OF OWNER'S CONSTRUCTOR .................................................................................. 14
Part 10: QUALIFIED REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL'S RESPONSIBILITIES ...................................................... 14
Professional Design and Field Review ....................................................................................................... 14
Requirement for a Qualified registered professional ................................................................................ 15
The Corporation of the City of Fernie
Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526
Professional Plan Certification .................................................................................................................. 16
Part 11: PERMIT APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................................... 16
Requirements for all Permit Applications ................................................................................................. 16
Additional Requirements for Building Permit Applications for Complex Buildings ................................... 17
Additional Requirements for Building Permit Applications for Simple Buildings ...................................... 20
Additional Requirements for Plumbing Permit Applications ..................................................................... 23
Site and Location Information ................................................................................................................... 24
Permit Fee ................................................................................................................................................. 24
Security Deposit with Building Permit Application .................................................................................... 24
Permit Fee Refunds ................................................................................................................................... 25
Design Modification .................................................................................................................................. 25
Construction before Permit Issued .......................................................................................................... 26
Expiration of Application for a Permit ....................................................................................................... 26
Issuance of a Building Permit .................................................................................................................... 26
Compliance with the Homeowner Protection Act ..................................................................................... 26
Partial Construction................................................................................................................................... 27
Conditions of a Building Permit ................................................................................................................. 27
Inspections ................................................................................................................................................ 27
Stop Work Order ....................................................................................................................................... 29
Do Not Occupy Notice ............................................................................................................................... 30
Inspection and Other Fees ........................................................................................................................ 30
Permit Expiration ...................................................................................................................................... 30
Permit Extension ....................................................................................................................................... 31
Building Permit Revocation ....................................................................................................................... 31
Building Permit Cancellation ..................................................................................................................... 31
Occupancy ................................................................................................................................................. 31
The Corporation of the City of Fernie
Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526
Temporary Buildings ................................................................................................................................. 32
Sanitary Facilities ....................................................................................................................................... 34
Part 12: RETAINING WALLS AND GRADES ................................................................................................. 34
Part 13: BUILDING RELOCATION ................................................................................................................ 34
Part 14: NUMBERING OF BUILDINGS ........................................................................................................ 35
Part 15: ACCESS ROUTE FOR FIRE VEHICLE ............................................................................................... 35
Part 16: OFFENCES .................................................................................................................................... 36
Violations .................................................................................................................................................. 36
Deemed Offence ....................................................................................................................................... 36
Appendices ................................................................................................................................................ 37
Severability ................................................................................................................................................ 37
Part 17: REPEAL ......................................................................................................................................... 37
Part 18: ENACTMENT ................................................................................................................................ 37
Appendix A - Fees ..................................................................................................................................... 38
Appendix B - Confirmation of Required Documentation .......................................................................... 39
Appendix C - City of Fernie Snow and Rain Load Calculations ...................................................................... 41
1
The Corporation of the City of Fernie
BUILDING BYLAW NO. 2526
A Bylaw for Administration of the Building Code, Plumbing Code, and Regulation of Construction
GIVEN that the Council on behalf of The Corporation of the City of Fernie (the "City')
A. may by bylaw regulate, prohibit and impose requirements in respect to buildings and structures under
sections 8(3)(g), 8 (3) (l), 53(2) and 63 of the Community Charter
B. is enacting this bylaw to regulate construction and administer the British Columbia Building Code
within the boundaries of the City in accordance with the Community Charter and the Building Act;
C. has employed building officials for the purposes of this bylaw;
NOW THEREFORE the Council of the City enacts as follows:
PART 1: TITLE
Citation
1.1
This bylaw may be cited as "Building Bylaw, No. 2526".
PART 2: PURPOSE OF BYLAW
2.1
Despite any other provision in this bylaw, this bylaw must be interpreted in accordance with this Part.
2.2
Every permit issued under this bylaw is issued expressly subject to the provisions of this Part.
2.3
The purpose of this bylaw does not extend to:
(a) the protection of owners, designers or constructors from economic loss;
(b) the assumption by the City or any building official of any responsibility for ensuring the
compliance by any owner, his or her representatives or any employees, constructors or
designers retained by the owner, with the British Columbia Building Code, the requirements
of this bylaw, or other applicable enactments, codes or standards;
(c) providing any person a warranty of design or workmanship with respect to any building or
structure for which a permit or occupancy certificate is issued under this bylaw;
(d) providing any person a warranty or assurance that construction undertaken under permits
issued by the City is free from latent, or any, defects; or
(e) the protection of adjacent real property from incidental damage or nuisance.
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PART 3: DEFINITIONS
3.1
In this bylaw:
abandoned means any work for which a permit was issued and expired for more than 18 months;
accepted means reviewed by the building official under the applicable provisions of the building code
and this bylaw;
addition means an alteration to any building which will increase the total aggregate floor area or the
building height (in storeys), and includes the provision of two or more separate buildings with
openings between each other for intercommunication;
agent includes a firm, corporation or other person representing the owner, by written designation or
contract, and includes a hired tradesperson or constructor who may be granted a permit for work
within the limitations of his or her license;
alternative solution means an alternative solution authorized under the building code;
alteration or altered means a change, repair or modification of the construction or arrangement of
or use of any building or structure, or to an occupancy regulated by this bylaw;
authority having jurisdiction means the governmental body responsible for the enforcement of any
part of this Bylaw or the BC Building Code or the official or agency designated by that body to
exercise such a function;
British Columbia Land Surveyor means a person practicing land surveying in British Columbia
registered with the Association of British Columbia Land Surveyors;
building means any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy and
includes a manufactured home;
building code means the British Columbia Building Code as adopted by the Minister responsible under
provincial legislation, as amended or re-enacted from time to time;
building official means the person designated to that position by the Council of the City, and includes
a building inspector, plan checker, plumbing inspector designated by the City, and for certainty the
building official is the "building inspector" referred to in the Community Charter and Local
Government Act;
Certificate of Occupancy means a certificate issued by the building official after the works subject to
a building permit have passed their final inspection and been issued a Final Inspection Report. A
Certificate of Occupancy may include conditions in which case it is a Provisional Certificate of
Occupancy;
Certificate of Occupancy, Provisional means an occupancy certificate that is issued subject to
conditions specified therein that must be met by a specified date;
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complex building means:
(a)
a building used for a major occupancy classified as:
-
assembly occupancy;
-
care occupancy;
-
detention occupancy;
-
high hazard industrial occupancy;
-
treatment occupancy; or
-
post-disaster building,
(b)
a building exceeding 600 square metres in building area or exceeding three storeys in
building height used for a major occupancy classified as:
-
residential occupancy;
-
business and personal services occupancy;
-
mercantile occupancy; or
-
medium and low hazard industrial occupancy,
coordinating qualified registered professional means a qualified registered professional retained
pursuant to the building code to coordinate all design work and field reviews of the qualified
registered professionals required for a development;
construct and constructing includes build, erect, install, repair, alter, add, enlarge, move, locate,
relocate, reconstruct, demolish, remove, excavate or shore;
construction means the act of constructing;
constructor means a person who constructs;
demolition means the removal of works previously constructed;
dwelling unit means a suite operated as a housekeeping unit, used or intended to be used by one or
more persons and usually containing cooking, eating, living, sleeping and sanitary facilities;
Engineers and Geoscientists Act means the Engineers and Geoscientists Act RSBC 1996, 116;
excavation means the space created by the removal of soil, rock or fill for the purposes of
construction;
existing, in respect of a building, means that portion of a building constructed prior to the submission
of a permit application required under this bylaw;
field review means a review of the work
- at a building site
- where applicable, at locations where building components are fabricated for use at the building
site
- that a registered professional in their professional discretion considers necessary to ascertain
whether the work substantially complies in all material respects with the plans and supporting
documents prepared by a registered professional;
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flood construction level means the elevation level, measured in metres Geodetic Survey of Canada
datum(GSC);
foundation means a system or arrangement of foundation units through which the loads from a
building are transferred directly to supporting soil or rock and includes any portion of the exterior
walls of a building that lie below the finished grade immediately adjacent to the building;
grade means the lowest of the average levels of finished ground adjoining each exterior wall of a
building except that localized depressions need not be considered in the determination of average
levels of finished ground;
grade, existing means the geodetic elevations of the surface of land or a portion of land prior to
disturbance for the purposes of construction. Grade, proposed means the proposed geodetic
elevations of the surface of land for a parcel of portion of land post-construction;
GHG means greenhouse gas;
health and safety aspects of the work means design and construction regulated by Parts 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8, 9 and 10, Division B, of the building code; and subject to Parts 1 and 2 in relation to Parts 3
through 10, Division B;
Inspection Report means the report issued by the building official upon successful completion of an
inspection for a permit;
Inspection Report, Final means the report issued by the building official upon successful completion
of a final inspection for a permit;
letters of assurance mean standardized, legal accountability documents that are required for Part 3
and Part 9 buildings in the building code and this bylaw;
maintenance means planned and ongoing inspection and work performed in the ordinary course of a
building or structure's lifespan to reduce the potential of premature deterioration or failure of a
building or structure;
occupancy means the use or intended use of a building or part thereof for the shelter or support of
persons, animals or property;
occupy means to take up a place or extent in space;
owner means the registered owner in fee simple, or an agent duly authorized by the owner in writing
in the form prescribed by the City;
parcel means:
a) In the case of a permit issued for lands within a strata plan a Strata Lot as defined in the
Strata Property Act as amended or replaced from time to time;
b) In the case of a permit issued for lands considered common property within a Strata
parcel a part of the lands and buildings shown on a strata plan that is not part of a strata
lot;
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c) In the case of a permit issued for fee simple lands parcel a Parcel as defined in the Land
Titles Act as amended or replaced from time to time; or
d) As defined by the City of Fernie Zoning Bylaw as amended from time to time;
permit means permission or authorization in writing by the building official, in the form prescribed
by the City, to perform work regulated by this bylaw and, in the case of a final inspection notice, to
occupy a building or part of a building;
pool means a structure or constructed depression used or intended to be used for swimming,
bathing, wading or diving which is designed to contain water and has a depth, at any point,
exceeding 0.6 m, including an in-ground pool and hot tub;
Pre-occupancy site review means the review conducted by a qualified registered professional prior to
the submission of final schedules or certificates required prior to a Certificate of Occupancy being
issued by the building official;
professional design means the plans and supporting documents bearing the date, seal or stamp, and
signature of a qualified registered professional;
Professional Governance Act means the Professional Governance Act [SBC 2018] Chapter 47;
project means any construction operation;
Qualified registered professional means a registered professional who possesses the specified
knowledge, skills, training and experience required by legislation, government policy, or as
required by an organization satisfactory to the provincial government that has the responsibility for
specifying the requirements to perform work in British Columbia in the discipline in which they are
qualified;
reconstruction means a thing that is rebuilt after being damaged or destroyed;
retaining wall means a structure that holds or retains soil or other material behind it and or a
structure that retains soil necessary for frost coverage of a foundation;
simple building means a building of three storeys or less in building height, having a building area
not exceeding 600 square metres and used for a major occupancy classified as
-
residential occupancy;
-
business and personal services occupancy;
-
mercantile occupancy;
-
medium hazard industrial occupancy; or
-
low hazard industrial occupancy,
structure means a construction or portion of construction, of any kind, whether fixed to, supported
by or sunk into land or water, except landscaping, fences, paving and retaining structures less than
1.2 meters in height;
temporary building includes a sales office, construction office or a structure in which tools are stored
during construction of a building or other structure;
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use means occupancy as defined in the building code;
value of the work means the amount, whichever is greater, that is calculated as follows:
(a) as submitted by the applicant and accepted by the building official, or
(b) as determined by the building official on the basis of current construction costs, or
(c) the value calculated using an approved valuation method such as the Marshall & Swift
Valuation Service or equivalent.
3.2
In this bylaw the following words and terms have the meanings
(a) set out in section 1.4.1.2 of the building code as of the date of the adoption of this bylaw:
accessible, assembly occupancy, building area, building height, business and personal
services occupancy, care occupancy, designer, detention occupancy, firewall, first storey, high
hazard industrial occupancy, industrial occupancy, low hazard industrial occupancy, major
occupancy, medium hazard industrial occupancy, mercantile occupancy, post disaster
occupancy, private sewage disposal system, registered professional, registered professional
of record, residential occupancy, suite, treatment occupancy or unsafe condition;
(b) subject to this bylaw, set out in the Schedule to the Community Charter: assessed value,
highway, land, occupier, parcel, public authority, service and soil; and
(c) subject to this bylaw, as set out in section 29 of the Interpretation Act: may, must, obligation,
person, property, writing, written and year.
3.3
Every reference to this bylaw in this or another bylaw of the City is a reference to this bylaw as
amended to the date of the reference.
3.4
Every reference to
(a) the building code is a reference to the current edition as of the date of issuance of the
building permit; and
(b) a section of the building code is a reference to the applicable successor sections, as the code
or section may be amended or re-enacted from time to time.
3.5
Definitions of words and phrases used in this bylaw that are not included in the definitions in this
Part have the meanings commonly assigned to them in the context in which they are used in this
bylaw, considering the specialized use of terms with the various trades and professions to which the
terminology applies.
3.6
Where this bylaw refers to a form or document not set out in this bylaw, such shall be the form or
bylaw as specified by another bylaw of the City.
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PART 4: SCOPE AND EXEMPTIONS
Application
4.1
This bylaw applies within the boundaries of the City and to land, the surface of water, air space,
buildings or structures in the City.
4.2
This bylaw applies to the design, construction, demolition, alteration or reconstruction of all plumbing
works governed by the British Columbia Building Code.
4.3
This bylaw applies to the design, construction or occupancy of new buildings or structures, and the
alteration, reconstruction, demolition, removal, relocation or occupancy or change of use or occupancy
of existing buildings and structures.
4.4
This bylaw does not apply to
(a) fences and landscaping and retaining walls, excepting as set out in Part 12 of this bylaw;
(b) an accessory building or structure with a building area of less than 10 square metres that does
not contain plumbing fixtures, sleeping or cooking facilities;
(c) a building or structure manufactured or constructed to the Canadian Standards Association
Z240 MH series or Z241 series, except as regulated by the Building Code;
(d) An unenclosed deck or raised platform less than 0.6m above finished grade; and
(e) maintenance.
Limited Application to Existing Buildings
4.5
Except as provided in the building code or to the extent an existing building is under construction or
does not have an occupancy permit, when an existing building has been constructed before the
enactment of this bylaw, the enactment of this bylaw is not to be interpreted as requiring that the
building must be reconstructed and altered, unless it is expressly so provided by the building code,
this or another bylaw, regulation or statute.
4.6
This bylaw applies if the whole or any part of an existing building is moved either within or into the
boundaries of the City, including relocation relative to parcel lines created by subdivision or
consolidation. Part 13 applies to building moves.
4.7
If an alteration or addition is made to an existing building the alteration or addition must comply with
this bylaw and the building code and the entire building must be made to comply with this bylaw and
the building code, to the extent necessary to addresses any new infractions introduced in the
remainder of the building as a result of the alteration.
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PART 5: PROHIBITIONS
5.1
A person must not commence or continue any construction, alteration, excavation, reconstruction,
demolition, removal, relocation or change the occupancy of any building or structure, including other
work related to construction
(a) except in conformity with the requirements of the building code and this bylaw; and
(b) except in accordance with a current, valid and subsisting permit for the work under this bylaw.
5.2
A person must not occupy or permit the occupancy of any building or structure or part of any building
or structure
(a) unless a final Inspection Report or final or Provisional Certificate of Occupancy has been issued
by a building official for the building or structure or the part of the building or structure; or
(b) contrary to the terms of any permit issued or any notice given by a building official.
5.3
A person must not knowingly submit false or misleading information to a building official in relation
to any permit application or construction undertaken pursuant to this bylaw.
5.4
No person shall erase, alter or modify plans and supporting documents after such have been
reviewed and approved by the building official, or plans and supporting documents which have been
filed for reference with the building official after a permit has been issued unless the building official
has approved the alteration in writing.
5.5
A person must not, unless authorized in writing by a building official, revise, alter, deface, cover,
remove or in any way tamper with any notice, permit or certificate posted or affixed to a building or
structure pursuant to this bylaw.
5.6
A person must not do any work that is at variance with the accepted design or plans of a building,
structure or other works for which a permit has been issued, unless that variance has been
authorized in writing by a building official.
5.7
A person must not interfere with a building official or other authorized official of the City in the
administration of this bylaw.
5.8
A person must not construct on a parcel unless the civic address is conspicuously posted on the front
of the premises or on a signpost so it may be easily read from the public highway from which it takes
its address.
5.9
A person must not contravene a requirement of a building official made under any provision of this
bylaw.
5.10
A person must not change the occupancy of a building or structure or a part of a building or structure
without first applying for and obtaining a building permit under this bylaw.
5.11
A person must not locate a plumbing system, drainage system, house sewer, or a private sewage
disposal system in any parcel other than the parcel which is the site of the building, structure, or
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premises serviced except:
(a) if located in a highway; or
(b) where specifically required and permitted by the City where a legal right-of-way or easement
has been obtained and such right of way or easement are approved by the authority having
jurisdiction.
5.12 A person must not cover any work requiring inspection without the written authorization or approval
of the building official, in writing.
PART 6: PERMIT CONDITIONS
6.1
A permit is required prior to the commencement of any construction regulated by this bylaw.
6.2
Neither the issuance of a permit under this bylaw, nor the acceptance or review of plans, drawings,
specifications or supporting documents, nor any inspections made by or on behalf of the City, or the
granting of permission to use or occupy a building or structure will in any way
(a) relieve the owner (and if the owner is acting through an agent, the agent of the owner)
from full and sole responsibility to perform the work in respect of which the permit was
issued in strict compliance with this bylaw, the building code, and all other applicable
codes, standards and enactments;
(b) constitute a representation, warranty, assurance or statement that the building code, this
bylaw or any other applicable enactments respecting safety, protection, land use and
zoning have been complied with; or
(c) constitute a representation or warranty that the building or structure meets any standard
of materials or workmanship.
6.3
No person shall rely on any permit as establishing compliance with this bylaw or assume or conclude
that this bylaw has been administered or enforced according to its terms.
6.4
Without limiting section 6.2(a), it is the full and sole responsibility of the owner (and if the owner is
acting through an agent, the agent of the owner) to carry out the work in respect of which the
permit was issued in compliance with the building code, this bylaw and all other applicable codes,
standards and enactments.
PART 7: POWERS OF A BUILDING OFFICIAL AND THE CITY
Administration
7.1
Words defining the authority of a building official are to be construed as internal administrative
powers and not as creating a duty. A building official may
(a) administer this bylaw, but owes no public duty to enforce or administer this bylaw;
(b) establish or require an owner to establish whether a method or type of construction or
material used in the construction of a building or structure complies with the
requirements and provisions of this bylaw and the building code; and
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(c) direct that tests of materials, equipment, devices, construction methods, structural
assemblies or foundations be carried out, or that sufficient evidence or proof be
submitted by the owner, at the owner's sole expense, where such evidence or proof is
necessary to determine whether the material, equipment, device, construction or
foundation condition complies with this bylaw and the building code.
7.2
The City may keep records of applications received, permits, notices and orders issued, inspections
and tests made, and may retain copies of all documents connected with the administration of this
bylaw ("Records"). All Records may be stored and retained in an electronic format provided that
such records may be readily reproduced in paper form.
Refusal and Revocation of Permits
7.3
A building official may refuse to issue a permit if the proposed work will contravene the requirements
of the building code or the provisions of this or any other bylaw of the City and must state the reason
in writing.
7.4
A building official may refuse to issue a permit if the application does not comply with the
requirements of Part 11.
7.5
A building official may revoke a permit or issue a stop work order if, in their opinion, the results of
tests on materials, devices, construction methods, structural assemblies or foundation conditions
contravene the building code or the provisions of this bylaw, or both, or if all permits required under
this bylaw or any other bylaw of the City have not been obtained.
Right of Entry
7.6
Subject to section 16 of the Community Charter, a building official may enter on property at any time
to ascertain whether the requirements of this bylaw are being met.
Powers
7.7
Subject to applicable enactments, a building official may, by notice in writing, require
(a) a person who contravenes any provision of this bylaw to comply with that provision by a
specified time;
(b) an owner to stop work on a building or structure, or any part of a building or structure, if
the work is proceeding in contravention of this bylaw, the building code, or any other
enactment of the City or other applicable enactments, or if there is deemed to be an
unsafe condition, and may enter on property to affix or post a stop work order in the form
prescribed by the City;
(c) an owner to have work inspected by a building official prior to the covering of or enclosure
of the work;
(d) an owner to uncover or expose any work that has been covered or enclosed without
inspection contrary to this bylaw or an order issued by a building official;
(e) a person to cease any occupancy in contravention of a provision of this bylaw;
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(f) a person to cease any occupancy if any unsafe condition exists because of work being
undertaken but not complete and where the building official has not issued a Final
Inspection Report for the work;
(g) an owner to correct any unsafe condition;
(h) an owner to correct any work that contravenes this bylaw, the building code, or any other
enactment; and
(i) an owner to cease any occupancy if the conditions of a Provisional Certificate of Occupancy
have not been met within the specified timeframe on the Provisional Certificate of
Occupancy.
7.8
Subject to applicable enactments, the City may by notice in writing require
(a) an owner to remove or prevent any unauthorized encroachment on a parcel owned by the
City, a statutory right of way or easement in favour of the City or a setback or yard
required under the City's Zoning Bylaw No. 1750, as amended or replaced;
(b) an owner to remove any building or structure, or any part of a building or structure,
constructed in contravention of a provision of this bylaw;
(c) a person to cease any occupancy in contravention of a provision of this bylaw.
7.9
Every reference to "owner" in section 7.8 includes a reference to the owner's agent or
constructor.
7.10
Every person served with a notice under this Part must comply with that notice within the time
ordered, or if no time is ordered, immediately.
PART 8: OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITIES
Requirement for a Permit
8.1
Subject to Part 11 of this bylaw, every owner must obtain a permit, prior to:
(a) constructing, repairing or altering a building or structure, unless exempted by this bylaw or
the building code. including a pool or retaining wall exceeding 1.2 metres in height;
(b) moving a building or structure into or within the boundaries of the City;
(c) demolishing a building or structure;
(d) occupying a new building or structure;
(e) constructing a masonry fireplace or installing a wood-burning appliance or chimney,
whether attached to, part of or detached from a building;
(f) changing the occupancy of a building;
(g) altering or adding new plumbing works regulated by the Building Code unless the works are
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the subject of another valid and subsisting building, plumbing, or wood burning appliance
permit.
Owner's Obligations
8.2
Every owner must:
(a) comply with the building code, the requirements of this bylaw and the conditions of a
permit, and must not omit any work required by the building code, this bylaw or the
conditions of a permit;
(b) ensure that copies of all permits, all plans and specifications and supporting documents
on which a permit was based, all municipal Inspection Reports, and all professional field
review reports are available at the site of the work. All professional field reviews are to be
provided 2 business days prior to a request for an inspection during working hours by the
building official, and that all permits are posted conspicuously on the site during the
entire execution of the work; and
(c) prior to the issuance of a building permit, execute and submit to the City an owner's
undertaking in a form prescribed by the City, where required by the building official.
8.3
Every owner and every owner's agent must carry out construction or have the construction carried
out in accordance with the requirements of the building code, this bylaw and other bylaws of the
City, and all other applicable Provincial regulations. The issuance of a permit under this bylaw, the
review of plans and supporting documents, or inspections made by a building official or a qualified
registered professional shall not relieve the owner, or his or her agent, from full and sole
responsibility to perform the work in strict accordance with this bylaw, the building code and all other
applicable codes, standards and enactments.
8.4
Every owner must allow a building official to enter any building or premises at any reasonable time
to administer and enforce this bylaw. Every owner to whom a permit is issued must, during
construction,
(a) post the civic address on the property so that it may be easily read from the public
highway from which the property takes its address; and
(b) post the permit on the property so that it may be easily read from the public highway from
which the property takes its address; and
(c) retain a true copy of the approved building permit drawings at the construction site when
any work is underway on the site.
8.5
If work is abandoned, the owner of a parcel must ensure that any incomplete work is made safe and
secured from unauthorized entry and screened from public view and complies with the provisions of
the City's Community Standards Bylaw, No. 2456.
Damage to Municipal Works
8.6
Prior to the issuance of a building permit, every owner must document and submit to the City
evidence of any existing damage to municipal works on or within 50m of the parcel.
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8.7
Every owner to whom a permit is issued is responsible for the cost to repair any damage to municipal
works or property that occurs during and arises directly or indirectly from the work authorized by
the permit, including, but not limited to, mud and debris on municipal highways.
8.8
Every owner to whom a permit is issued is responsible to repair damaged municipal works and
property that has not been documented as pre-existing in accordance with section 8.6.
8.9
In addition to any security deposits required by the City, every owner must pay to the City, within 30
days of the City issuing an invoice for same, the cost to repair any damage to Municipal property or
works, including the removal of mud and debris from Municipal highways, arising directly or
indirectly from work for which a permit was issued. The City may, but is not obligated to, utilize any
security deposit to repair any such damage.
Demolition
8.10
Prior to obtaining a permit to demolish a building or structure, the owner must
(a) provide the City the date that demolition will be initiated, that must be no longer than 6 months
from the date of application for a permit;
(b) pay capping and inspection chamber installation fees as set out in the City's bylaws
governing waterworks and sewer;
(c) ensure that all municipal services and other services are capped and terminated at the
property line in a City standard inspection chamber and valve arrangement;
(d) provide BC Hydro and Fortis Gas confirmation of utility disconnection prior to demolition, if
applicable;
(e) provide a Hazardous Materials Assessment report in accordance with WorkSafe BC
regulation, if applicable; and
(f) provide WorkSafe BC Notice of Project if applicable.
Every owner must ensure that, on completion of all demolition procedures, all debris and fill are
cleared from the site and the site is levelled or graded or made safe to the satisfaction of the City of
Fernie and in accordance with relevant WorkSafe BC regulation.
Notice
8.11
Every owner must, at least 48 hours prior to commencing work at a building site, give written notice
to a building official of the date on which the owner intends to begin such work.
8.12
Every owner must give written notice to a building official of any change in or termination of
engagement of a qualified registered professional, including a coordinating qualified registered
professional, during construction, within 24 hours of when the change or termination occurs in
accordance with building code regulation.
8.13
If an owner or a qualified registered professional terminates the engagement of a qualified registered
professional, including a coordinating qualified registered professional, the owner must terminate all
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work under a building permit until the owner has engaged a new qualified registered professional,
including a coordinating qualified registered professional, and has delivered to a building official new
letters of assurance.
8.14
Without limiting sections 11.29 to 11.46, every owner must give at least 2 business days written
notice to a building official
(a) of intent to do work that is required or ordered to be corrected during construction;
(b) of intent to cover work that is required under this bylaw to be, or has been ordered to be,
inspected prior to covering; and
(c) when work has been completed so that the required stage of work or final inspection can
be made.
8.15
Every owner must apply in writing to a building official and pay a non-refundable fee set out by
bylaw immediately upon any change in ownership or change in the address of the owner which
occurs prior to the issuance of an occupancy permit to enable a permit to be transferred to the new
owner.
8.16
Every owner must give such other notice to a building official as may be required by the building
official or by a provision of this bylaw.
PART 9: OBLIGATIONS OF OWNER'S CONSTRUCTOR
9.1
Every constructor must ensure that all construction is done in compliance with all requirements of
the building code, this bylaw and all other applicable bylaws, codes, standards and enactments.
9.2
Every constructor must ensure that no excavation or other work is undertaken on City property, and
that no public property is disturbed, no building or structure erected, and no materials stored
thereon, in whole or in part, without first having obtained approval in writing from the appropriate
authority over such public property.
9.3
For the purposes of the administration and enforcement of this bylaw, every constructor is
responsible jointly and severally with the owner for all work undertaken.
PART 10: QUALIFIED REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL'S RESPONSIBILITIES
Professional Design and Field Review
10.1
The owner shall provide to the building official the applicable building code schedules and letters of
assurance when required by the building code prior to:
(a) work under the role and responsibility of a qualified registered professional commencing;
(b) the pre-occupancy site review coordinated by the coordinating qualified registered
professional or other qualified registered professional for a complex building, or
(c) a final inspection for a simple building in circumstances where letters of assurance have
been required in accordance with the requirements of the building code, in which case the
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owner must provide the City with letters of assurance in the form of Schedules C-A or C-B,
as appropriate, referred to in subsection 2.2.7, Division C, of the building code prior to the
issuance of an occupancy certificate.
10.2
If a qualified registered professional provides letters of assurance in accordance with the building
code, they must:
(a) provide proof of professional liability insurance to the building official in the form and
amount set by the City; and
(b) provide field reviews and field review reports as proof of compliance with the
requirements of the building code.
Requirement for a Qualified registered professional
10.3
The owner must retain a qualified registered professional to provide a professional design and plan
certification and letters of assurance in the form of Schedules A, B, C-A and C-B referred to in
subsection 2.2.7, Division C, of the building code, in respect of a permit application:
(a) prior to the pre-occupancy site review coordinated by the coordinating qualified registered
professional or other qualified registered professional for a complex building,
(b) prior to a final inspection for a simple building in circumstances where letters of assurance
have been required in accordance with the requirements of the building code, in which
case the owner must provide the City with letters of assurance in the form of Schedules C-
A or C-B, as appropriate, referred to in subsection 2.2.7, Division C, of the building code,
(c) for a building that is designed with common egress systems for the occupants and requires
the use of firewalls in accordance with the building code;
(d) prior to alterations to a building, or to a structural component of a building described in
paragraph (b);
(e) for a building in respect of which the building official determines that site conditions, size
or complexity warrant, and that such registered professional have particular expertise or
qualifications to address the particular site conditions, size or complexity;
(f) if the building envelope components of the building fall under Division B Part 3 of the
building code, the building contains more than two dwellings, or if the building envelopes
do not comply with the prescriptive requirements of Division B Part 9 of the building code;
(g) for a parcel on which a building or structure is proposed if the building official believes the
parcel is or is likely to be subject to flooding, mud flows, debris flows, debris torrents,
erosion, land slip, rock falls, subsidence or avalanche, and the requirement for a
professional design is in addition to a requirement under Division 8 of Part 3 of the
Community Charter; and
(h) a report certified by the qualified professional that the parcel may be used safely for the
use intended, be provided and that the plans submitted with the application comply with
the relevant provisions of the building code and applicable bylaws of the City.
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10.4
The building official may require any qualified registered professional carrying out the professional
design and field review required under section 10.3 to provide evidence that they have experience
and expertise in respect of the professional design and field review of the context and scope
required.
Professional Plan Certification
10.5
The letters of assurance in the form of Schedules A and B as referred to in subsection 2.2.7, Division
C, of the building code referred to in sections 10.1 and 10.3 may be relied upon by the City and its
building officials as certification that the design and plans to which the letters of assurance refer
comply with the building code, this bylaw and other applicable enactment.
10.6
Letters of assurance must be in the form of Schedules A and B referred to in subsection 2.2.7, Division
C, of the building code.
10.7
For a building permit issued for the construction of a building that relies on the certification of a
qualified registered professional, the building official may provide the owner with a notice that the
building permit is issued in reliance on the certification of the qualified registered professional that
the professional design and plans submitted in support of the application for the building permit
comply with the building code and other applicable enactments. Any failure on the part of the
building official to provide the owner with the notice will not diminish or invalidate the reliance by
the City or its building officials on the qualified registered professionals.
PART 11: PERMIT APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Requirements for all Permit Applications
11.1
Prior to an application for a permit being accepted by the City, the owner must satisfy the following
requirements or conditions:
(a) submit with their application any applicable fees or charges as set out in Appendix A,
attached to and forming a part of this bylaw;
(b) the owner must apply for and obtain a Development Permit if the building or structure is in
an area designated by the City's Official Community Plan as a Development Permit Area
(c) the owner must ensure that the proposed building or structure complies with all bylaws of
the City except to the extent of a variance granted by way of a Development Variance
Permit (DVP), resolution of the Mayor and Council of the City, or order of the Board of
Variance;
(d) the parcel must be registered as a separate and distinct lot pursuant to the Land Title Act;
(e) be made in a form prescribed by the City and signed by the owner, or authorized signatory
if the owner is a corporation;
(f) be accompanied by the owner's acknowledgement of responsibility and undertaking made
in the form prescribed by the City and signed by the owner, or authorized signatory if the
owner is a corporation or if an agent is acting on behalf of a property owner;
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(g) the owner or agent must provide a copy of a state of title certificate or title search print
for the relevant property made within 30 days of the date of the permit application;
(h) the parcel that is the subject of the permit application must be connected to the City's
water, sanitary sewage, and storm water systems, and all roads constructed, in accordance
with the City's Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw;
(i) every owner must ensure that plans submitted with a permit application bear the name,
phone number, address and email address of the designer of the building or structure.
Additional Requirements for Building Permit Applications for Complex Buildings
11.2
An application for a building permit with respect to a complex building must:
(a) be made in a form prescribed by the City and signed by the owner, or authorized signatory
if the owner is a corporation;
(b) be accompanied by the owner's acknowledgement of responsibility and undertaking
made in the form prescribed by the City and signed by the owner, or authorized signatory if
the owner is a corporation;
(c) include a copy of a state of title certificate or title search print for the relevant property
made within 30 days of the date of the permit application;
(d) include a building code compliance summary prepared by a qualified registered
professional including the applicable edition of the building code, such as without
limitation whether the building is designed under Part 3 or Part 9 of the building code,
major occupancy classification(s) of the building, building area and building height,
number of streets the building faces, and accessible entrances, work areas, washrooms,
firewalls and facilities;
(e) include a copy of a survey plan showing all easements, statutory right of ways and
covenants prepared by a British Columbia Land Surveyor;
(f) include a site plan, in metric, prepared by a qualified registered professional showing:
i.
the bearing and dimensions of the parcel taken from the registered subdivision
plan;
ii.
the legal description and civic address of the parcel;
iii.
the location and dimensions of existing and proposed statutory rights of way,
easements, covenants defined by plan and setback requirements, adjacent street
and lane names;
iv.
the location and dimensions of existing and proposed buildings or
structures on the parcel;
v.
the location of and setbacks to the natural boundary of any lake, swamp, pond or
watercourse which borders on, is situated on or crosses the parcel;
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vi.
north arrow;
vii.
if applicable, the location of an approved existing private or other alternative
sewage disposal system, water supply system or a storm water drainage system;
viii.
zoning compliance summary;
ix.
the location, dimensions and gradient of driveways, parking stalls and parking access;
x.
proposed and existing setbacks to property lines;
xi.
existing and proposed grade at building corners and significant breaks in the
building plan and proposed grade around the building faces in order to ascertain
foundation height;
xii.
first storey floor elevation;
xiii.
location, setbacks and elevations of all retaining walls, steps, stairs and decks;
xiv.
line of upper floors;
xv.
location and elevation of curbs, sidewalks, manholes, and service poles;
xvi.
location of existing and proposed service connections;
xvii.
access routes for firefighting and distance to nearest fire hydrant;
xviii.
accessible paths of travel from the street to the building;
xix.
geodetic elevation of the underside of any floor system or top of any pad of a
building or structure where the City's bylaws establish siting requirements related
to minimum floor elevation or flood construction level; and
xx.
geodetic elevation of the site-specific flood construction level where the City's
bylaws establish siting requirements related to minimum floor elevation or flood
construction level;
provided that the building official may waive, in whole or in part, the requirements
for a site plan, if the permit is sought for the repair or alteration of an existing
building or structure;
(f) include floor plans showing the dimensions and uses and occupancy classification of all
areas, including: the dimensions and height of crawl and roof spaces; the location, size and
swing of doors; the location, size and opening of windows; floor, wall, and ceiling finishes;
fire separations; plumbing fixtures; structural elements; and stair dimensions;
(g) include a cross-section through the building or structure in sufficient detail and locations
to illustrate foundations, drainage, ceiling heights and constructions systems;
(h) include elevations of all sides of the building or structure showing finish details, roof
slopes, windows, doors, existing and proposed grade, spatial separations and ridge height
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to comply with the building code and to illustrate that the building or structure conforms
with the City's zoning bylaw and development permit;
(i) include cross-sectional details drawn at an appropriate scale and at sufficient locations to
illustrate that the building conforms to the building code;
(j) include all other requirements of sections 2.2.1, 2.2.3, 2.2.4, 2.2.5, 2.2.6 and 2.2.9, Division
C of the building code;
(k) include copies of approvals required under any enactment relating to health or safety,
including, without limitation, highway access permits and ministry of health approvals;
(l) include a letter of assurance in the form of a Schedule referred to in subsection 2.2.7
Division C of the building code, signed by the coordinating qualified registered
professional;
(m) include letters of assurance in the form of a Schedule referred to in subsection 2.2.7
Division C of the building code, each signed by such qualified registered professionals as
the building official or building code may require to prepare the design for and conduct
field reviews of the construction of the building;
(n) include drawings at a suitable scale of the design prepared by each qualified registered
professional containing the information set out in (g) to (k) of this section;
(o) include illustration of any slopes on the subject parcel that exceed a 15% grade and
proposed setbacks to the toe and crest of any slope in excess of a 15% grade;
(p) include all required fees as set out in the City's bylaws and Appendix A;
(q) include a Hazardous Materials Report in accordance with WorkSafe BC where applicable;
and
(r) include a site disclosure statement if required by the Contaminated Sites Regulation
adopted pursuant to the Environmental Management Act.
11.3
In addition to the requirements of section 11.2 of this bylaw, a building official may require the
following to be submitted with a permit application for the construction of a complex building if the
complexity of the proposed building or structure or siting circumstances warrant
(a) site servicing drawings, including sufficient detail of off-site services to indicate locations at
the property line, prepared and sealed by a qualified registered professional, in accordance
with the City's Subdivision and Development Servicing bylaw;
(b) a section through the site showing grades, buildings, structures, parking areas and
driveways; and
(c) any other information required by the building official or the building code to establish
substantial compliance with this bylaw, the building code and other bylaws and enactments
relating to the building or structure.
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Additional Requirements for Building Permit Applications for Simple Buildings
11.4
An application for a building permit with respect to a simple building must
(a) be made in the form prescribed by the City and signed by the owner, agent of the owner or
an authorized signatory if the owner is a corporation;
(b) include all fees required by City bylaws and Appendix A;
(c) be accompanied by the owner's acknowledgment of responsibility and undertaking made in
the form prescribed by the City and signed by the owner, and the agent for the owner where
applicable or an authorized signatory if the owner is a corporation or if an agent is applying
on behalf of the property owner;
(d) include a copy of a title search print or state of title certificate for the relevant property
made within 30 days of the date of the permit application;
(e) include a copy of a survey plan prepared by a British Columbia Land Surveyor except that
the building official may waive this requirement, in whole or in part, where in the opinion of
the building official the proposed construction is for a renovation or addition and that it is
sufficiently within the zoning regulations and where building separations to warrant the
waiver;
(f) include a site plan, in metric, or plans showing:
i.
the bearing and dimensions of the parcel taken from the registered subdivision
plan;
ii.
the legal description and civic address of the parcel;
iii.
the location and dimensions of existing and proposed statutory rights of way,
easements, covenants defined by plan and setback requirements, adjacent street
and lane names;
iv.
the location and dimensions of existing and proposed buildings or structures on the
parcel;
v.
the location of and setbacks to the natural boundary of any lake, swamp, pond or
watercourse which borders on, is situated on or crosses the parcel;
vi.
north arrow;
vii.
if applicable, the location of an approved existing private or other alternative
sewage disposal system, water supply system or a storm water drainage system;
viii.
zoning compliance summary;
ix.
the location, dimensions and gradient of driveways, parking stalls and parking access;
x.
proposed and existing setbacks to property lines;
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xi.
existing and proposed grade at building corners and significant breaks in the
building plan and proposed grade around the building faces in order to ascertain
foundation height;
xii.
first storey floor elevation;
xiii.
location, setbacks and elevations of all retaining walls, steps, stairs and decks;
xiv.
line of upper floors;
xv.
location and elevation of curbs, sidewalks, manholes, and service poles;
xvi.
location of existing and proposed service connections;
xvii.
access routes for firefighting and distance to nearest fire hydrant;
xviii.
accessible paths of travel from the street to the building (if applicable);
xix.
geodetic elevation of the underside of any floor system or top of any pad of a
building or structure where the City's bylaws establish siting requirements related
to minimum floor elevation or flood construction level; and
xx.
geodetic elevation of the site-specific flood construction level where the City's
bylaws establish siting requirements related to minimum floor elevation or flood
construction level;
provided that the building official may waive, in whole or in part, the requirements for a site
plan, if the permit is sought for the repair or alteration of an existing building or structure;
(g) include floor plans showing the dimensions and uses of all areas, including: the dimensions
and height of crawl and roof spaces; the location, size and swing of doors; the location, size
and opening of windows; floor, wall, and ceiling finishes; plumbing fixtures; structural
elements; and stair dimensions;
(h) include a cross-section through the building illustrating foundations, drainage, ceiling heights
and construction systems;
(i) include elevations of all sides of the building showing finish details, roof slopes, windows,
doors, the grade, the maximum building height line, ridge height, spatial separation
calculations and natural and finished grade to comply with the building code and to
illustrate that the building or structure conforms with the City zoning and development
permit;
(j) include cross-sectional details drawn at an appropriate scale and at sufficient locations to
illustrate that the building or structure substantially conforms to the building code;
(k) include copies of approvals required under any enactment relating to health or safety,
including, without limitation, highway access permits and Ministry of Health approvals;
(l) include a foundation and excavation design prepared by a qualified registered professional in
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accordance with the building code except where waived at the discretion of the building
official pursuant to BC Building Code;
(m) include geotechnical letters of assurance, in addition to a required geotechnical report, if the
building official determines that the site conditions so warrant;
(n) include drawings at a suitable scale of design including the information set out in (f) to (i) of
this section;
(o) include a building code compliance summary including the applicable edition of the
(p) building code, such as, without limitation, whether the building is designed under
(q) Part 3 or Part 9 and compliance with article 2.2.2.1(2), Division C of the building code;
(r) include a zoning compliance summary;
(s) include documentation of any existing damage to municipal property surrounding the
property;
(t) include confirmation of new home warranty registration where applicable;
(u) include a Hazardous Materials Report in accordance with WorkSafe BC where applicable; and
(v) include a site disclosure statement if required by the Contaminated Sites Regulation adopted
pursuant to the Environmental Management Act.
11.5
In addition to the requirements of section 11.4 of this Part, if a project involves
(a) two or more buildings, the gross floor areas of which in the aggregate total more than 1000
square metres; or
(b) two or more buildings that will contain four or more dwelling units; or
(c) otherwise if the complexity of the proposed building or structure or siting circumstances
warrant,
a building official may require the following be submitted with a permit application for the
construction of each simple building in the project
(a) a section through the site showing grades, buildings, structures, parking areas and
driveways;
(b) a roof plan and roof height calculations;
(c) architectural, structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical or fire suppression drawings
prepared and sealed by a qualified registered professional;
(d) letters of assurance in the form of a Schedule referred to in Division C of the building code,
signed by a qualified registered professional; and
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(e) any other information required by the building official or the building code to establish
substantial compliance with this bylaw, the building code and other bylaws and enactments
relating to the building or structure.
Additional Requirements for Plumbing Permit Applications
11.6
An application for a plumbing permit is required for all new plumbing fixtures, relocation of existing
plumbing fixtures, plumbing systems providing services to standpipes, or fire hydrants, or private site
servicing and other similar works and must be made in the form prescribed by the City and signed by
the owner, agent of the owner or an authorized signatory if the owner is a corporation.
The application shall:
(a) provide proof of competence in a format acceptable to the building official. The City may
request construction drawings of the proposed plumbing works;
(b) be signed by the property owner if the owner is installing the plumbing fixture or otherwise a
certified plumber or indentured apprentice;
(c) state the number of fixtures to be installed on each floor in the building; and
(d) In addition, the building official may also require any of the following information:
i.
the length of building sewer, building storm sewer and water service pipe;
ii.
specifications and suitable drawings made to a scale of not less than 1:100, for the
plumbing system with respect to single family, multi-family, institutional,
commercial and industrial buildings showing:
(a) site services, size and location of pipes;
(b) site drainage, size and location of pipes, catch basins and dry wells;
(c) total fixture load on sanitary sewer and water supply systems;
(d) sanitary riser diagram complete with fixture loads at the base of stacks; and
(e) rainwater leaders, size of pipe and area of roof drained;
iii.
any and all other information necessary to establish compliance with this Bylaw; and
compliance to the Building Code (Plumbing Services); and
iv.
mechanical drawings, designed by a professional engineer registered in the
Province of British Columbia, for institutional drawings, buildings over three stories
in height, and buildings with complex plumbing systems as determined by the
building official.
Site and Location Information
11.7
Without limiting sections 11.2(f) or 11.4(f) of this Part, the building official may in writing require an
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owner to submit an up-to-date plan or survey prepared by a qualified registered professional which
contains sufficient information respecting the site and location of any building to
(a) establish, before construction begins, that all the provisions of this bylaw in relation to this
information will be complied with;
(b) verify, on completion of the construction, that all provisions of this and other applicable
bylaw have been complied with;
(c) in relation to an existing building, substantiate its location, size, including appurtenances
whether above, at or below ground level, relative to the site or its relationship to
neighbouring grades;
(d) in relation to construction of a new building, or addition to an existing building, prior to
and after the placement of concrete for foundations and footings, show the elevation at
proposed top of concrete on all building elevations and at all significant changes of
elevation to substantiate its size, location and elevation; and
(e) in relation to the placement of the foundation for a new building, or addition provide a BC
Land Surveyor's Property Location Certificate prior to a framing inspection.
and every person served with a written requirement under this section must comply with the
requirement.
Permit Fee
11.8
Before obtaining a permit for construction or demolition of a building or structure, the owner must first
pay to the City
(a) the relevant permit fee prescribed in Appendix A; and
(b) any fees, charges, levies or taxes imposed by the City and payable under any other bylaw
at the time of issuance of the permit.
Security Deposit with Building Permit Application
11.9
An applicant for a building permit must pay to the City, prior to the issuance of a building permit, the
security deposits outlined in Appendix A.
11.10
The security deposit amount as set out in section 11.9 of this Part may be used by the City to rectify
any defaults pursuant to Articles 8.6 to 8.9 of this bylaw, or any condition under which a permit may
be issued.
11.11
If a Provisional Certificate of Occupancy is granted and a security deposit is being held, the deposit
shall serve as collateral to ensure compliance with the conditions specified in the Provisional
Certificate of Occupancy. Should any of these conditions remain unmet within 12 months from the
date of the issuance of the Provisional Certificate of Occupancy, the security deposit shall be fully
forfeited to the City.
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11.12
The security deposit or applicable portion must be returned to the applicant
(a) when the City is satisfied that no further damage to public works or public lands will occur
and all damage, if any, has been rectified; and
(b) when the inspections required by this bylaw are complete and acceptable to the building
official; and
(c) when the conditions or provisions of a Provisional Certificate of Occupancy are completed
to the satisfaction of the building official.
11.13 Any credit greater than the amount of the security deposit used by the City for the purposes
described in sections 11.9 to 11.12 of this Part will be returned to the permit holder unless otherwise
so directed by the permit holder. Any amount in excess of the security deposit required by the City to
complete corrective work to public lands, public works, or the site is recoverable by the City from the
permit holder, the constructor or the owner of the property shall be a debt immediately due and
payable to the City.
Permit Fee Refunds
11.14 No fee or part of a fee paid to the City may be refunded if
(a) an incomplete or fraudulent application is received by the City; or
(b) construction of the building has started.
11.15 Notwithstanding the building permit application fee, a building permit or other permit fee may be
partially refunded as set out in Appendix A, only if
(a) the owner has submitted a written request for a refund;
(b) the building official has certified a start has not been made on the construction of the building or
structure; and
(c) the permit has not expired.
11.16 A building permit or other permit fee is not refundable after the permit has been extended under
section 11.49 of this bylaw.
Design Modification
11.17 If an issued building permit or other permit is active and the owner proposes modification to the
building design whereby the value of the work increases the owner must submit an amendment
application to the City and pay to the City the incremental difference in the building permit fee based
on costs of construction in addition to the amendment fee as per Appendix A.
11.18 If an issued building permit or other permit is active and the owner proposes modification to the
building design whereby the value of the work does not increase or the value of the work decreases,
the owner must pay to the City a building permit amendment fee as per Appendix A.
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11.19 If an amendment is made to the design during the building permit application review, the owner
must pay to the City a building permit amendment fee as per Appendix A.
Construction Before Permit Issued
11.20 The building permit or other permit fee is doubled for every permit application if construction
commenced before the building official has issued a permit.
Expiration of Application for a Permit
11.21 A building permit or a plumbing permit application expires 90 days from the date a complete
application is received under this Part if the building permit or plumbing permit is not issued by the
application expiration date, unless the permit is not issued only due to delays caused by the City.
Issuance of a Building Permit
11.22 The building official must issue the permit, in the form prescribed by the City, for which the
application is made, and the date of issuance is deemed to be the date the City gives written notice
to the owner that the permit is available, if:
(a) a completed application in compliance with sections 11.2 and 11.3 or sections 11.4 and
11.5 of this Part, including all required supporting documentation, has been submitted;
and
(b) the owner has paid all applicable fees set out in this Bylaw including Appendix A; and
(c) the owner or his or her representative has posted security and met all requirements
imposed by any other statute or bylaw; and
(d) the owner has retained a professional engineer or geoscientist if required under this
bylaw or the building code; and
(e) the owner has retained an architect if required under this bylaw or the building code, or
pursuant to Professional Governance Act; and
(f) the owner has, registered any covenant required by the building official against title to the
land to ensure compliance with any report prepared by a qualified profession, including,
but not limited to, flooding, in form and content satisfactory to the building official; and
(g) no covenant, agreement, resolution or regulation of the City requires or authorizes the
permit to be withheld.
11.23 Despite section 11.22, the building official may refuse to issue a permit when the owner has been
notified by the City of a violation of this bylaw about the construction of another subject building or
structure or another building or structure of the owner, the owner's constructor or agent.
Compliance with the Homeowner Protection Act
11.24 If the application is in respect of a building that includes, or will include, a residential occupancy
governed by the Homeowner Protection Act, the building permit must not be issued unless the owner
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provides evidence under the Homeowner Protection Act, that the proposed building as registered
with BC Housing
(a) is covered by home warranty insurance; and
(b) the constructor is a licensed "residential builder" as defined in that Act.
11.25 Section 11.24 of this Bylaw does not apply if the owner is not required to be licensed and to obtain
home warranty insurance in accordance with the Homeowner Protection Act.
11.26 Every permit is issued subject to the owner and constructor maintaining compliance with the
Homeowner Protection Act and negotiations under it during the term of the permit.
Partial Construction
11.27 If a site has been excavated under a building permit issued under this bylaw but without the
construction of the building or structure for which the building permit was issued having
commenced, the owner must provide security fencing in compliance with the Building Code and
Worksafe BC regulation and fill in the excavation to restore the original gradients of the site within 30
days of being served notice by the City to do so.
11.28 If a building permit has expired and partial construction has progressed, with no extension granted of
the building official under section 11.49, permanent type fencing with privacy screen complying with
the City's Zoning Bylaw, must be erected around the building site for protection to the public.
Conditions of a Building Permit
11.29 A building permit or an application for a building permit that is in process may not be transferred or
assigned until the owner has notified the building official in writing, the building official has
authorized the transfer or assignment in writing and the owner has paid the non-refundable fee
required pursuant to Appendix A. The transfer or assignment of a building permit is not an extension
of a building permit.
11.30 The review of plans and supporting documents and issuance of a building permit do not preclude the
building official from subsequently requiring the correction of errors in the plans and supporting
documents, or from prohibiting building construction or occupancy being carried on when in
violation of this or another bylaw.
Inspections
11.31 If a qualified registered professional provides letters of assurance in accordance with this Bylaw, the
City will rely solely on field reviews undertaken by the qualified registered professional and the letters
of assurance submitted pursuant to this bylaw and the building code as assurance that the
construction substantially conforms to the design, plans and specifications and that the construction
complies with the building code, this bylaw and other applicable enactments respecting safety. The
qualified registered professional shall provide field review reports for each field review conducted
upon request of the building official.
11.32 Despite section 11.31 of this Part, a building official may attend the site from time to time during the
course of construction to ascertain that the field reviews are taking place and to monitor the field
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reviews undertaken by the qualified registered professionals.
11.33 A building official may attend periodically at the site of the construction of simple buildings or
structures to ascertain whether the work is being carried out in substantial conformance with the
building code, this bylaw and any other applicable enactments concerning safety.
11.34 For all work in respect of simple buildings the owner must give at least 2 business days notice to the
City when requesting an inspection and must obtain an inspection and receive a building official's
written acceptance of the following aspects of the work prior to enclosing or covering the work
(a) after demolition, the grading of and removal of debris from the site;
(b) excavation, within 24 hours of the start of excavation;
(c) foundation and footing forms, before concrete is poured;
(d) prior to inspection under section 11.34(e), plumbing located below the finished slab level
including provision for soil gas (radon) mitigation where required;
(e) the preparation of ground, including granular material when required, perimeter insulation
on inside of concrete foundation walls and reinforcing steel;
(f) after inspection under section 11.34(e) and below slab insulation and vapor/soil gas
barrier;
(g) installation of building services before being covered;
(h) rough in of factory-built chimneys and fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances;
(i) framing, sheathing, fire stopping (including drywall in fire separations), bracing, chimney
and ductwork, rough plumbing, exterior doors and windows, but prior to the installation of
insulation, interior finishes, sheathing paper or exterior finishes which would conceal such
work;
(j) installation of rough-in plumbing before it is covered;
(k) insulation, vapour barrier and air barrier;
(l) the installation of wall sheathing membrane, externally applied vapour or air barrier,
stucco wire or lath, and flashings, but prior to the installation of exterior finishes which
could conceal such work; and
(m) the structural, fire, health and life safety aspects of the work and the conservation, GHG
emission reduction and accessibility aspects of the work when the building or structure is
substantially complete, ready for occupancy but prior to occupancy.
11.35 A building official will only carry out an inspection under section 11.34 if the owner or the owner's
agent has requested the inspection in writing in accordance with this bylaw.
11.36 Despite the requirement for the building official's acceptance of the work outlined in section 11.34,
if a qualified registered professional provides letters of assurance, the City will rely solely on field
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reviews undertaken by the qualified registered professional and the letters of assurance submitted
pursuant to this bylaw as assurance that the aspects of the construction referenced by those letters
of assurance substantially conform to the design, plans and specifications and that the construction
complies with the building code, this bylaw and other applicable enactments respecting safety.
11.37 No person may cover or enclose any aspect of the work referred to in section 11.34 of this bylaw until
a building official has accepted it in writing.
11.38 For work in respect of complex buildings, the owner must
(a) give at least 2 business days written notice to the City when requesting a preconstruction
meeting with the building official prior to the start of construction, and the owner or his or
her representative must ensure that the coordinating qualified registered professional, the
constructor, as well as representatives of major trades, are in attendance;
(b) give at least 2 business days written notice to the City when requesting a pre-occupancy
site review coordinated by the coordinating qualified registered professional or other
qualified registered professional to have the owner, the constructor and the qualified
registered professionals demonstrate to the building official and Fire Services the
compliance with the health and safety aspects of the work, the coordination and
integration of the fire and life safety system, applicable City requirements and other
enactments respecting safety and the conservation, GHG emission and accessibility
aspects of the work; and
(c) cause the coordinating qualified registered professional, at least 48 hours prior to the pre-
occupancy coordinated site review coordinated by the coordinating qualified registered
professional, to deliver to the building official a completed Appendix B with all required
documentation.
Stop Work Order
11.39 The building official may direct the immediate suspension or correction of all or a portion of the
construction on a building or structure by attaching a stop work order notice in the form prescribed
by the City on the premises whenever it is found that the work is not being performed in accordance
with the requirements of the building code, the conditions, plans or specifications under which the
permit was approved, any applicable bylaw of the City or the applicable provisions of the Homeowner
Protection Act.
11.40 The coordinating qualified registered professional may request, in writing, that the building official
order the immediate suspension or correction of all or a portion of the construction on a building or
structure by attaching a stop work order notice on the premises. The building official must consider
such a request and, if not acted upon, must respond, in writing, to the coordinating qualified
registered professional and give reasons.
11.41 If a qualified registered professional's services are terminated with confirmation provided in writing,
the owner must immediately stop any work that is subject to his or her design or field review and the
building official is deemed to have issued a stop work order under section 11.39.
11.42 The owner must immediately, after the posting of a notice under section 11.39 secure the
construction and the lands and premises surrounding the construction in compliance with the safety
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requirements of every statute, regulation or order of the Province or of a provincial agency and of
every applicable bylaw of the City.
11.43 Subject to section 11.39, no work other than the required remedial measures may be carried out on
the parcel affected by the notice referred to in section 11.39 until the stop work order notice has
been removed by the building official.
11.44 The notice referred to in section 11.39 must remain posted on the premises until that which is
contrary to the enactments has been remedied.
Do Not Occupy Notice
11.45 If a person occupies a building or structure or part of a building or structure in contravention of this
bylaw, a building official may post a Do Not Occupy Notice in the form prescribed by City on the
affected part of the building or structure, or part of the building or structure accessible to the
building official.
11.46 If a notice is posted under section 11.45 the owner of a parcel on which a Do Not Occupy Notice has
been posted, and every other person, must cease occupancy of the building or structure, or part of
the building or structure ordered not to be occupied, immediately and refrain from further
occupancy until all applicable provisions of the building code and this bylaw have been substantially
complied with and the Do Not Occupy Notice has been rescinded in writing by a building official.
Inspection and Other Fees
11.47 In addition to the fees required under other provisions of this bylaw, the owner must pay the non-
refundable fee set out in Appendix A for
(a) each reassessment of documents that are required to be re-submitted prior to acceptance
of a building permit application;
(b) each re-inspection, after two failed inspections, where non-compliance with the
provisions of this bylaw or non-compliant work has been determined by a building official;
(c) a special inspection during the City's normal business hours to establish the condition of a
building, or if an inspection requires special arrangements because of time, location or
construction techniques; and
(d) inspection required under this bylaw which cannot be carried out during the City's normal
business hours.
Permit Expiration
11.48 Every permit is issued on the condition that the permit expires and the rights of the owner under the
permit terminate if
(a) the work authorized by the permit is not commenced within 180 days from the date of
issuance of the permit;
(b) work is discontinued for a period of 180 days; or
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(c) the work is not completed within two years of the date of issuance of the permit.
Permit Extension
11.49 A building official may extend the period set out under section 11.48 for only one period, not to
exceed twelve months, if construction has not commenced or has been discontinued due to adverse
weather, strikes, material or labour shortages, other similar hardship beyond the owner's control, or
if the size and complexity of the construction warrants, if
(a) application for the extension is made at least 30 days prior to the date of permit;
(b) expiration; and
(c) the non-refundable fee set out in Appendix A has been paid.
Building Permit Revocation
11.50 The building official may revoke a building permit if there is a violation of
(a) a condition under which the permit was issued; or
(b) a requirement of the building code or of this or another bylaw of the City,
such permit revocation must be in writing and sent to the permit holder by signature mail to, or
personal service on, the permit holder.
Building Permit Cancellation
11.51 A building permit, or a building permit application, may be cancelled by the owner, or his or her
agent, on delivery of written notification of the cancellation to the building official.
11.52 On receipt of the written cancellation notice, the building official must mark on the application, and a
permit if applicable, the date of cancellation and the word "cancelled".
11.53 If the owner, or his or her agent, submits changes to an application after a permit has been issued
and the changes, in the opinion of the building official, substantially alter the scope of the work,
design or intent of the application in respect of which the permit was issued, the building official may
cancel or amend the permit and mark on the permit the date of cancellation or amendment and the
word "cancelled" or "amended".
11.54 If a building permit application or permit is cancelled, and construction has not commenced under
the permit, the City must return to the owner any fees deposited under Appendix A, less
(a) The non-refundable application fee; and
(b) 15% of the refundable portion of the fee.
Occupancy
11.55 No person may occupy a building or structure or part of a building or structure until a Final Inspection
Report and Certificate of Occupancy, where applicable, has been issued by a building official.
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11.56
A Final Inspection Report will not be issued unless
(a) All letters of assurance have been submitted when required in accordance with this bylaw;
(b) all aspects of the work requiring inspection and acceptance pursuant to sections 8.11 to
8.16 of this bylaw have both been inspected and accepted or the inspections and
acceptance are not required in accordance with this bylaw;
(c) where required as a condition of the building permit the owner has delivered to the City
as-built plans of works and services in digital format as required by the City;
(d) all other documentation required under applicable enactments has been delivered to the
City; and
(e) the owner has delivered to the City as-built drawings of the building or structure in digital
format where required by the City.
11.57 When a qualified registered professional provides letters of assurance in accordance with this bylaw,
the City will rely solely on the letters of assurance when issuing a final report authorizing occupancy
as assurance that the items identified on the letters of assurance substantially comply with the
design, the building code, this bylaw and other applicable enactments respecting safety.
11.58 A building official may issue a Final Inspection Report and Provisional Certificate of Occupancy for
partial occupancy of a portion of a building or structure under construction when
(a) that portion of the building or structure is self-contained and provided with essential
services respecting health and safety aspects of the work, and if applicable, accessibility,
GHG emissions and conservation; and
(b) the requirements set out in section 11.56 have been met with respect to it.
11.59
A Final Inspection Report may not be issued unless
(a) all letters of assurance and the Confirmation of Required Documentation described in
Appendix B have been submitted when required in accordance with the requirements of
this bylaw;
(b) all aspects of the work requiring inspection and review pursuant to Part 9 of this bylaw
and sections 11.31 through 11.38 of this bylaw have both been inspected and accepted;
(c) the owner has executed and delivered to the City every agreement, instrument or form
required by the City in relation to the work or the site; and
(d) all required offsite works have been completed.
Temporary Buildings
11.60 Subject to the bylaws of the City and, if applicable, any temporary use permits granted by Council, the
building official may issue a building permit for the erection or placement of a temporary building or
structure for occupancy if
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(a) the building or structure is to remain in place for a period not exceeding the greater of one
year or the term of any temporary use permit or renewal of a temporary use permit (the
"Temporary Term"); and
(b) the building or structure is located in compliance with the City's zoning bylaw or any
temporary use permit, or development variance permit granted by the City, built in
compliance with the building code and this bylaw, and connected, as may be required by
bylaw to City utility services; and
(c) any applicable fees, charges or security as set out in Appendix A of this bylaw have been
paid.
11.61 An application for a building permit for the erection or placement of a temporary building or
structure must be made in the form prescribed by the City, signed by the owner or their agent, and
must include
(a) plans and supporting documents showing the location and building height of the building
or structure on the parcel;
(b) plans and supporting documents showing construction details of the building or structure;
(c) a statement by the owner indicating the intended use and duration of the use;
(d) plans and supporting documents showing the proposed parking and loading space as may
be applicable;
(e) a written description of the project explaining why the building is temporary;
(f) a copy of an issued development permit, if required;
(g) in the case of a manufactured building, a CSA label in respect of manufacture and,
without limitation, a Quonset or other steel building must be certified in accordance with
CSA Standard A660;
(h) a report or drawing by an engineer, architect or designer confirming compliance with the
building code, this bylaw, the City's zoning bylaw and other applicable bylaws, if
applicable;
(i) security in the form of cash or a letter of credit for 10% of the value of the temporary
building, which security
i. may be used by the City to remove the building after the expiration of the Temporary
Term; or
ii. must be returned to the owner if the owner removes the temporary building within
the Temporary Term; and
(k) in the case of a temporary building, information to comply with article 1.1.1.1(2)(f),
Division C of the Building Code.
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11.62 Before receiving a building permit for a temporary building or structure for occupancy, the owner must
pay to the City the applicable building permit fee set out in Appendix A.
11.63 A permit fee for a temporary building or structure is not refundable.
Sanitary Facilities
11.62 From the date of issuance of a building permit to the date of expiration of a building permit, or
renewal of a building permit pursuant to this bylaw, the owner must provide on the parcel of land in
respect of which the permit has been issued, sanitary facilities for the disposal of human waste from
individual persons who enter on the parcel in relation to the work referred to in the permit, which
facilities must be accessible when not occupied while work is being carried out on the parcel under
this bylaw, and every sanitary facility that is not connected to a
(a) sanitary sewer; or
(b) septic disposal system approved under the Health Act;
by plumbing that complies with the Building Code and this bylaw, must be provided, at all times the
facility is required under this bylaw, with toilet paper, a locking door for privacy, and ventilation, and
must be kept in sanitary condition without leaking beyond the facility and without overflowing within
the facility. Such facilities must be located so as not to create a nuisance to neighbouring parcels or
highways.
PART 12: RETAINING WALLS AND GRADES
12.1
No person may construct or make repairs affecting the structure of a retaining wall any part of which
is greater than or equal to 1.2 meters in height without first obtaining a building permit. Such
application for a building permit shall require assurance from a qualified registered professional.
12.2
Except as certified by a qualified registered professional, fill material placed on a parcel, unless
restrained by permitted retaining walls, must not have a surface slope exceeding a ratio of one linear
unit vertically to two linear units horizontally.
12.3
Without limiting section 12.2, no person may occupy a building unless the finished grade complies
with all applicable enactments.
12.4
Retaining wall height shall be measured from the grade at the base of the wall to the grade at the top
of the wall.
12.5
A series of retaining walls that individually are less than 1.2 metres in height but cumulatively exceed
1.2 metres in height and have a slope greater than 1:2 measured from the base of the lowest wall to
the top of the highest shall comply with Section 12.1 and 12.2 and require a building permit.
PART 13: BUILDING RELOCATION
13.1
No person may relocate an existing building or structure into or within the boundaries of the City
except
(a) where certified by a qualified registered professional that the building or structure,
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including its foundation, if applicable, will substantially comply with the current version of
the building code;
(b) when a building permit has been issued for the relocation of the building or structure; and
(c) with provision of evidence of Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure approval, if
required.
13.2
The location or relocation of a building or structure manufactured or constructed to the "Canadian
Standards Association A277, Z240 MH series or Z241 series", from the factory or another
manufactured home site to any property into or within the boundaries of the City shall require a
building permit.
PART 14: NUMBERING OF BUILDINGS
14.1
Immediately upon issuance of a building permit for the construction, alteration or repair of a building,
or prior to and during the occupancy of a building, the owner or occupant must display the address
number assigned to it by the City
(a) in accordance with the City's Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw No. 2029 and any
amendment or replacement thereof; and
(b) until such time as the building is removed from the site or has been demolished.
14.2
Despite section 14.1, the City may renumber or alter the assigned numbers in respect of any building
on any parcel, including those already in existence or numbered.
14.3
Without limiting sections 14.1 or 14.2, the building official is authorized to, on the issuance of a
building permit, designate a house number or set of house numbers related to the building
authorized by the permit. The owner or occupier must post the number or numbers on the site
immediately after obtaining the building permit and keep the numbers posted in a conspicuous
location at all times during construction.
14.4
Without limiting sections 14.1 through 14.3, on issuance of an occupancy permit, the owner or
occupier of the parcel must affix the address numbers permanently in accordance with the City's Fire
Protection and Life Safety Bylaw No. 2029.
PART 15: ACCESS ROUTE FOR FIRE VEHICLE
15.1
Prior to the issuance of a building permit for a building under Part 9 of the building code, the owner
must satisfy the building official that the building or structure for which the permit is issued will be
served by a fire access route that satisfies the following:
(a) the width of an access route must be not less than 6 meters;
(b) the centerline radius of an access route must be not less than 12 meters;
(c) the overhead clearance of an access route must be not less than 5 meters;
(d) the gradient of the access route must not change more than 1 in 12.5 over a minimum
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distance of 15 meters;
(e) the access route must comply with the bearing load and surface material standards of the
City's Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw, as amended or replaced from time to
time;
(f) the length above which a dead-end portion of an access route requires turnaround
facilities is 90 meters; and
(g) be connected with a public highway or statutory right of way leading to a public highway.
PART 16: OFFENCES
Violations
16.1
Without limiting Part 4 of this bylaw, every person who
(a) violates a provision of this bylaw;
(b) permits, suffers or allows any act to be done in violation of any provision of this bylaw; and
(c) neglects to do anything required to be done under any provision of this bylaw,
commits an offence and on summary conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction, the person is
subject to a fine of not more than $10,000.00, or a term of imprisonment not exceeding three
months, or both, in addition to the costs of prosecution; or
a fine and penalty as set out in the Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 204 if issued a violation
ticket;
Each day during which a violation, contravention or breach of this bylaw continues is deemed to be a
separate offence.
16.2
Every person who fails to comply with any administrative requirement issued by a building official, or
who allows a violation of this bylaw to continue, contravenes this bylaw.
16.3
Every person who commences work requiring a building permit without first obtaining such a permit
must, if a Stop Work notice is issued, pay an additional charge as outlined in Appendix A.
Deemed Offence
16.4
An owner is deemed to have knowledge of and be liable under this bylaw in respect of any
construction on the parcel the owner owns and any change in the use, occupancy or both of a
building or structure or part of a building or structure on that parcel.
16.5
No person is deemed liable under section 16.4 who establishes, on a balance of probabilities, that
the construction or change of use or occupancy occurred before they became the owner of the parcel
or occupied the parcel.
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16.6
Nothing in section 16.5 affects
(a) the City's right to require and the owner's obligation to obtain a permit; and
(b) the obligation of the owner to comply with this bylaw.
Appendices
16.7
Appendices A through C are attached to and form part of this bylaw.
Severability
16.8
If a section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph or phrase of this bylaw is for any reason declared
invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the decision will not affect the validity of the remaining
portions of this bylaw.
PART 17: REPEAL
17.1
Building Bylaw No. 1946, as amended, is repealed.
PART 18: ENACTMENT
18.1
This Bylaw may be cited as "Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 1750, Bylaw No. 2526, 2025".
READ A FIRST TIME this 8th day of April, 2025.
READ A SECOND TIME this 8th day of April , 2025.
READ A THIRD TIME this this 8th day of April, 2025.
Advertised in the Fernie Free Press on the 20th day of March and the 3rd day of April; on Fernie.ca on the
20th day of March; on Facebook.com on the 20th day of March; on LetsTalk.Fernie.ca on the 14th day of
March; and on the City's public bulletin boards.
ADOPTED this 15th day of April, 2025.
__
Mayor
Corporate Officer
I hereby certify the foregoing to be the original
Bylaw No. 2526
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Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526
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Appendix A - Fees
1.
Building Permit Application Fee:
Upon application for a building permit, a non-refundable application fee must be paid to the
City of Fernie as follows:
2.
Permit Fees and Charges:
Permit fees and charges must be paid to the City of Fernie at issuance of a permit and must be
calculated on the total Value of the Work. The permit fees are as follows:
3.
Security Deposits:
4.
Other Fees:
As per Section 11.1(a)
Value of the Work < $49,999
$250.00
As per Section 11.1(a)
Value of the Work between $50,000 - $999,999
$800.00
As per Section 11.1(a)
Value of the Work > $1,000,000
$1600.00 + $800.00 per subsequent
$1,000,000 in Value of the Work
As per Section 11.8
Building Permit Fees
$10.00 per $1000 of submitted and
approved Value of the Work or $250.00,
whichever is greater.
As per Section 11.20
and 16.3
Building Permit Fees (After a Stop-Work Order
has been issued)
200% of the Building Permit Fees noted
above
As per Section 11.8
Plumbing Permit Fees <5 fixtures
$100.00
As per Section 11.8
Plumbing Permit Fees >6 fixtures
$100.00 + $20.00/fixture over 5 fixtures
As per Section 11.8
Temporary Building
$250.00
As per Section 11.8
Solid Fuel-Burning Appliance, Wood Stove,
Fireplace and/or Chimney
$150.00
As per Section 11.8
Demolition Permit
$200.00
As per Section 11.49
Building Permit Extension Fee (based on the
remaining Value of the Work)
$250.00 + $6.00 per $1000 of submitted
and approved Value of the Work
As per Section 11.9
For a residential accessory building or structure
greater than 25 square metres including
demolition.
$100.00/m x length of property line in
metres adjacent to a public road
As per Section 11.9
For a single-family dwelling addition, alteration,
renovation, or demolition.
$100.00/m x length of property line in
metres adjacent to a public road
As per Section 11.9
For a new single-family dwelling, simple
building, or relocating a single-family dwelling
$200.00/m x length of property line in
metres adjacent to a public road
As per Section 11.9
For a complex building
$200.00/m x length of property line in
metres adjacent to a public road
As per Section 11.47
Reassessment of re-submitted documents fee
$100.00
As per Section 8.15
and 11.29
Transfer of Building Permit fee
$100.00
As per Section 11.47
Re-Inspection Fee (for building and document
re-inspections)
$250.00
As per Section 11.47
Special Inspection (Normal Business Hours)
At cost + 10%
As per Section 11.47
Special Inspection (Outside of Normal
Business Hours)
At cost + 10%
As per Section 11.17
Design Modification plan review fee
$250.00
The Corporation of the City of Fernie
Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526
39
Appendix B - Confirmation of Required Documentation
Building Permit Number:
Note:
1.
The Confirmation of Required Documentation and all required documentation must be submitted to
the building official 48 hours prior to the Pre-Occupancy Coordinated Review.
2.
The Confirmation of Required Documentation and all required documentation must be submitted in a
compiled digital format or tabbed ringed binder, with tab sections as per this Appendix.
TAB 1
CONFIRMATION OF REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
TAB 2
DIRECTORY OF PRINCIPALS (Role/Firm/Name/Telephone)
Owner
Co-ordinating Registered Professional
Registered Professionals
Warranty Provided
Licensed Builder
Sub-Contractors
TAB 3
LETTERS OF ASSURANCE (A, B, C-A, C-B)
Co-ordinating Registered Professional
Architectural
Structural
Mechanical
Plumbing
Electrical
Geotechnical Temporary
Geotechnical Permanent
Fire Suppression
Other - Specify:
TAB 4
PROFESSIONAL REVIEW LETTERS
Alternative Solution (Confirmation of Field Review - sealed)
Site Services - Civil Engineer
Building Envelope Specialist
Roofing Consultant
Generator Test Report / Certificate
Other - Specify:
Other - Specify:
Provided
N\A
The Corporation of the City of Fernie
Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526
40
TAB 5
FIRE ALARM
Fire Alarm Verification Certificate (include field work sheets)
Letters of Signed Contract from ULC Listed Monitoring Agency
TAB 6
SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
Material and Test Certificate - Above ground piping
Material and Test Certificate - Underground piping
Fire Pump Test Report
TAB 7
PROVINCIAL APPROVALS
Certificate to Operate Elevating Device (one per each device)
Health Approval (on-site sewage disposal)
Health Approval (food services)
TAB 8
CITY APPROVALS
Sprinkler Permit - Pre-occupancy Co-ordinated Review
Fire Department Acceptance (Fire Safety Plan)
Final Inspection (Building Inspector - pre-occupancy review
Developmental Engineering Final Inspection
Planning Technicians Final Inspection
TAB 9
DEFICIENCY LIST
Submitted by Coordinating Registered Professional
Name (PRINT)
Signature
Date
Address (PRINT)
Phone
The Corporation of the City of Fernie
Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526
41
Appendix C - City of Fernie Snow and Rain Load Calculations
1. For all elevations less than or equal to 1010m ground snow and rain load values shall be those
specified in the BC Building Code and the National Building Code of Canada as Ss 4.5 kPa + Sr 0.2 kPa.
2. For all elevations between 1010m and 1200m the following table shall be used to determine ground
snow and rain load values in accordance with Environment and Climate Change Canada data where
Ss (1/50) is found to increase by 0.009 kPa/m while Sr (1/50) remains constant to 1200 m.:
Elevation (z, m)
Ss (1/50, kPa)
Sr (1/50, kPa)
Z=1010
4.5
0.2
1010 <z ≤ 1200
4.5 + 0.009 x (z-1010)
0.2
3. For all elevations above 1200m a qualified registered professional must be engaged to design and
certify the structure.