Building Bylaw No. 1822, 2004 (Consolidated, as amended through Bylaw 3090)
Squamish, British Columbia
· No. 1822
· adopted 2005-08-02
· summary & facts
This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document.
Snapshot cc455c5107ce · verified 2026-09-24 ·
original document ·
archived snapshot ·
unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
Bylaw 1822, 2004 consolidated July 4, 2018
DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH
Bylaw No. 1822, 2004
A bylaw to regulate building construction and provide for the administration of the
B.C. Building Code
As Amended by Bylaw 1933, 2012, 2126, 2279, 2309, 2587, 2684, 2896, 2937, 3020 and 3090.
THIS IS A CONSOLIDATED BYLAW PREPARED BY THE DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH
FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY. THE CORPORATION DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE
INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS CONSOLIDATION IS CURRENT. IT IS THE
RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PERSON USING THIS CONSOLIDATION TO ENSURE
THAT IT ACCURATELY REFLECTS CURRENT BYLAW PROVISIONS.
______________________________________________________________________________
WHEREAS the Community Charter authorizes the District, for the health, safety and protection
of persons and property, to regulate, prohibit and impose requirements in relation to building and
structures;
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 DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH, in open meeting
assembled, enacts as follows:
1.0
Title
1.1
This bylaw may be cited for all purposes as the "District of Squamish Building Bylaw
No. 1822, 2004".
Part 2: PURPOSE OF BYLAW (Amended as per Bylaw 2587, 2018)
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
This bylaw is enacted to regulate, prohibit and impose requirements in regard to
construction in the District in the public interest.
2.4
The purpose of this bylaw does not extend to:
(a) the protection of owners or constructors from economic loss;
(b) the assumption by the District 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 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 building permit or occupancy permit is
issued under this bylaw; or
(d) providing a warranty or assurance that construction undertaken under
building permits issued by the District is free from latent, or any, defects.
Part 3: SCOPE AND EXEMPTIONS (Amended as per Bylaw 2587, 2018)
Application
3.1
This bylaw applies to the geographical area of the District and to land, the surface of
water, air space, buildings or structures in the District.
3.2
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. The
installation, alteration or connection of a plumbing system. The installation alteration
or connection of a sprinkler system (Amended as per Bylaw 2896).
3.3
This bylaw does not apply to:
(a) except as set out in [Retaining Walls] of this bylaw, a fence permitted to be
constructed under the District's Zoning Bylaw as amended from time to time;
(b) an accessory building with a floor area of less than 10 square metres (unless
the building contains an unsafe condition, hazard or home occupation), a
trellis, an arbour, a wall supporting soil that is less than 1.22 metres in height,
or other similar landscape features, if the building or structure complies with
the siting requirements of the Zoning Bylaw as amended from time to time;
(c) non-structural repair and maintenance of lawfully conforming and lawfully
non-conforming structures; or
(d) a building or structure commonly known as "Canadian Standards Association
Z240 MH series, Z241 series or A277 series" within an established mobile
home park, except for alterations or additions to these buildings or structures.
Limited Application to Existing Buildings
3.4
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 this or another bylaw, regulation or
statute as amended from time to time.
3.5
This bylaw applies if the whole or any part of an existing building is moved either
within or into the District, including relocation relative to parcel lines created by
subdivision or consolidation.
(a) If an alteration is made to an existing building or plumbing system or fire
suppression system, the alteration must comply with this bylaw and the building
code (Amended as per Bylaw 2896).
3.6
If an alteration to an existing building is limited to small suites intended for a Group
A, Division 2, D, E or F2 occupancy under the building code and if the occupancy
load for the entire building or suite does not exceed 30 persons,
(a) the alteration must comply with this bylaw; and
(b) the suite area and its means of egress must be upgraded to a level
consistent with this bylaw and the building code.
Energy Step Code Exemptions for Instream Development Permit Applications
3.7
Notwithstanding any provision of this Bylaw, when a Development Permit application
for form and character of development or a Development Variance Permit
application is submitted prior to July 1, 2018, the associated Building Permit
application, if received and accepted by the District prior to January 1, 2019, is
exempt from having to meet the Energy Step Code requirements of Part 17 of this
Bylaw.
Part 4: PROHIBITIONS (Amended as per Bylaw 2587, 2018)
4.1
A person must not commence or continue any construction, alteration, excavation,
reconstruction, demolition, removal, relocation or change the use or occupancy of
any building or structure, including placement of foundation forms or other work
related to construction:
(a) except in conformity with the requirements of the building code and this
bylaw; and
(b) unless a building official has issued a valid and subsisting permit for the work
under this bylaw.
(c) Unless site conditions are generally conformance with applicable regulations
related to safety (added by Bylaw 2896).
4.2
A person must not occupy or use any building or structure:
(a) unless a valid and subsisting occupancy permit has been issued by a building
official for the building or structure; or
(b) contrary to the terms of any permit issued or any notice given by a building
official.
4.3
A person must not occupy or permit the occupancy of any building or structure or
part of any building or structure until the building official has issued an occupancy
permit or a final inspection notice for it.
4.4
A person must not submit false or misleading information to a building official in
relation to any permit application or construction undertaken pursuant to this bylaw.
4.5
Except in accordance with this bylaw, a person must not erase, alter or modify plans
and supporting documents after the same have been reviewed 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.
4.6
A person must not, 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 or affixed to a building or structure pursuant to this bylaw.
4.7
A person must not do any work that is substantially 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.
4.8
A person must not interfere with or obstruct the entry of a building official or other
authorized official of the District on property in the administration of this bylaw.
4.9
A person must not repair a building or structure damaged by fire, decay, storm,
earthquake or otherwise to an extent greater than 75% of its assessed value as of
the date of damage above its foundations unless in every respect the entire building
or structure is made to comply with the building code, subject to the provisions of
this bylaw.
4.10 A person must not repair any portion of a building or structure damaged by fire,
decay, storm or otherwise to an extent less than 75% of its assessed value as of the
date of damage above its foundations unless in every respect the repair of the
building or structure is made to comply with the building code, subject to the
provisions of this bylaw.
4.11 A person must not construct on a parcel unless the civic address is conspicuously
posted on the front of the premises or on a sign post so it may be easily read from
the public highway from which it takes its address.
4.12 A person must not contravene an order of the building official made under Part 6.
4.13 A person must not change the use, occupancy or both 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.
Part 5: PERMIT CONDITIONS (Amended as per Bylaw 2587, 2018)
5.1
A permit is required if work regulated under this bylaw is to be undertaken.
5.2
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 District will in any way
(a) relieve the owner (and if the owner is acting through a representative, the
representative of the owner) from full and sole responsibility to perform the
work in strict compliance with this bylaw, the building code and any other
applicable enactments respecting safety or protection;
(b) constitute a representation, warranty, assurance or statement that the
building code, this bylaw or any other applicable enactments respecting
safety have been complied with; or
(c) constitute a representation or warranty that the building or structure meets
any standard of materials or workmanship.
5.3
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.
5.4
It is the full and sole responsibility of the owner (and if the owner is acting through a
representative, the representative 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 as amended from time to time.
Part 6: POWERS OF BUILDING OFFICIAL (Amended as per Bylaw 2587, 2018)
Administration
6.1
Words defining the authority of the building official are to be construed as internal
administrative directions and not as creating a duty.
6.2
The building official may
(a) administer this bylaw, but is not obligated to enforce or administer this bylaw;
(b) keep records of applications received, permits, notices and orders issued,
inspections and tests made, and may retain copies of all papers and
documents connected with the administration of this bylaw;
(c) 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
(d) 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.
6.3
The 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 District as amended from time to time, and must state the reason
in writing.
6.4
The building official may revoke a permit 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 have not been obtained.
Rights of Entry
6.5
The building official may enter on property at any time to ascertain whether the
requirements of this bylaw are being met.
6.6
The building official must ensure that any person entering on property is carrying
credentials that identify them as the chief building official's authorized
representative.
6.7
If a building that is permitted under the District's Zoning Bylaw, as amended from
time to time, to be used for a residential occupancy is occupied, the building official
must, prior to entering the residence,
(a) obtain the prior consent of an occupant; or
(b) deliver to an occupant at least 24 hours' written notice of the proposed entry.
Powers
6.8
The building official may by notice in writing require
(a) a person who contravenes any provision of this bylaw to comply with that
provision within the time ordered;
(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 District or other applicable enactments
respecting safety as amended from time to time, or if there is deemed to be
an unsafe condition, and may enter on property to affix or post a stop work
order;
(c) 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;
(d) an owner to have work inspected by the building official prior to covering;
(e) an owner to uncover any work that has been covered without inspection
contrary to this bylaw or an order issued by the building official;
(f) a person to cease any occupancy in contravention of a provision of this
bylaw;
(g) a person to cease any occupancy if any unsafe condition exists because of
work being undertaken but not complete;
(h) an owner to correct any unsafe condition; and
(i) an owner to correct any work that contravenes this bylaw or the building
code.
6.9
Every person served with an order under this Part must immediately comply with
that order.
Part 7: OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITIES (Amended as per Bylaw 2587, 2018)
Application for Permit
7.1
Every owner must apply for and obtain a permit, prior to
(a) constructing, repairing or altering a building or structure, including a pool or
retaining wall;
(b) moving a building or structure into or within the District;
(c) demolishing a building or structure;
(d) occupying a new building or structure;
(e) installing or modifying a fire alarm system, sprinkler system,
(f) if a building undergoes a change in use or occupancy, unless the works are
the subject of another valid building permit.
(g) Installing or altering a plumbing system of fire suppression system (added by
Bylaw 2896)
Owner's Obligations
7.2
Every owner must:
(a) comply with the building code, the requirements of this bylaw and the
conditions of a permit, and must not omit to do any work required by the
building code, this bylaw or the conditions of a permit; and
(b) ensure that all permits, all plans and specifications and supporting
documents on which a permit was based, all municipal inspection certificates,
and all professional field reviews are available at the site of the work for
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.
7.3
Every owner, or his or her 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 District, as amended from time to time, and
neither the issuance of a permit under this bylaw, the review of plans and supporting
documents, nor inspections made by the building official or a registered professional
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 other enactments.
7.4
Every owner must allow the 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.
Damage to Municipal Works
7.5
Every owner to whom a permit is issued is responsible for the cost to repair any
damage to municipal works or land that occurs during the work authorized by the
permit.
Demolition
7.6
Prior to obtaining a permit to demolish a building or structure, the owner must
(a) provide to the District a vacancy date;
(b) pay capping and inspection chamber installation fees or deposit in lieu as set
out in the District's bylaws governing waterworks and sewer as amended
from time to time; and
(c) ensure that all municipal services and other services are capped and
terminated at the property line in a District standard inspection chamber and
valve arrangement.
7.7
Every owner must ensure that, on completion of all demolition procedures, all debris
and fill are cleared and the site is levelled or graded, or made safe if levelling and
grading are not possible.
7.8
Hazardous materials assessment, complete with remediation procedures has been
submitted (Amended as per Bylaw 2896).
Notice
7.9
Every owner must give written or online notice to the building official of any change
in or termination of engagement of a registered professional during construction,
within 24 hours of when the change or termination occurs.
7.10 If an owner terminates the engagement of a registered professional, the owner must
terminate all work under a building permit until the owner has engaged a new
registered professional and has delivered to the chief building official new letters of
assurance.
7.11 Every owner must give at least 48 hours' online or written notice to the building
official
(a) of any scheduled inspections of a registered professional or representative;
(b) of intent to do work that is required or ordered to be inspected during
construction;
(c) of intent to cover work that has been ordered to be inspected prior to
covering; and
(d) when work has been completed so that a final inspection can be made.
7.12 Every owner must give notice in writing to the building official upon any change in
ownership or change in the address of the owner which occurs prior to the issuance
of an occupancy permit.
7.13 Every owner must give such other notice to the building official as may be required
by the building official or by a provision of this bylaw.
Part 8: CONSTRUCTOR'S OBLIGATIONS (Amended as per Bylaw 2587, 2018)
8.1
Every constructor must ensure that all construction is done in compliance with all
requirements of the building code, this bylaw and all other applicable enactments
respecting safety.
8.2
Every constructor is responsible jointly and severally with the owner for all work
undertaken.
Part 9: REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL'S RESPONSIBILITIES (Amended as per Bylaw
2587, 2018)
Professional Design and Field Review
9.1
Without limiting section 9.4, a building official may require a geotechnical engineer
to determine bearing capacity for every parcel of land by providing design and plan
certification and field review supported by letters of assurance in the form of
Schedules A, B, C-A and C-B referred to in section 2.2.7 of Division C Part 2 of the
building code, if the building is a complex building.
9.2
Prior to the preoccupancy site review coordinated by the coordinating registered
professional or other registered professional for a complex building, or a simple
building in circumstances where letters of assurance have been required in
accordance with the requirements of this bylaw, the owner must provide the District
with letters of assurance in the form of Schedules C-A or C-B, as appropriate,
referred to in section 2.2.7 of Division C Part 2 of the building code.
9.3
If a registered professional provides letters of assurance in accordance with the
requirements of this bylaw, he or she must also provide proof of professional liability
insurance.
Requirement for a Registered Professional
9.4
The owner must provide a professional design and a field review in respect of a
permit application for
(a) a complex building;
(b) a simple building constructed on, or contiguous to, a complex building;
(c) structural components of buildings that fall within the scope of Division B Part
4 or Part 9 of the building code;
(d) except for garages, carports and garden structures located on land zoned for
single family use, foundation and excavation components of new simple
buildings and additions to simple buildings;
(e) a building that is designed with common egress systems for the occupants
and requires the use of firewalls or fire separations according to the building
code;
(f) a building or structure subject to section 9.1 in respect of which the building
official determines that site conditions, size or complexity so warrant in the
interests of safety of persons or protection of property;
(g) the building envelope components of all buildings that fall under Division B
Part 3 of the building code, all residential buildings that contain more than
two dwellings, and all other buildings whose building envelopes do not
comply with the prescriptive requirements of Division B Part 9 of the building
code; and
(h) any building or structure on a parcel if the building official believes that
building or structure 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 and a field review is in addition
to a requirement under the Local Government Act for a report certified by a
professional engineer with experience in geotechnical engineering that the
parcel may be used safely for the use intended and that the plans submitted
with the application comply with the relevant provisions of the building code
and applicable bylaws of the District as amended from time to time.
9.5
Building official may require a professional certification of a component of
construction to ensure compliance with the building code.
9.6
The building official may require the registered professional carrying out the
professional design and field review of a building envelope to provide evidence that
he or she has experience and expertise in respect of the professional design and
field review of building envelopes.
9.7
A Registered Professional shall provide certified design and field review of the
installation or modification of a fire sprinkler system, except for modifications to
existing systems involving the relocation of no more than 12 sprinkler heads or
addition of less than six sprinkler heads, in which case the requirement for
professional design and field review may be waived by the Building Official
(Amended as per Bylaw 2896).
Professional Plan Certification
9.8
The letters of assurance in the form of Schedules A and B as referred to in section
2.2.7 of Division C Part 2 of the building code are relied upon by the District 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 protection.
9.9
A building permit issued for the construction of a complex building, or for the
construction of a simple building for which a building official has required a
professional design under this Part, and letters of assurance must be in the form of
Schedules A and B referred to in section 2.2.7 of Division C Part 2 of the building
code.
9.10 A building permit issued under section 9.8 of this bylaw must include a notice to the
owner that the building permit is issued in reliance on the certification of the
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 relating to protection.
9.11 If a building permit is issued for a complex building, the permit fee is reduced as per
the Fees & Charges Bylaw as amended from time to time.
Part 10: BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION (Amended as per Bylaw 2587, 2018)
Requirements before Applying for a Building Permit
10.1 Prior to applying for a building permit, the owner must satisfy the following
requirements or conditions:
(a) a development permit application must be submitted if the building or
structure is in an area designated by the District's official Community Plan as
a development permit area (Amended as per Bylaw 2896);
(b) the owner must ensure that the proposed building or structure complies with
all bylaws of the District as amended from time to time, except to the extent a
variance of a bylaw is authorized by a development permit, development
variance permit or order of the Board of Variance;
(c) the General Manager must have signed the subdivision plan that, once
registered, would create the parcel on which the proposed building or
structure will be constructed;
(d) the owner must provide evidence to the building official showing that the
person applying for the building permit is either the owner of the parcel that is
the subject of the proposed building permit, or is the agent of the owner;
(e) if the parcel that is the subject of the building permit application is not
intended to be connected to the District's sewage disposal system, the owner
must apply for and obtain approval from the applicable public authorities for
an alternate private sewage disposal system; and
(f) if the parcel that is the subject of the building permit application is not
intended to be connected to the District's waterworks system, the owner must
apply for and obtain approval from the applicable public authorities for an
alternate water supply system.
Building Permit Applications for Complex Buildings
10.2 An application for a building permit with respect to a complex building must:
(a) submit a building permit application signed by the owner, or a signing officer
if the owner is a corporation;
(b) be accompanied by the owner's acknowledgement of responsibility and
undertaking and signed by the owner, or a signing officer if the owner is a
corporation;
(c) include a copy of a title search for the relevant property made within 30 days
of the date of the permit application including covenants, if more than 3
covenants on title a covenant summary must be provided;
(d) include a building code compliance summary including the applicable edition
of the building code, such as Division B Part 3 or Division B Part 9
designation, major occupancy classification(s) of the building, building area
and building height, number of streets the building faces, accessible
entrances, work areas, washrooms, firewalls and facilities;
(e) include a copy of a survey plan prepared by a British Columbia land
surveyor;
(f) include a site plan prepared by a 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 and setback requirements, adjacent street
and lane names;
iv.
the location and dimensions of existing and proposed buildings or
structures on the parcel;
v.
setbacks to the natural boundary of any lake, swamp, pond,
watercourse, or sensitive area;
vi.
north arrow;
vii.
location of an approved existing or proposed private or other
alternative sewage disposal or water supply system;
viii.
zoning compliance summary;
ix.
the location, dimensions and gradient of parking and parking
access;
x.
proposed and existing setbacks to property lines;
xi.
natural and finished grade at building corners and significant breaks
in the building plan and proposed grade around the business 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.
location of top bank and water courses;
xviii.
access routes for fire-fighting;
xix.
accessible paths of travel from the street to the building;
xx.
geodetic elevation of the underside of a wood floor system or the
top of a finished concrete slab of a building or structure where the
District's land use regulations or provincial flood mapping
regulations establish siting requirements related to minimum floor
elevation,
xxi.
Storm water management plan
except 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 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 and corridor dimensions;
(h) include a cross-section through the building or structure in sufficient detail
and locations to illustrate foundations, drainage, ceiling heights and
constructions systems;
(i) include elevations of all sides of the building or structure showing finish
details, roof slopes, windows, doors, natural and finished grade, spatial
separations, ridge height and building height as per the District's Zoning
Bylaw as amended from time to time;
(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, sewage disposal permits, highway
access permits and ministry of health approvals;
(l) include a letter of assurance in the form of Schedule A referred to in section
2.2.7 of Division C Part 2 of the building code, signed by the owner, or a
signing officer if the owner is a corporation, and the coordinating registered
professional;
(m) include letters of assurance in the form of Schedule B referred to in section
2.2.7 of Division C Part 2 of 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;
(n) include two sets of drawings at a suitable scale of the design prepared by
each registered professional containing the information set out in (g) to (j) of
this section and one digital copy; and
(o) include illustration of any slopes on the subject parcel that exceed 30%.
10.3 In addition to the requirements of section 10.2 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 registered
professional, in accordance with the District's subdivision and development
servicing bylaw as amended from time to time;
(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 as amended from
time to time.
Building Permit Applications for Simple Buildings
10.4 An application for a building permit with respect to a simple building must
(a) be submitted with a Building Permit application and signed by the owner, or
a signing officer if the owner is a corporation;
(b) be accompanied by the owner's acknowledgment of responsibility and
undertaking and signed by the owner, or a signing officer if the owner is a
corporation;
(c) include a copy of a title search for the relevant property made within 30 days
of the date of the permit application including covenants, if more than 3
covenants include a covenant summary;
(d) include a copy of a survey plan prepared by a British Columbia land surveyor
except that the building official may waive the requirement for a survey plan,
in whole or in part, where conditions warrant;
(e) include a site plan 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 and setback requirements, adjacent street
and lane names;
iv.
the location and dimensions of existing and proposed buildings or
structures on the parcel;
v.
setbacks to the natural boundary of any lake, swamp, pond or
watercourse;
vi.
north arrow;
vii.
location of an approved existing or proposed alternative private or
other sewage disposal or water supply system;
viii.
the location, dimensions and gradient of parking and parking
access;
ix.
proposed and existing setbacks to property lines;
x.
natural and finished grade at building corners and datum
determination points as defined in the Zoning Bylaw as amended
from time to time;
xi.
main floor elevation;
xii.
location, setbacks and elevations of all retaining walls, steps, stairs
and decks;
xiii.
line of upper floors;
xiv.
location and elevation of curbs, sidewalks, manholes and service
poles;
xv.
location of existing and proposed service connections;
xvi.
location of top bank and water courses; and
xvii.
the geodetic elevation of the underside of a wood floor system or
the top of a finished concrete slab of a building or structure where
the District's land use regulations or provincial flood mapping
regulations establish siting requirements related to minimum floor
elevation,
xviii.
storm water management plan
except that for a simple building 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 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;
(g) include a cross-section through the building or structure illustrating
foundations, drainage, ceiling heights and construction systems;
(h) include elevations of all sides of the building or structure showing finish
details, roof slopes, windows, doors, the building height base line, the
maximum building height line, ridge height, spatial separations and natural
and finished grade;
(i) 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;
(j) 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 approvals;
(k) except for garages, carports and garden structures located on land zoned for
single family use, include a foundation and excavation design prepared by a
registered professional in accordance with section 4.2 of Division B Part 4 of
the building code, accompanied by letters of assurance in the form of
Schedule B referred to in section 2.2.7 of Division C Part 2 of the building
code, signed by the registered professional;
(l) include a geotechnical report if the building official determines that the site
conditions so warrant; and
(m) include two sets of drawings and one digital copy at a suitable scale of
design.
Survey Required for Building Permit Application
10.5 Without limiting sections 10.2(e) or 10.4(d) of this Part, the building official may in
writing require an owner to submit an up-to-date plan of survey prepared by a
registered British Columbia land surveyor 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; and
(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 every person served with a written requirement under this section must comply
with the requirement.
Building Permit Fee
10.6 In addition to applicable fees and charges required under other bylaws, a permit fee,
calculated in accordance with the Fees & Charges Bylaw as amended from time to
time, shall be paid in full prior to issuance of any permit under this bylaw.
10.7 An application made for a building permit shall be accompanied by the appropriate
plan-processing fee as set out in the Fees & Charges Bylaw as amended from time
to time.
a) An application shall be cancelled and the plan-processing fee forfeited if the
permit fee is not paid within 60 calendar days of the date of written
notification to the owner that the permit is issued.
b) When an application is cancelled the plans and related documents submitted
with the application may be destroyed.
10.8 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 & Charges Bylaw,
as amended from time to time, shall be paid prior to additional inspections being
performed.
Expiration of Application for a Permit
10.9 A complete application accepted by the District shall expire and the application
process shall terminate upon (Amended as per Bylaw 2896):
(a) 90 days after the building official requests supplementary information required to
continue processing the application and all of the requested information is not
provided by the applicant (unless the building official at their discretion extends the
90 days in writing);
(b) 90 days after the building official requests necessary revisions required to continue
processing the application and all of the requested revision information is are not
provided by the applicant (unless the building official at their discretion extends the
90 days in writing); or
(c) 90 days after the building official notifies the applicant that the permit is ready for
issuance.
10.10 If:
(a) a completed application in compliance with this bylaw, including all required
supporting documentation, has been submitted;
(b) the owner has paid all applicable fees set out in the Fees & Charges bylaw
as amended from time to time;
(c) the owner or his or her representative has paid all charges, outstanding
municipal fines, and met all requirements imposed by any other statute or
bylaw as amended from time to time;
(d) the owner has retained a professional engineer or geoscientist if required
under this bylaw or by the provisions of the Engineers and Geoscientists Act;
(e) the owner has retained an architect if required by the provisions of the
Architects Act; and
(f) no covenant, agreement, resolution or regulation of the District requires or
authorizes the permit to be withheld,
the building official must issue the permit, for which the application is made, and the
date of approval is deemed to be the date the District notifies the owner that the permit
is ready to be picked up by the owner. The date of issuance is deemed to be the date that
the permit is paid for and received by the owner (amended as per Bylaw 2896).
Compliance with the Homeowner Protection Act and Regulations
10.11 If 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 under the Homeowner Protection Act and Regulations, that the proposed
building:
(a) is covered by home warranty insurance; and
(b) the constructor is a licensed "residential builder" or "owner builder" as defined
in that Act.
10.12 Section 10.11 of this Part 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 and Regulations.
10.13 Every permit is issued subject to the owner and constructor maintaining compliance
with the Homeowner Protection Act and Regulations and negotiations under it
during the term of the permit.
Partial Construction
10.14 If a site has been excavated under a building permit for excavation issued under this
bylaw and a building permit is not subsequently issued or a subsisting building
permit has expired, but without the construction of the building or structure for which
the building permit was issued having commenced, the owner must fill in the
excavation to restore the original gradients of the site within 60 days of being served
notice by the District to do so.
10.15 If a building permit has expired and partial construction has progressed, with no
extension requested of the building official, permanent type fencing with privacy
screen complying with the District's Zoning Bylaw as amended from time to time,
must be erected around the building site for protection to the public.
Conditions of a Building Permit
10.16 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 and
the building official has authorized the transfer or assignment in writing. The
transfer or assignment of a building permit is not an extension of a building permit.
10.17 The review of plans and supporting documents and issuance of a building permit do
not prevent the building official from subsequently requiring the correction of errors
in the plans and supporting documents, or from prohibiting work from being carried
on pursuant to the permit or from prohibiting occupancy of a building where the
plans, the supporting documents, the work or the occupancy are in violation of this
or another bylaw as amended from time to time.
10.18 The building official may refuse to issue a permit when the owner of the property has
been notified of a violation of this bylaw about the construction of another building or
structure by the owner of that property.
Inspections
10.19 If a registered professional provides letters of assurance in accordance with this
Part, the District will rely solely on field reviews undertaken by the registered
professional and the letters of assurance submitted pursuant to this bylaw 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 or protection.
10.20 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 reviews undertaken by the registered professionals.
10.21 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.
10.22 For all work in respect of simple buildings the owner must give at least 48 hours'
notice to the District 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 concealing them:
(a) after demolition, the grading of and removal of debris from the site;
(b) foundation and footing forms, before concrete is poured;
(c) installation of plumbing located below the finished slab level;
(d) the preparation of ground, including ground cover when required, perimeter
insulation on inside of concrete foundation walls and reinforcing steel;
(e) after installation of hydronic heating pipes and below slab insulation;
(f) installation of rough-in plumbing before it is covered;
(g) installation of building services before being covered;
(h) framing and sheathing prior to the installation of insulation, interior finishes,
sheathing paper or exterior finishes which would conceal such work;
(i) insulation and vapour barrier;
(j) construction of an exterior deck if the deck serves as a roof;
(k) on-site constructed tubs or showers and tub or shower trap tests;
(l) the health and safety aspects of the work when the building or structure is
substantially complete, ready for occupancy but prior to occupancy.
10.23 A building official will only carry out an inspection under section 10.22:
(a) if the owner or the owner's agent has requested the inspection in accordance
with this bylaw.
10.24 Despite the requirement for the building official's acceptance of the work, if a
registered professional provides letters of assurance, the District will rely solely on
field reviews undertaken by the 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.
10.25 No person may conceal any aspect of the work referred to in section 10.22 of this
bylaw until a building official has accepted it in writing.
10.26 For work in respect of complex buildings, the owner must:
(a) give at least 48 hours' written notice to the District 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 registered professional, the constructor, as well as
representatives of major trades, are in attendance;
(b) give at least 48 hours' written notice to the District when requesting a pre-
occupancy coordinated site review coordinated by the coordinating registered
professional or other registered professional to have the owner, the
constructor and the 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 District requirements and other enactments respecting safety; and
(c) cause the coordinating registered professional, at least 48 hours prior to the
pre-occupancy coordinated site review coordinated by the coordinating
registered professional, to deliver to the building official the Confirmation of
Required Documentation, complete with all documentation in a hard covered
three ring binder and in digital pdf format on a memory stick.
Stop Work Order
10.27 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 on the premises whenever it is found that the work is not being performed in
accordance with the requirements of the building code, any applicable bylaw of the
District, as amended from time to time, or the provisions of the Homeowner
Protection Act and regulations or if there are outstanding fees and or charges
payable to the District by the owner (amended by Bylaw 2896).
10.28 The coordinating 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 registered professional and give
reasons.
10.29 If a registered professional's services are terminated, 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.
10.30 The owner must immediately, after the posting of a notice, secure the construction
and the lands and premises surrounding the construction in compliance with the
safety requirements of every statute, regulation or order of the Province or of a
provincial agency and of every applicable bylaw of the District as amended from
time to time.
10.31 No work other than the required remedial measures may be carried out on the
parcel affected by the notice until the stop work order notice has been removed by
the building official.
10.32 The notice must remain posted on the premises until that which is contrary to the
enactments has been remedied and notice has been rescinded in writing by the
building official.
Do Not Occupy Notice
10.33 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 on
the affected part of the building or structure.
10.34 If a notice is posted, 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 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.
Permit Expiration
10.35 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
(c) the work is not completed within three years of the date of issuance of the
permit.
Permit Extension
10.36 A building official may extend the permit once up to 180 days if construction has not
been 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 (amended by Bylaw 2896)
(a) application for the extension is made in writing to the building official; and
(b) the non-refundable fee has been paid. These fees may be reduced based on a
limited scope of construction work remaining and a limited amount of work
required of District staff, and then only with the agreement of both the relevant
Director and General Manager.
Building Permit Revocation
10.37 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 District,
such permit revocation must be in writing and sent to the permit holder.
Building Permit Cancellation
10.38 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.
10.39 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".
10.40 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".
Occupancy Permit
10.41 No person may occupy a building or structure or part of a building or structure until a
final report authorizing occupancy has been issued by a building official.
10.42 A final report authorizing occupancy and occupancy permit will not be issued unless:
(a) A pre-occupancy meeting with a building official has taken place;
(b) all letters of assurance and field reviews have been submitted when required
in accordance with this bylaw;
(c) all aspects of the work requiring inspection and acceptance pursuant to this
bylaw have both been inspected and accepted or the inspections and
acceptance are not required in accordance with this bylaw;
(d) the owner has provided to the District a building survey prepared by a British
Columbia Land Surveyor showing the building height determined in
accordance with the District's land use regulations, unless waived by a
building official;
(e) all other documentation required under applicable enactments in relation to
gas and electrical matters has been delivered to the District; and
(f) the owner has delivered to the District as-built drawings of the building or
structure and works and services in digital format as required by the District.
10.43 When a registered professional provides letters of assurance in accordance with this
bylaw, the District 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 building code, this bylaw and other
applicable enactments respecting safety.
10.44 A building official may issue a final report authorizing occupancy for part of a
building or structure when the part of the building or structure is self-contained and
provided with essential services and the requirements set out in section 10.42 of this
Part have been met with respect to it.
10.45 A building official may issue an occupancy permit for partial occupancy of a portion
of a building or structure under construction when that portion of the building or
structure is self-contained and provided with essential services respecting life,
health and safety.
Sanitary Facilities (Amended as per Bylaw 2896)
10.46 During the time a a building permit has been issued and remains valid under 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.
These facilities must be accessible and unlocked while work is being carried out and
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 11: RETAINING WALLS (Amended as per Bylaw 2587, 2018)
11.1 No person may construct, or structurally repair, a retaining wall over 1.22 meters
without a building permit.
11.2 A registered professional shall undertake the design and conduct field reviews of the
construction of a retaining structure 1.22 meters or more in height. Sealed copies of
the design plan and field review reports prepared by the registered professional for
all retaining structures 1.22 meters are more in height shall be submitted to a
building official prior to acceptance of the works.
11.3 Except as certified by a professional engineer with expertise in geotechnical
engineering registered in the province of British Columbia, 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.
Part 12: SITE GRADING AND DRAINAGE (Amended as per Bylaw 2587, 2018)
12.1 The owner of land on which a building or structure is being constructed must control
site drainage such that other sites are not impacted and in particular:
a) each lot must be graded to drain into a municipal drainage system or a natural
watercourse without draining onto adjacent lots;
b) areas adjacent to buildings shall be graded away from the foundations to prevent
flooding;
c) lots lower than adjacent roadways must be provided with storm water
management facilities to direct storm runoff to a drainage system approved by a
building official; and
d) in the case of storm runoff not directed to a municipal drainage system, storm
runoff may occur to a natural watercourse by means of sheet flow only, and not
by means of swales or pipes or any other artificial means.
Part 13: BUILDING MOVE (Amended as per Bylaw 2587, 2018)
13.1 No person may move a building or structure into or within the District:
(a) except where certified by a registered professional that the building or
structure, including its foundation, will substantially comply with the current
version of the building code; and
(b) a building permit has been issued for the building.
Part 14: NUMBERING OF BUILDINGS (Amended as per Bylaw 2587, 2018)
14.1 Immediately upon issuance of a building permit governing 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
District:
(a) on or over the entrance to the building or where landscaping or structures
obscure the visibility of a building entrance from the street, on the building
property within sight of the street; and
(b) until such time as the building is removed from the site or has been
demolished.
14.2 The District's Director of Engineering may renumber or alter the assigned numbers
in respect of any building on any parcel, including those already in existence or
numbered.
14.3 The owner or occupier must post the number or numbers in the form of a permit
placard 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 of this Part, on issuance of an
occupancy permit, the owner or occupier of the parcel must affix the numbers
permanently in a conspicuous place on the building such that the number is visible
from an adjacent highway that is not a lane.
Part 15: POOLS (Amended as per Bylaw 2587, 2018)
Swimming Pool Permit and Fencing
15.1 Unless it is a product intended to be set up and taken down seasonally a person
must not construct, or structurally repair, a swimming pool without a valid building
permit (Amended as per Bylaw 2986).
15.2 A swimming pool, including a spa or hot tub must be enclosed within a fence
constructed without footholds or grips that children may use to climb into the
enclosed area, having a minimum height of 1.22 metres and no openings greater
than 100 mm at their least dimension.
15.3 Pool plumbing shall be so arranged that pool water cannot enter any water supply
line and, once having been drained from the pool, cannot be returned to the pool
without filtering, and so that sewage from any sanitary sewer or sewage disposal
system cannot enter the pool or the pool filtering system. Pool wastewater shall be
drained to a sanitary sewer system.
15.4 In addition to information otherwise required by this bylaw, an applicant for a permit
to construct a pool shall provide a scaled plan showing the location, enclosure
details, depth and dimensions of the pool and its structural details, and all water
supply piping, waste piping and appurtenances.
Pool Gate
15.5 Access through a fence enclosing a swimming pool, spa or hot tub must be only
through a self-closing and self-latching gate designed and constructed or installed
so as to cause the gate to return to a closed position when not in use and secured
by a latch located on the swimming pool, spa or hot tub side of the gate.
Spa or Hot Tub Lid
15.6 In lieu of a fence, a spa or hot tub may be covered with a locking cover, which would
prevent unauthorized access to the water.
Maintenance
15.7 A person may not use or occupy a swimming pool, including a spa or hot tub unless
the owner or occupier of property on or in which a pool, spa or hot tub is located
maintains every fence or cover required under sections 15.2 to 15.6 of this Part 15
in good order. Without limitation, maintains and repairs in good order at all times all
sagging gates, loose parts, torn mesh, missing materials, worn latches, locks or
broken or binding members.
Leaks or Other Failures
15.8 A person may not obtain a valid and subsisting building permit for or use or occupy
a swimming pool without first delivering to the building official at the time of the
building permit application an opinion of a registered professional that the design of
the pool will not cause or result in leaks or other failures of the pool.
Part 16: FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS (Amended as per Bylaw 2587, 2018)
16.1 Fire suppression systems must be installed in all two family dwellings, townhouse
dwellings and apartment dwellings, as defined in the Zoning Bylaw of the District as
amended from time to time, for which a building permit application is made after the
date of enactment of this bylaw.
16.2 Fire suppression systems must be installed in all two family dwellings, townhouse
dwellings and apartment dwellings, as defined in the Zoning Bylaw of the District as
amended from time to time, where all additions, repairs or structural alterations
made or proposed to be made in any period of 24 consecutive months after the date
of enactment of this bylaw add 50 square meters or more to the floor area of any
individual dwelling unit within the building existing on the date on which the building
permit application is made.
16.3 Fire suppression systems must be installed in all detached portable classrooms and
auto body shops in which spray coating operations are conducted, for which a
building permit application is made after the date of enactment of this bylaw.
16.4 Fire suppression systems must be installed in all single family dwellings for which a
building permit application is made after the date of enactment of this bylaw, where
an adequate water supply for firefighting as referenced by the Fire Underwriters
Survey Guide, "Water Supply for Public Fire Protection", or National Fire Protection
Association 1142, "Standard on Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Fire
Fighting" is not available, and the Fire Chief requires such installation.
16.5 A registered professional shall prepare the design of every fire suppression system,
including modifications to existing systems, except for:
a) modifications to existing systems involving the relocation or addition of less than
six sprinkler heads, in which case the requirement for professional design and field
review may be waived by the Chief Building Official.
16.6 All fire suppression systems shall be installed in accordance with the National Fire
Protection Association standards, the Building Code and any other applicable
enactment by a person who possesses a British Columbia tradesman's qualification
certification as a plumber or certified sprinkler installer.
16.7 Where residential occupancies occur in combination with other occupancies, and
the Building Code does not require the building to be equipped with a fire
suppression system, only the residential portions of the building must comply with
this Part 16.
Part 17: ENERGY AND ZERO CARBON STEP CODE (BYLAW 3090,2024)
17.1 In relation to the conservation of energy and the reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions, the District may reference and implement, in whole or in part, the Energy
And Zero Carbon Step Code.
17.2 When an application is also subject to a restrictive Section 219 No-Gas Covenant
registered on the title of the subject property, no additional assessments under the
Zero Carbon Step Code are required for those portions of the building that are
subject to the Covenant.
17.3 Energy Step Code Requirements:
a) Any residential building regulated by Part 9 of the Building Code and over 1,000
square feet in gross floor area containing only two principal dwellings (with or
without a Secondary Suite) or one principal dwelling (with or without a Secondary
Suite) must be designed and constructed to meet the minimum performance
requirements specified in Step 4 of the Energy Step Code.
b) Any residential building regulated by Part 9 of the Building Code containing three
principal dwellings or more must be designed and constructed to meet the minimum
performance requirements specified in Step 3 of the Energy Step Code
c) Any residential building regulated by Part 3 of the Building Code must be
designed and constructed to meet the minimum performance requirements specified
in Step 3 of the Energy Step Code.
d) Any commercial buildings regulated by Part 3 and/or Part 9 of the Building Code
must be designed and constructed to meet the performance requirements specified
in Step 2 of the Energy Step Code.
17.4 Zero Carbon Step Code Requirements:
a) Any residential or commercial building regulated under Part 9 and/or Part 3 of the
Building Code must be constructed to meet the minimum performance requirements
specified in Step 4 of the Zero Carbon Step Code.
Part 18: CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM (Added by Bylaw 2896)
18.1 The Chief Building Official may accept a building permit application under
the Certified Professional Program, provided that:
a) the Building documents and plans have been reviewed by the Certified
Professional for compliance with requirements of Division A, Division B,
Parts 1 and 3 and Division C of the Building Code, relevant bylaws and
other applicable enactments, and
b) the Building Permit application has been prepared in accordance with
the Certified Professional Program Manual and includes all
required Letters of Assurance, any required confirmations with respect to
the development, and certification of the Building Code, coordination.
18.2 A Certified Professional providing the Building Official with Letters of
Assurance, must also provide proof of insurance in an amount and form
satisfactory to the Building Official.
18.3 The Chief Building Official may refuse to accept a building permit
application or refuse to issue a building permit under the Certified
Professional Program, provided that Certified Professional:
a) is no longer licensed as a Registered Professional in the Province of
British Columbia,
b) submits any required documentation, which is in any way inaccurate or
misleading,
c) fails to disclose in a timely manner to the Building Official any significant
variation or change to the design or Construction of a Building, or
d) fails to satisfactorily perform any duties or obligations required by this
Bylaw or other applicable enactments.
18.4 A Certified Professional must, in respect of the development for which
a Building Permit was issued under the Certified Professional Program and in
addition to any other applicable responsibilities:
a) review, in advance of any tenant improvement Building
Permit application, any tenant improvement work constructed prior to
substantial completion of the shell of the Building,
b) review for adequacy and acceptability, any report concerning testing
and Field Reviews related to the development and maintain a detailed
record of such reports and, if requested, make these available to
the Building Official,
c) advise the Building Official promptly, in writing, if any matter of
design, Construction or Field Review does not meet the requirements of
the Building Code, this Bylaw and/or other applicable enactments, and
d) at least once every 30 days from the date of issuance of a Building
Permit, submit to the Building Official a written progress report together
with copies of the Field Review reports from each Registered
Professional involved in the development.
18.5 The Building Official may post a Stop Work notice or revoke a Building
Permit under the Certified Professional Program in any of the following
circumstances:
a) if the Certified Professional ceases to be retained by the Owner,
resigns or is otherwise unable or unwilling to carry out Field Reviews or
other duties related to the development for which a Building
Permit was issued under the Certified Professional Program;
b) pursuant to paragraph (a), under such circumstances the Certified
Professional must promptly notify the Building Official in writing of the
date upon which they will cease to be involved;
c) if the Certified Professional is no longer licensed as a Registered
Professional in the Province of British Columbia;
d) if the Certified Professional fails to perform any of their duties or
obligations under this Bylaw; or
e) if a document required by this Bylaw or under the Certified
Professional Program is not delivered by the Certified
Professional within the time frame specified in this Bylaw.
18.6 Where a Building Permit is revoked pursuant to Section 13.5, only work
necessary, as authorized by the Building Official to remove any hazards or to
mitigate Damage arising from exposure to the elements, must be undertaken
on the development unless otherwise specifically authorized by the Building
Official.
18.7 Work on the development must not resume until the Building Official has
received written notice from a Certified Professional that the Certified
Professional
a) has been retained by the Owner for the continuation
of Construction of the Building,
b) has reviewed the Building and certifies that the Building, as
constructed up to that point, substantially complies with the Building
Code, this Bylaw and other applicable enactments, and has been
constructed in accordance with the approved plans, and
c) will carry out the duties of the Certified Professional that are required
in order to bring the Building to completion and to certify substantial
compliance with the Building Code, this Bylaw and other applicable
enactments and that Construction will be in accordance with the
previously approved plans.
18.8 Nothing herein contained must in any way relieve the Owner, or
the Certified Professional of record for the development, from full
responsibility for ensuring that the Building or Structure is in substantial
compliance with the Building Code, this Bylaw and other applicable
enactments.
18.9 Where the Building Official accepts a Building Permit application
and Letters of Assurance from a Certified Professional for a development,
the Building Official will rely on the certifications issued by the Certified
Professional and other Registered Professionals, that the drawings will meet
the requirements of the Building Code.
Part 19: EQUIVALENTS (Amended as per Bylaw 2587, 2018)
19.1 The provisions of this bylaw are not intended to limit the appropriate use of
materials, equipment or methods of construction. An owner who wants to use an
equivalent material, equipment, or method of construction not specifically described
in this bylaw or the Building Code shall submit to a building official sufficient
evidence to demonstrate that the proposed equivalent will provide the level of
performance required by this bylaw and the Building Code.
19.2 The evidence shall be in the form of a report from an engineer, architect or other
certified code specialist, and in addition to the information and arguments presented
to support the equivalency proposal, shall state:
a) The name of the owner, and the name and address of the construction
project;
b) The background of the individual or firm proposing the equivalency and their
qualifications and experience in the field;
c) The sections of this bylaw or the Building Code for which the equivalency is
sought;
d) That the author of this report is a qualified professional registered to practice
in British Columbia and is providing a Schedule B and Letters of Assurance to
the Building Code in respect of the design of the building or structure, and will
provide the Schedule C-B on completion of the work.
19.3 Equivalency reports are to accompanied by the fee for their review as set out in the
Fees & Charges Bylaw as amended from time to time.
Part 20: OFFENCES VIOLATIONS (Amended as per Bylaw 2587, 2018)
20.1 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, in addition
to the costs of prosecution. Each day during which a violation, contravention or
breach of this bylaw continues is deemed to be a separate offence.
20.2 Every person who fails to comply with any order or notice issued by a building
official, or who allows a violation of this bylaw to continue, contravenes this bylaw.
20.3 Every person who commences work requiring a building permit without first
obtaining such a permit must, if a Stop Work notice is issued and remains
outstanding for 30 days' pay an additional charge as per Fees & Charges Bylaw as
amended from time to time.
Deemed Offence
20.4 An owner is deemed to 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 and each calendar day that the
non-compliance exists or continues shall be deemed to constitute a separate offense. (As
amended by Bylaw 2896)
20.5 No person is deemed liable under section 20.4 of this Part who establishes, on a
balance of probabilities, that the construction or change of use or occupancy
occurred before he or she became the owner of the parcel.
20.6 Nothing in section 20.6 of this Part affects:
(a) the District'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.
Part 21: INTERPRETATION DEFINITIONS (Amended as per Bylaw 2587, 2018)
21.1 In this bylaw:
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 licence;
alternative solution means an alternative solution authorized under the building
code;
alteration 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;
Architects Act means the Architects Act RSBC 1996, c. 17;
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 includes a chief building official, building inspector, or plan checker
designated or appointed by the District;
chief building official means the person designated in or appointed to that position
by the District, and any person named by the Council to act in place of the chief
building official;
complex building means a building categorized as a Part 3 building under the
building code.
coordinating registered professional means a registered professional retained
pursuant to the building code to coordinate all design work and field reviews of
the registered professionals required for a development;
construct includes build, erect, install, repair, alter, add, enlarge, move, locate,
relocate, reconstruct, demolish, remove, excavate or shore;
constructor means a person carrying out construction;
Engineers and Geoscientists Act means the Engineers and Geoscientists Act
RSBC 1996, c. 116;
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;
foundation means a system or arrangement of foundation units through which the
loads from a building are transferred directly to supporting soil or rock;
health and safety aspects of the work means design and construction regulated by
Parts 3, 4, 7, 8, 9 and 10, of the building code;
owner means the registered owner in fee simple, or an agent duly authorized by
the owner in writing;
permit means permission or authorization in writing by the building official to
perform work regulated by this bylaw and, in the case of occupancy permit, 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 excludes hot
tubs (amended by Bylaw 2896);
professional design means the plans and supporting documents bearing the date,
seal or stamp, and signature of a registered professional;
project means any construction operation;
simple building means a building categorized as a Part 9 building under the
building code.
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 1.22 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;
value of the work means means the fair market value of the work proposed to be
undertaken, and includes, without limitation, materials whether donated or
purchased, labor whether contracted, volunteered or provided by the owner,
design, consulting services, construction management services, construction
insurance and contractors profit and overhead.
Value of the work is based upon current estimated appraised value of proposed
construction or land improvements which may be calculated using the current
edition of the Marshall & Swift (swift estimator) appraisal software and the current
version of the Altus Group Canadian Cost Guide or, where such publications are
not applicable or where the Owner disputes the estimate established thereunder,
they shall at their sole cost retain a Registered Appraiser, with such Registered
Appraiser to be to the satisfaction of the Authority Having Jurisdiction to determine
the market value for the purpose of calculating permit fees (amended by Bylaw
2986).
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: assembly occupancy, building, building area, building height,
business and personal services occupancy, care occupancy, constructor,
coordinating registered professional, designer, detention occupancy,
excavation, field review, firewall, high hazard industrial occupancy, industrial
occupancy, low hazard industrial occupancy, major occupancy, medium
hazard industrial occupancy, mercantile occupancy, occupancy, private
sewage disposal system, registered professional, residential occupancy,
retaining wall and 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, set out in section 29 of the Interpretation Act: may,
must, obligation, person, property, writing, written and year.
21.2 Every reference to this bylaw in this or another bylaw of the District is a reference to
this bylaw as amended to the date of the reference.
21.3 Every reference to:
(a) the building code is a reference to the current edition; 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.
21.4 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.
Appendices
21.5 Forms 1 and 2 are attached to and form part of this bylaw.
Severability
21.6 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.
Parts 21-33 (Deleted as per bylaw 2587, 2018)
READ A FIRST TIME this 16th day of November, 2004.
READ A SECOND TIME this 16th day of November, 2004.
READ A THIRD TIME this 26th day of July, 2005.
ADOPTED this 2nd day of August, 2005.
Mayor
Clerk
DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH
BUILDING BYLAW 1822, 2004
Appendix "A" - Schedule of Fees
Deleted Appendix "A" per Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2012, 2007.
District of Squamish Building Bylaw No. 1822, 2004
Form 1
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 District of Squamish 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,
make any representation or give any assurance 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 District of Squamish has so indicated on this permit, I acknowledge that the District 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 District of Squamish, 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
District of Squamish Building Bylaw No. 1822, 2004
Form 2
Registered Professional's Proof of Insurance
District of Squamish
Box 310
Squamish B.C. V0N 3G0
Attention: Chief Building Inspector
Re: ________________________________________[civic address of project]
This is to confirm that the undersigned registered professional is insured by a policy of insurance
covering liability to third parties for errors and omissions, in the amount of at least One Million
Dollars ($1,000,000.00), in the provision of professional services in respect of the captioned
project, a certificate of which insurance is attached.
The undersigned will notify both the Chief Building Inspector and the owner who has engaged the
undersigned to provide professional services in respect of the captioned project, in writing, of any
termination of or change in the terms of the coverage provided by the policy, immediately upon
being informed of or becoming aware of such termination or change.
_______________________________________
Signature of Registered Professional
[affix seal]
_______________________________________
Name of Firm
SCHEDULE B
MUNICIPAL TICKET INFORMATION DESIGNATIONS
[Table]
Deleted Schedule B as per Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 2309, 2014