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A Bylaw relating to Building and Plumbing
Whereas municipal legislation and regulations authorize the City of Port Coquitlam, for the
health, safety, and protection of persons and property to regulate the construction, alteration,
repair or demolition of building and structures by Bylaw;
And whereas the Province of British Columbia has adopted a Building Code to govern
standards in respect of the construction, alteration, repair and demolition of buildings in
municipalities and regional districts in the Province;
And whereas it is deemed necessary to provide for the administration of the Building Code;
Now therefore the Council of the City of Port Coquitlam, in open meeting assembled, enacts
as follows:
1.
Title
This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as the "Building and Plumbing Bylaw, 2009,
No. 3710".
2.
Definitions and Interpretations
2.1
In this Bylaw:
The following words and terms have the meanings set out in the Building Code:
adaptable dwelling units, assembly occupancy, building, building area, building
height, business and personal services occupancy, care or detention occupancy,
constructor, coordinating registered professional, designer, field review, floor
area, high hazard industrial occupancy, industrial occupancy, low hazard
industrial occupancy, major occupancy, mercantile occupancy, medium hazard
industrial occupancy, occupancy, owner, registered professional, and residential
occupancy.
Appraised Value means the value of a building determined by a person
designated Accredited Appraisal Canadian Institute (ACCI) or Canadian
Residential Appraiser (CRA) by the Appraisal Institute of Canada.
Assessed Value means the most recent assessed value of a building as determined
by the Assessment Authority of British Columbia.
THE CORPORATION OF THE
CITY OF PORT COQUITLAM
BYLAW NO. 3710
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Backflow Preventor means a device or a method which prevents backflow in a
water system and which prevents a potable water cross connection.
Building Code means the British Columbia Building Code 2018 as adopted by
the Minister pursuant to section 692 (1) of the Local Government Act, as amended
or re-enacted from time to time.
Building Official includes Manager of Building Permits and Inspections, Chief
Building Inspector, Building Inspectors, Plan Checkers and Plumbing Inspectors
designated by the City.
Certified Tester means the holder of a Certificate of Competency as recognized
by the American Water Works Association, BC Section, as a Certified Cross
Connection Control Active Tester or Specialist.
City means The Corporation of the City of Port Coquitlam
Complex Building means:
(a)
all buildings used for major occupancies classified as:
(i)
assembly occupancies,
(ii)
care or detention occupancies, or
(iii)
high hazard industrial occupancies, and
(b)
all buildings exceeding 600 square meters in building area or exceeding
three storeys in building height used for major occupancies classified as:
(i)
residential occupancies,
(ii)
business and personal services occupancies,
(iii)
mercantile occupancies, or
(iv)
medium and low hazard industrial occupancies.
Cross Connection means any actual or potential physical connection between
potable waterline and any pipe, vessel or machine containing a non-potable fluid
or has the possibility of containing a non-potable fluid, solid or gas to enter the
water system by backflow.
Health and safety aspects of the work means design and construction regulated
by Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9 and Part 10 of the BC
Building Code of the Building Code.
On-Site Services means all pipes, conduits, fixtures, and appurtenances located
below ground which carry water, sanitary sewer, or storm water within the
boundaries of a parcel but outside a building, to or from City service connections.
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Standard Building means buildings of three storeys or less in building height,
having a building area not exceeding 600 square meters and used for major
occupancies classified as:
(a)
residential occupancies,
(b)
business and personal services occupancies,
(c)
mercantile occupancies, or
(d)
medium and low hazard industrial occupancies.
Step Code means the Energy Step Code, as set out in section 9.36 and 10.2.3 of
the Building Code.
Structure means a construction or portion thereof of any kind, whether fixed to,
supported by or sunk into land or water, but specifically excludes landscaping,
fences, paving and retaining structures less than 1.5 meters in height.
Temporary building means a structure such as a tent, fabric-covered frame,
construction trailer, modular or prefabricated building intended for temporary use
or occupancy.
2.2
Wherever this bylaw requires compliance with the Building Code, that
requirement shall, in respect of the type of building listed in column 1 of the table
that appears as section 2.2.1 (the "Table"), be deemed to include compliance with
the step of the Step Code that appears in column 2 of the Table, and for the
purpose of the Table:
(a)
"Small Residential" means buildings intended for residential occupancy,
the construction of which is regulated by Part 9 of the building code;
(b)
"Large Residential (combustible)" means buildings intended for
residential occupancy, the construction of which is regulated by Part 3 of
the building code, and in respect of which the building code authorizes
combustible construction;
(c)
"Large Residential (non-combustible)" means buildings intended for
residential occupancy, the construction of which is regulated by Part 4 of
the building code and in respect of which the building code requires non-
combustible construction; and,
(d)
"Commercial" means buildings intended for commercial occupancies, the
construction of which is regulated by Part 3 of the building code.
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2.2.1 Step Code Requirements
Building Type
Required step
Small Residential
1
Large Residential (combustible)
2
Large Residential (non-
combustible)
1
Commercial
2
Effective March 1, 2021:
Building Type
Required step
Small Residential
3
Large Residential (combustible)
3
Large Residential (non-
combustible)
1
Commercial
2
Effective January 1, 2027:
Building Type
Required step
Small Residential
4
Large Residential (combustible)
4
Large Residential (non-
combustible)
1
Commercial
3
3.
Purpose of Bylaw
3.1
This Bylaw shall, notwithstanding any other provision herein, be interpreted in
accordance with this section.
3.2
This Bylaw has been enacted for the purpose of regulating construction within
the City of Port Coquitlam in the general public interest. The activities
undertaken by or on behalf of the City pursuant to this Bylaw are for the sole
purpose of providing a limited and interim spot checking function for health,
safety and the protection of persons and property. It is not contemplated nor
intended, nor does the purpose of this Bylaw extend:
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(a)
to the protection of owners, owner/builders or constructors from
economic loss;
(b)
to the assumption by the City or any Building Official of any
responsibility for ensuring the compliance by any owners, his or her
representatives or any employees, constructors or designers retained by
him or her, with the Building Code, the requirements of this Bylaw or
any other applicable enactments respecting safety;
(c)
to providing any person a warranty of design or workmanship with
respect to any building or structure for which a building permit or
occupancy permit is issued under this Bylaw;
(d)
to providing a warranty or assurance that construction undertaken
pursuant to building permits issued by the City is free from latent, or any
defects.
4.
Permit Conditions
4.1
A permit is required whenever work regulated under this Bylaw is to be
undertaken.
4.2
Neither the issuance of a permit under this Bylaw nor the acceptance or review of
plans, drawings or specifications or supporting documents, nor any inspections
made by or on behalf of the City shall in any way relieve the owner or his or her
representatives from full and sole responsibility to perform the work in strict
accordance with this Bylaw, the Building Code and or other applicable
enactments respecting safety.
4.3
It shall be the full and sole responsibility of the owner (and where the owner is
acting through a representative, the representative) to carry out the work in
respect of which the permit was issued in compliance with the Building Code and
this Bylaw or other applicable enactments respecting safety.
4.4
Neither the issuance of a permit under this Bylaw nor the acceptance or review of
plans, drawings or specifications or supporting documents, nor any inspections
made or spot checking performed by or on behalf of the City constitute in any
way a representation, warranty, assurance or statement that the Building Code,
this Bylaw or any other applicable enactments respecting safety have been
complied with.
4.5
No person shall rely upon any permit as establishing compliance with this Bylaw
or assume or conclude that this Bylaw has been administered or enforced
according to its terms. The person to whom the building permit is issued and his
or her representatives are responsible for making such determination.
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5.
Scope and Exemptions
5.1
This Bylaw applies to the design, construction and occupancy of new buildings
and structures, and the alteration, reconstruction, demolition, removal, relocation
and occupancy of existing buildings and structures or portions thereof.
5.2
This Bylaw does not apply to buildings or structures exempted by Part 1 of the
Building Code except as expressly provided herein, or to structures constructed
for firefighting training purposes that comply with the most current edition of
NFPA 1403 Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions.
5.3
This Bylaw does not apply to lands reserved for Indians, whether reserve or
designated land.
6.
Prohibitions
6.1
No person shall commence or continue any excavation, construction, alteration,
reconstruction, demolition, removal or relocation or change the occupancy of any
building or structure unless a permit for the work has been issued.
6.2
No person shall occupy or use any building or structure contrary to the terms of
any permit or order issued or notice given by a Building Official.
6.3
No person shall knowingly submit false or misleading information to a Building
Official in relation to any permit application or construction undertaken pursuant
to this Bylaw.
6.4
No person shall, unless authorized in writing by a Building Official, reverse, alter,
deface, cover, remove or in any way tamper with any notice, permit or certificate
posted upon or affixed to a building or structure pursuant to this Bylaw.
6.5
No person shall do any work that is substantially at variance with the design
drawings of a building, structure or other works for which a permit has been
issued, unless that variance to the work has been accepted in writing by the
registered professional or Building Official.
6.6
No person shall obstruct the entry of a Building Official or other authorized
official of the City on property in the administration of this Bylaw.
7.
Building Officials
7.1
Each Building Official may:
7.1.1 administer this Bylaw;
7.1.2 keep records of permit applications, permits, notices and orders issued,
inspections and tests made, and shall retain paper, microfilm or electronic
copies of all documents related to the administration of this Bylaw;
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7.1.3 establish, if requested to do so, whether the methods or types of
construction and types of materials used in the construction of a building
or structure for which a permit is sought under this Bylaw substantially
conform to the requirements of the Building Code;
7.1.4 enter any land, building, structure or premise at any reasonable time for
the purpose of ascertaining that the terms of this Bylaw are being
observed;
7.1.5 order work, specify conditions or post Do Not Occupy signs to make a
building safe, to make a site safe, to address work that is being done or has
been done in contravention of this Bylaw;
7.1.6 prescribe the form of applications, permits, orders, notices and other forms
the use of which is contemplated by this Bylaw;
7.1.7 disconnect the water service to a parcel which has, or is suspected of
having a cross connection to potable water;
7.1.8 accept or reject an Alternate Solution (AS) submitted by an owner, builder
or designer as provided in the BC Building Code;
7.1.9 for complex Alternate Solutions, require:
7.1.9.1 Letters of Assurance for Professional Design, Field Review and
proof of liability insurance under Section 15; and
7.1.9.2 written
confirmation
from
the
Coordinating
Registered
Professional regarding the AS;
7.1.10 for Alternate Solutions, require an acceptable 219 restrictive covenant be
filed in the Land Title Office;
7.1.11 issue a permit for an acceptable AS subject to payment of fees in the Fees
and Charges Bylaw;
7.2
A Building Official shall:
7.2.1 where any residence is occupied, obtain the consent of the occupant or
provide written notice to the occupant 24 hours in advance of entry; and
7.2.2 carry proper credentials confirming his or her status as a Building Official.
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8.
Permit Applications
8.1
Every person shall apply for and obtain:
8.1.1 a building permit before excavating for construction, constructing,
relocating, reconstructing, repairing, or altering a building, retaining wall,
swimming pool or other structure;
8.1.2 a moving permit before moving a building or structure;
8.1.3 a demolition permit before demolishing a building or structure;
8.1.4 a fireplace and chimney permit prior to the construction of a masonry
fireplace or the installation of a wood burning appliance or chimney unless
the works are encompassed by a valid building permit;
8.1.5 a sign permit before constructing or placing a sign regulated in this Bylaw
or the Sign Bylaw;
8.1.6 a plumbing permit before installing, repairing or altering any plumbing,
and similar works except as set out in Section 13.9;
8.1.7 a fire sprinkler permit for fire line or sprinkler installation;
8.1.8 an on-site service permit for on-site services and water meter; and
8.1.9 an energy permit for hydronic heating.
8.2
An application for a permit shall be made in the form prescribed by a Building
Official.
8.3
An applicant for a demolition permit may be required to:
8.3.1
pay the permit fee, capping cost for the existing water, storm, and
sanitary services;
8.3.2
except for single residential and duplex residential zoned property,
provide floor area calculations for Development Cost Charge
credits.
8.4
When required by a Building Official an application for a plumbing permit shall
be accompanied by a plan that shows the location and size of every building drain
and of every trap or inspection piece on a building drain, and a sectional drawing
showing the size and location of every soil or waste pipe, trap and vent pipe.
8.5
An application for a permit for a building with a hydronic heating system shall
include two copies of the system design, heat loss calculations and boiler room
layout showing:
8.5.1 pipe lengths for all rooms heated by radiant panel;
8.5.2 radiant panel looping arrangements;
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8.5.3 lengths of baseboard heating units where applicable;
8.5.4 type of piping;
8.5.5 boiler and radiant system temperatures;
8.5.6 pump schedules and locations;
8.5.7 heating demands for all systems;
8.5.8 boiler model and rating;
8.5.9 size and type of mixing valve; and
8.5.10 thermometer and aqua stat on radiant panel supply.
Designs and supporting documents are to be in compliance with the Thermal
Environmental Comfort Association (TECA) guidelines for design in effect at the
time of application and shall be certified by a Registered Professional.
8.6
All drawings submitted with permit applications shall bear the name and address
of the designer.
8.7
Each building or structure to be constructed on a site requires a separate building
permit and shall be assessed a separate building permit fee based on the value of
that building or structure as determined in accordance with Fees and Charges
Bylaw.
8.8
An application for a permit will be canceled if:
8.8.1 permit fees are not paid within six months from the date of notification to
the applicant that the City is prepared for permit issuance; or
8.8.2 after six months of being notified by the City, the applicant has not
amended the application such that a permit is issuable.
9.
Complex Building Applications
9.1
Unless exempted by the Building Official, an application for a building permit
with respect to a complex building shall:
9.1.1 be signed by the owner, or a signing officer if the owner is a corporation,
and the coordinating registered professional;
9.1.2 be accompanied by the owner's acknowledgment in Form A, signed by the
owner, or a signing officer if the owner is a corporation;
9.1.3 include a copy of a title search made within 30 days of the date of the
application;
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9.1.4 include a site plan prepared by a British Columbia Land Surveyor
showing:
9.1.4.1
the bearing and dimensions of the parcel taken from the
registered subdivision plan;
9.1.4.2
the legal description and civic address of the parcel;
9.1.4.3
the location and dimensions of all applicable restrictive
covenants, statutory rights of way, easements and setback
requirements;
9.1.4.4
the location and dimensions of all existing and proposed
buildings or structures on the parcel;
9.1.4.5
finished ground levels to an established datum at or
adjacent to the site;
9.1.4.6
the location, gradient and dimension of parking areas and
driveway access;
9.1.4.7
the location of the natural boundary of any lake, swamp,
pond or watercourse that is on or within 50 m of the parcel;
9.1.4.8
where land is subject to flooding, the 200 year flood level
and setback from the natural boundary of the river; and
9.1.4.9
the geodetic elevation of the lowest habitable floor in a
building;
9.1.5 include three sets of drawings prepared and sealed by the registered
professionals including floor plans, elevations, cross sections and details
showing that the building design substantially conforms with the City
Bylaws and other applicable enactments;
9.1.6 include three sets of site servicing drawings, including sufficient detail of
off-site services to indicate locations at the property line, prepared and
sealed by a registered professional, in accordance with the City's
Subdivision Servicing Bylaw;
9.1.7 include three sets of Plumbing Drawings prepared by the registered
professional which includes a list of all fixtures along with an accurate
fixture count;
9.1.8 include details of the water supply and demand information from a
registered professional;
9.1.9 include water meter details to City standard specification;
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9.1.10 include copies of approvals required under any enactment relating to
health or safety, including, without limitation, sewage disposal permits,
highway access permits and Ministry of Health approval;
9.1.11 include a letter of assurance as referred to in the Building Code, signed by
the owner, or a signing officer of the owner if the owner is a corporation,
and the coordinating registered professional;
9.1.12 include letters of assurance in the form provided in the Building Code,
each signed by such 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 or structure;
9.1.13 include copies of all encumbrances pertaining to the use of the property,
including but not limited to restrictive covenants, easements, land use
contracts and right of way agreements;
9.1.14 include any other information required by the Building Official or the
Building Code to establish substantial compliance with this Bylaw, the
requirements of the Building Code in respect of the health and safety
aspects of the work, and other Bylaws and enactments relating to the
building or structure; and
9.1.15 include electronic copies of drawings.
10.
Standard Building Applications
10.1
Unless exempted by the Building Official, an application for a building permit
with respect to a standard building shall:
10.1.1 be signed by the owner, or a signing officer if the owner is a corporation;
10.1.2 be accompanied by the owner's acknowledgment in Form A, signed by
the owner, or a signing officer if the owner is a corporation;
10.1.3 include a copy of a title search made within 30 days of the date of the
application;
10.1.4 include a site plan from a British Columbia Land Surveyor showing:
10.1.4.1
the dimensions of the parcel taken from the registered
subdivision plan;
10.1.4.2
the legal description and civic address of the parcel;
10.1.4.3
the
location
and
dimensions
respecting
restrictive
covenants, statutory rights of way, easements and setback
requirements;
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10.1.4.4
the location and dimensions of all existing and proposed
buildings or structures on the parcel;
10.1.4.5
the finished ground levels;
10.1.4.6
the location, dimension and gradient of parking areas and
driveway access;
10.1.4.7
the location of the natural boundary of any lake, swamp,
pond or watercourse that is on or within 50 m of the
property; and
10.1.4.8
where land is subject to flood, the flood level and setbacks
from the natural boundary of the river;
10.1.5 include two sets of drawings including floor plans, elevations, cross
sections and details showing that the building design will substantially
comply with the requirements of the Building Code in respect of the health
and safety aspects of the work, City Bylaws and other applicable
enactments respecting safety and health;
10.1.6 for single residential and duplex residential, provide dimensions and
calculations for lot area, lot coverage, building height, setbacks, floor area
ratio, building depth, parking and other requirements in the Zoning Bylaw
and the Parking and Regulation of Development Bylaw;
10.1.7 include copies of approvals required under any enactment relating to
health or safety, including, without limitation, sewage disposal permits,
highway access permits and Ministry of Health approval;
10.1.8 include a foundation design prepared by a registered professional in
accordance with section 4.2 of Part 4 of the Building Code, accompanied
by letters of assurance in the form provided in the Building Code, signed
by the registered professional, unless:
10.1.8.1
the requirements of 10.1.8 are waived by the Building
Official for a building less than 50 square meters in
building area on the basis of an inspection of the site
conditions;
10.1.8.2
the requirements of section 10.1.8 are waived by a Building
Official because the Building Official required a
professional engineer's report pursuant to section 699 (2) of
the Local Government Act and the building permit is issued
in accordance with sections 699 (5) and (6) of the Local
Government Act; or;
10.1.8.3
documentation, prepared and sealed by a registered
professional, is provided certifying that the foundation
design substantially complies with section 9.4.4 of Part 9
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the Building Code and the foundation excavation
substantially complies with section 9.12 of Part 9 of the
Building Code;
10.1.9
include copies of encumbrances pertaining to the use of the
property, including but not limited to restrictive covenants,
easements, land use contracts and right of way agreements;
10.1.10
include electronic copies of drawings; and
10.1.11
include water meter detail to City's standard specification.
10.2
In addition to the requirements of section 10.1, some or all of the following may
be required by a Building Official to be submitted with a building permit
application for the construction of a standard building where the project involves
two or more buildings, which in the aggregate total more than 1000 square
meters, or two or more buildings that will contain four or more dwelling units, or
otherwise where the complexity of the proposed building, structure or site
warrant:
10.2.1
site servicing drawings, including sufficient detail of off-site
services to indicate locations at the property line, prepared and
sealed by a registered professional, in accordance with the City's
Subdivision Servicing Bylaw;
10.2.2
a section through the site showing grades, buildings, structures,
parking areas and driveways;
10.2.3
a roof plan and roof height calculations;
10.2.4
structural, electrical, mechanical or fire suppression drawings
prepared and sealed by a registered professional;
10.2.5
letters of assurance in the form provided in the Building Code,
signed by the registered professional; and
10.2.6
any other information required by the Building Official or the
Building Code to establish substantial compliance with this Bylaw,
the requirements of the Building Code in respect of the health and
safety aspects of the work, and other Bylaws and enactments
relating to the building or structure.
11.
Professional Plan Certification
11.1
When the letters of assurance in the form provided in the Building Code are
required and provided pursuant to sections 9.1.11, 10.1.8 and 10.2.5 of this
Bylaw, they are relied upon by the City and its Building Officials as certification
that the design and plans to which the letters of assurance relate comply with the
Building Code and other applicable enactments relating to safety.
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11.2
A building permit issued pursuant to section 11.1 of this Bylaw shall include a
notice to the owner that the building permit is issued in reliance upon the
certification of the registered professionals that the design and plans submitted in
support of the application for the building permit comply with the Building Code
and other applicable enactments relating to safety.
11.3
When a building permit is issued in accordance with section 11.1 and 11.2 of this
Bylaw, the permit fee shall be reduced by 2.5% of the fees payable pursuant to the
Fees and Charges Bylaw, up to a maximum reduction of $500.00 (five hundred
dollars).
12.
Fees and Charges
12.1
In addition to applicable fees and charges required under other Bylaws, a permit
fee, calculated in accordance with the Fees and Charges Bylaw, shall be paid in
full upon issuance of any permit under this Bylaw.
12.2
The appropriate application fee as set out in the Fees and Charges Bylaw shall
accompany an application made for a permit.
12.2.1
The application fee is non-refundable.
12.2.2
If an application is cancelled pursuant to Section 8.8, the plan
processing fee is forfeited.
12.2.3
When an application is cancelled the plans and related documents
submitted with the application are not retained in City records.
12.3
The owner may obtain a refund of the permit fees when a permit is surrendered
and cancelled before any construction begins. Such refund shall not include the
plan-processing fee paid pursuant to section 12.2 of this Bylaw.
12.4
Where, due to non-compliance with this Bylaw, more than two inspections are
necessary when one inspection is normally required, for each inspection after the
second inspection, a re-inspection charge as set out in the Fees and Charges
Bylaw shall be paid prior to additional inspections being performed.
12.5
Where a required permit inspection or site visit is requested to be done after the
hours during which the offices of the City are normally open, an inspection charge
shall be payable based on the time actually spent in making such inspection,
including travel time, as set out in the Fees and Charges Bylaw.
12.6
An inspection charge or site visit charge, as set out in the Fees and Charges
Bylaw, shall be payable in advance for a voluntary inspection to establish
compliance of or to obtain a report on the status of an existing building or
structure.
12.7 Where, due to non-compliance with this Bylaw:
12.7.1
Correspondence is sent from any staff in the City's Building
Division to the owner or tenant;
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12.7.2
Inspection or re-inspection is performed by the Building Inspector;
12.7.3
Correspondence is sent from the City's lawyer to the owner or
tenant;
12.7.4
A file review and Building Code analysis of the existing building is
conducted by the Building Official to determine whether current
conditions are safe;
12.7.5
A Stop Work Order is issued by the Building Official;
12.7.6
A Do Not Occupy Notice is posted by the Building Official; or
12.7.7
A Notice on Title is filed at the Land title Office by the City under
Section 57 of the Community Charte;,
a charge as set out in the Fees and Charges Bylaw shall be paid by the owner within
2 weeks of the action by the City, and any unpaid charges may be collected as taxes
in arrear if unpaid by December 31 of the year in which they are imposed.
13.
Building Permits
13.1
When:
13.1.1
a completed application, including all required supporting
documentation has been submitted;
13.1.2
the owner or his or her representative has paid all applicable fees
set out in section 12.1 of this Bylaw;
13.1.3
the owner or his or her representative has paid all charges and met
all requirements imposed by any other statute or bylaw; and
13.1.4
no covenant, agreement, bylaw or regulation of the City authorizes
the permit to be withheld;
a Building Official shall issue the permit for which the application is made.
13.2
When the application is in respect of a building that includes, or will include, a
residential occupancy, the building permit must not be issued unless the owner
provides evidence pursuant to the Homeowner Protection Act, that the proposed
building:
13.2.1
is covered by home warranty insurance; and
13.2.2
the constructor is a licensed residential builder.
13.3
Section 13.2 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.
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13.4
Every permit is issued upon the condition that the permit shall expire and the
rights of the owner under the permit shall terminate if:
13.4.1
the work authorized by the permit is not commenced within 6
months from the date of issuance of the permit; or
13.4.2
work is discontinued for a period of 6 months.
13.5
A Building Official may extend the period of time set out under sections 13.4.1
and 13.4.2 for a reasonable period where construction has not been commenced or
has been discontinued due to adverse weather, strikes, material or labour
shortages, or similar hardship beyond the owner's control. The owner must apply
to the Building Official in writing providing details of the revised work schedule
and specifying the period of time requested, prior to the expiration of the permit.
13.6
A Building Official may issue a building permit for a portion of a building or
structure before the design, plans and specifications for the entire building or
structure have been accepted, provided sufficient information has been provided
to the City to demonstrate to the Building Official that the portion authorized to
be constructed substantially complies with the requirements of the Building Code
in respect of the health and safety aspects of the work and this and other
applicable Bylaws and the additional permit fee applicable to that portion of the
building or structure has been paid. The issuance of the permit notwithstanding,
the requirements of this Bylaw apply to the remainder of the building or structure
as if the permit for the portion of the building or structure had not been issued.
13.7
A sign permit is required where:
13.7.1.
the sign and supporting structure have a combined weight in excess
of 25 kilograms and are to be attached to a building or structure;
13.7.2.
a sign structure supports a freestanding sign exceeding 4 square
meters in sign area;
13.7.3.
a sign structure supports a freestanding sign and the sign and
supporting structure combined exceed 3 meters in height or 4
meters in width.
13.8
The requirements of Section 15 of this Bylaw may be applied to a sign structure at
the discretion of the Building Official.
13.9
No plumbing permit is required for the clearing of stoppages or the repairing of
leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, when such repairs do not involve or require the
rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures or hot water tanks.
13.10 Subject to the requirements of any other bylaw, a Building Official may issue a
building permit for the erection or placement of a temporary building or structure,
if satisfied that the building or structure is safe for the stated use and duration.
14.
Disclaimer of Warranty or Representation
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Neither the issuance of a permit under this Bylaw, the review and acceptance of the
design, drawings, plans or specifications, nor inspections made by a Building Official,
shall constitute a representation or warranty that the Building Code or the Bylaw have
been complied with or the building or structure meets any standard of materials or
workmanship, and no person shall rely on any of those acts as establishing compliance
with the Building Code or this Bylaw or any standard of construction.
15.
Professional Design and Field Review
15.1 When a Building Official considers that the site conditions, size or complexity of
a development or an aspect of a development warrant, or when some aspects of
a standard building are not designed in accordance with Part 9 of the Building
Code, they may require a registered professional to provide design and plan
certification and field review supported by letters of assurance in the form of
Schedules CA, B-1, B-2 and C-B referred to in section 2.6 of Part 2 of the
Building Code.
15.2
Prior to occupying a complex building or standard building in circumstances
where letters of assurance have been required in accordance with sections 9, 10
or 15 of this Bylaw, the owner shall provide the Building Official with letters of
assurance in the form of Schedules C-A or C-B, as is appropriate, referred to in
section 2.6 of Part 2 of the Building Code.
15.3
When a registered professional provides letters of assurance in accordance with
sections 9, 10, or 15 of this Bylaw, he or she shall also provide proof of
professional liability insurance to the Building Official. The registered
professional will notify both the Chief Building Inspector and the owner, who
has engaged the registered professional, of any termination of or change in the
terms of coverage provided by the policy, immediately upon being informed of
or becoming aware of such termination or change.
16.
Responsibilities of the Owner
16.1
Every owner shall ensure that all construction complies with the Building Code,
this Bylaw and other applicable enactments respecting safety.
16.2
Every owner to whom a permit is issued shall be responsible for the cost of repair
of any damage to municipal works that occurs in the course of the work
authorized by the permit.
16.3
Every owner to whom a permit is issued shall, during construction:
16.3.1
post and maintain the permit in a conspicuous place on the
property in respect of which the permit was issued;
16.3.2
keep a copy of the accepted designs, drawings and specifications
on the property; and
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16.3.3
post the civic address on the property in a location visible from any
adjoining streets.
17.
Inspections for Health and Safety by the Building Official for Standard Buildings
17.1
A Building Official may attend periodically at the site of the construction of
standard buildings or structures to ascertain whether the work is being carried out
in substantial conformance with the requirements of the Building Code in respect
of the health and safety aspects of the work, this Bylaw and any other applicable
enactment concerning safety.
17.2
For standard buildings or structures, the owner or his or her representative shall
give at least 48 hours notice to the City when requesting an inspection and shall
obtain an inspection and receive a Building Official's acceptance of the following
aspects of the work prior to concealing it:
(a)
location of footings and foundations, and, for buildings with a total area of
all floors not more than 50 square meters, soil conditions for the building;
(b)
storm, sanitary, water, fire line services;
(c)
water chamber;
(d)
perimeter drain tiles and damp proofing;
(e)
ground, base material and membrane prior to the placing of a concrete
slab;
(f)
rough-in plumbing, sprinkler, standpipe;
(g)
rough in of factory built chimneys and fireplaces and solid fuel burning
appliances;
(h)
framing & sheathing;
(i)
insulation and vapour barrier;
final when the building or structure is ready to occupy.
17.3
No aspect of the work referred in Section 17.2 of this Bylaw shall be concealed
until a Building Official has accepted it in writing.
17.4
When a registered professional provides letters of assurance in accordance with
sections 10 or 15 of this Bylaw in respect of a standard building or structure, the
City will rely solely on field reviews undertaken by the registered professional
and letters of assurance submitted pursuant to section 15 of this Bylaw as
assurance that the construction substantially conforms to the design and the
Building Code, this Bylaw and other applicable enactments respecting safety.
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17.5
Where a registered professional has provided letters of assurance, the Building
Official may require some or all work on the site to be stopped until a site visit
and field review record from the registered professional has been provided to the
satisfaction of the Building Official.
18.
Spot Checking Health and Safety by the Building Official for Complex Buildings
18.1
When a registered professional provides letters of assurance in accordance with
sections 9 or 15 of this Bylaw in respect of a complex building or structure, the
City will rely solely on field reviews undertaken by the registered professional
and letters of assurance submitted pursuant to section 15 of this Bylaw as
assurance that the construction substantially conforms to the design, the Building
Code, this Bylaw and other applicable enactments respecting safety.
18.2
A Building Official may attend from time to time during the course of
construction:
18.2.1
to obtain survey information requirements for record purposes
regarding the Zoning Bylaw, Development Permit and floodplain
requirements in this Bylaw;
18.2.2
to ascertain that the field reviews are taking place; and
18.2.3
to monitor the field reviews undertaken by the registered
professionals.
18.3
Where a registered professional has provided letters of assurance, the Building
Official may determine the frequency and timing of field reviews required to be
performed by the registered professional and may require the registered
professional to notify the Building Official of a planned field review so that the
Building Official may monitor the conduct of the field review. The Building
Official may order the work stopped until reviewed by the registered professional.
18.4
The owner shall notify the Building Official prior to occupying the building that
the work is complete and ready for the Building Official to:
18.4.1
spot check building construction including stairs, guards, hand
rails, ramps, accessible toilet rooms, walkways, doors, door
hardware, fire separations, fire resistance rating, fire protection
rating, flame spread rating, pressurized vestibules, water closets,
basins, roof drains, floor drains, scuppers, backflow devices, roof
venting, fireplaces and furnaces; and
18.4.2
spot test health and safety aspects of building systems including
fire alarm systems, smoke alarms, sprinkler systems, standpipe
systems, exit signs, emergency lighting, emergency power,
commercial cooking and suppression systems, elevators and
carbon monoxide systems.
19.
Occupying a Building
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19.1
A building may be occupied when:
19.1.1
for all buildings, required letters of assurance, from each registered
professional and the coordinating registered professional have been
provided to the Building Official;
19.1.2
for standard buildings, all aspects of the work requiring inspection
and acceptance pursuant to section 17.2 of this Bylaw have been
inspected and accepted; and
19.1.3
for complex buildings, spot checks required in 18.4 have been
completed.
19.2
A Building Official may complete an occupancy inspection for part of a building
or structure when that part of the building or structure is self-contained, provided
with essential services and meets requirements set out in section 19.1 of this
Bylaw.
19.3
Where a building permit has been issued for single residential, the owner may
apply for permission to occupy the building prior to completion of construction,
which permission may be withheld until the building or part thereof complies with
the health and safety requirements of the Bylaws of the City or of any statute.
20.
Retaining Structures
20.1
A building permit is required for retaining walls and retaining structures greater
than 1.5 meters in height or as required in section 15.1.
20.2
A site plan, design drawings and letters of assurance prepared by a professional
engineer are to be provided with a building permit application.
20.3
Where the wall exceeds 10m in length or 2m in height at any point, a Building
Official may require:
20.3.1
a survey certificate from a BC Licenced Surveyor, and
20.3.2
a written report from the engineer addressing site conditions, soil
conditions and drainage.
21.
Swimming Pools
21.1
Every application for a permit for a swimming pool shall be accompanied with a
plan showing the location of the proposed pool and all water supply piping, waste
piping and appurtenances, and all structural detail.
21.2
Pool waste water shall be disposed of to the sanitary sewer as approved by the
Plumbing Inspector, prior to the commencement of any work.
21.3
Any structure designed or constructed as a swimming pool, wading pool or pond,
of a depth at any point in excess of 0.75 metres shall be surrounded by a fence or
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building, or combination of fence and building with a fence base not more than
100 mm (4 inches) above ground or adjacent grade and no less than:
21.3.1
a height of 1.2 metres if the pool structure was in existence on
August 9th 1977, or
21.3.2
a height of 1.8 metres if the pool structure was not in existence on
August 9th, 1977.
21.4
The fence shall be constructed either on the property line or surrounding the pool
or pond in such a manner as to render the pool or pond safe from unauthorized
entry. All gates to a pool or ponds shall be self-latching and be mounted on the
swimming pool side of the fence and at a height of at least 1.0 m (3.3 ft.) above
grade or on the outside of the fence at 1.5 m (4.9 ft.) above grade.
21.5
Every fence enclosing a swimming pool shall be maintained by the Owner or
occupier of real property in good order and repair, and adequate to perform its
intended function. All sagging gates, loose parts, worn latches and locks and
broken or binding members shall be promptly and adequately replaced and
repaired.
21.6
Section 21.3 of this Bylaw does not apply to any pond or pool:
21.6.1
constructed on land owned or controlled by the City, the Province
of British Columbia, or Government of Canada;
21.6.2
having a surface area exceeding 500 square metres, a maximum
depth of less than 1.5 metres, and no slope at the base of the pond
or pool exceeding a 1 to 5 depth to length ratio around its
perimeter;
21.6.3
which is separated from the nearest path, sidewalk, or walkway by
landscaping strip having a minimum width of 3 metres; and
21.6.4
which is not designed or used for swimming or wading.
22.
Fire Limit Areas and Sprinkler Regulations
22.1
Those areas zoned to permit commercial, industrial, institutional and residential
use by the Zoning Bylaw, as amended or re-enacted from time to time, are
established as fire limit areas.
22.2
Within the fire limit areas, fire sprinklers shall be installed in all industrial,
commercial, institutional and residential buildings, other than one family and two
families residential buildings, constructed, added to, or altered, pursuant to a
building permit application made after February 18, 1991. Within the fire limit
areas, fire sprinklers shall be installed in all one family and two family dwellings
constructed, added to, or altered, pursuant to a building permit application made
after January 11, 1999.
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22.3
Where Subsection 22.2 requires installation of a fire sprinkler system, the
building shall be provided with a fire sprinkler system in accordance with
National Fire Protection Association and Building Code standards for the
installation of fire sprinklers. In the event of any inconsistency between the
standards of the National Fire Protection Association and the Building Code, the
Building Code standards shall govern.
22.4
Subsection 22.2 does not apply to:
22.4.1
additions or alterations to single residential and duplex residential
buildings where the cumulative construction value over the most
recent period of 24 consecutive months is not more than the higher
of $75,000 or 75% of the assessed value as determined by the BC
Assessment Authority prior to the addition or alteration;
22.4.2
additions or alterations to industrial, commercial and institutional
buildings with no more than one dwelling unit in the building and
multiple-dwelling residential buildings with more than two
dwelling units in the building where the cumulative construction
value over the most recent period of 24 consecutive months is not
more than the higher of $75,000 or 25% of the assessed value as
determined by the BC Assessment Authority prior to the addition
or alteration;
22.4.3
additions or alterations to industrial, commercial and institutional
buildings with more than one dwelling unit in the building where
the cumulative construction value in the most recent 10-year
period is not more than 25% of the assessed value as determined
by the BC Assessment Authority prior to the addition or alteration;
22.4.4
new non-residential buildings less than 235 square metres in floor
area;
22.4.5
additions to non-residential buildings having a floor area less than
235 square metres;
22.4.6
an open air storage shed that:
22.4.6.1
is used for storage of noncombustible materials; and
22.4.6.2
is used for parking of not more than five vehicles.
22.4.7
non-residential farm buildings used for agricultural purposes;
22.4.8
temporary buildings;
22.4.9
notwithstanding 22.4.2, work related only to seismic upgrading of
school buildings owned by School District No. 43;
22.4.10
alterations to residential buildings other than one and two family
dwellings for building envelope related repairs;
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22.4.11
alterations to repair an existing building caused by soil or
foundation problems".
22.5
A building permit shall not be issued for the construction or alteration of a
building referred to in Section 22.2 unless the applicant submits a design drawing
showing the location where fire sprinklers will be installed and pays the fee
prescribed in the Fees and Charges Bylaw.
23.
Moving of Buildings
23.1
No person shall move any building without first obtaining a building moving
permit.
23.2
Except as provided by Subsection 23.3 of this Section, any new building moved
into the City shall have been inspected by a Building Official as it is being built;
shall have a minimum width of 6 metres; and shall conform in every respect to all
relevant Bylaws of the City.
23.3
Section 23.2 shall not apply to a new factory built residential building that
complies in every respect to the Building Code, as to the construction thereof, and
which is to be erected on a site in compliance with the Bylaws of the City.
23.4
Every person applying for a permit to move a factory-built building shall, at the
request of the Building Official, demonstrate that the building conforms with:
23.4.1
the health and safety aspects of the Building Code; and
23.4.2
the Canadian Standards Association Standard A277 for a factory
built residential building;
or the applicant shall provide professional design and field review in the case of
commercial, industrial, institutional and multi-family residential buildings.
23.5
A copy of the liability insurance policy to cover the moving of the building in an
amount not less than two million dollars is to be provided to the Building Official.
The policy shall be endorsed to include the City as an added named insured
insofar as liability may be created by the granting of any permission under this
Bylaw.
23.6
No building moving permit shall be issued until the applicant has paid all charges
and met all requirements imposed by any other statute or City Bylaws. The
applicant is responsible for obtaining all other permits that may be required by
other authorities.
24.
Adaptable Dwelling Units
At least 20% of the one-storey dwelling units shall be adaptable dwelling units
when located within a building containing 10 or more one-storey dwelling units.
For clarification, a one-storey dwelling unit does not include a dwelling unit with
a mezzanine or loft containing living space.
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25.
Cross Connections
25.1 All cross connections, whether directly or indirectly connected to a water system,
shall be protected with a CSA (Canadian Standards Association) listed backflow
prevention device which meets the CSA B64.10 M94 and the sixth Edition of the
AWA (American Waterworks Association) Cross Connection Control Manual
standards.
25.2
All backflow prevention devices are to be tested annually, commencing on the
final inspection date for the device issued by the plumbing inspector. A certified
tester must complete the annual test and submit the results to the City of Port
Coquitlam on the City's test form with the applicable fee noted in the Fees and
Charges Bylaw.
26.
Penalties and Enforcement
26.1
Every person who contravenes any provision of this Bylaw commits an offense
punishable on summary conviction and shall be liable to a fine of not more than
$10,000.00 (Ten Thousand Dollars) or to imprisonment for not more than six
months.
26.2
A Building Official may order the cessation of any work that is proceeding in
contravention of the Building Code or this Bylaw by posting a Stop Work notice.
26.3
The owner of property on which a Stop Work notice has been posted, and every
other person, shall cease all construction work immediately and shall not do any
work until all applicable provisions of this Bylaw have been substantially
complied with and the Stop Work notice has been rescinded in writing by a
Building Official.
26.4
Where a person occupies a building or structure or part of a building or structure
in contravention of section 6.2 of this Bylaw a Building Official may post a Do
Not Occupy notice on the affected part of the building or structure.
26.5
The owner of property on which a Do Not Occupy notice has been posted, and
every person, shall cease occupancy of the building or structure immediately and
shall 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.
26.6
Every person who commences work requiring a building permit without first
obtaining such a permit shall, if a Stop Work notice is issued and remains
outstanding for 30 days, pay an additional charge equal to 25% of the building
permit fee prior to obtaining the required building permit.
27.
Severability
The provisions of this Bylaw are severable and the invalidity of any part of this Bylaw
shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this Bylaw.
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28.
Forms
Form A attached to this Bylaw forms a part of this Bylaw.
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29.
Repeal
"Building and Plumbing Bylaw, 2003, No. 3425", as amended, is hereby repealed.
Read a first time as amended, by the Municipal Council this 13th day of July, 2009.
Read a second time as amended by the Municipal Council this 13th day of July, 2009.
Read a third time as amended by the Municipal Council 13th day of July, 2009.
Reconsidered, finally passed and adopted by the Municipal Council of The Corporation of the
City of Port Coquitlam, this 27th day of July, 2009.
G. MOORE
S. RAUH
Mayor
Corporate Officer
RECORD OF AMENDMENTS
BYLAW NO.
AMENDED SECTION
DATE
3726
Replaced GST with applicable taxes
2010 05 10
3780
Removed Sec. 5.2 and replaced
2011 08 08
3809
Enactment clause, Definition for
2012 11 13
Adaptable Housing, Section 24
3852
Sprinkler changes -Temp Building,
Sections 22.4.1, 22.4.2 & 22.4.3
2013 10 28
3943
Temporary Building definition
2016 05 09
4126
BC Energy Step Code
2019 07 23
4152
BC Energy Step Code (date change)
2019-11-26
4333
BC Energy Step Code (date change)
2023-09-26
4383
Sections 9.1.7 and Section 15
2024-09-10
4409
Section 24
2025-06-10
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Form A
Acknowledgements of Owner
I acknowledge that the owner of the land in respect of which this permit is issued is solely
responsible for carrying out the work authorized by this permit in accordance with the Building
Code and other applicable laws respecting safety, including the requirements of the Building
Code in relation to soil conditions for building foundations.
I acknowledge that the owner of the land is also solely responsible for determining whether the
work authorized by this permit contravenes any covenant, easement, right of way, building
scheme or other restriction affecting the building site, and whether the work requires the
involvement of an architect under the Architect's Act or an engineer or geoscientist under the
Engineers and Geoscientists Act.
I acknowledge that the City of Port Coquitlam provides a limited monitoring service in relation
to building construction and does not, by accepting or reviewing plans, inspecting construction,
monitoring the inspection of construction by others, or issuing building or occupancy permits,
warrant that the construction authorized by this permit complies in every or any respect with the
Building Code or any other applicable laws respecting safety.
If the City of Port Coquitlam has so indicated on this permit, I acknowledge that the City has
issued the permit in reliance on the certification of a registered professional, engaged by me to
provide such a certification, that the plans for the work authorized by the permit comply with the
Building Code and other applicable enactments, and that the fee for the permit has been
accordingly reduced. I acknowledge that the City of Port Coquitlam, by issuing this permit or
any occupancy permit, makes no representations to me or any other person as to any such
compliance.
Name of Registered Owner (please print)
Signature of Registered Owner or
Authorized Signatory of Corporate Owner
Date of Acknowledgement
THE CORPORATION OF THE
CITY OF PORT COQUITLAM
BYLAW NO. 3710