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This document is an office consolidation of by-law amendments which has been prepared for the
convenience of the user. The City of Winnipeg expressly disclaims any responsibility for errors
or omissions.
CONSOLIDATION UPDATE: APRIL 30, 2026
THE CITY OF WINNIPEG
THE WINNIPEG BUILDING BY-LAW
NO. 4555/87
SECTION 1
TITLE
1.1
This By-law may be cited as "The Winnipeg Building By-law".
SECTION 2
SCOPE
2.1
This By-law applies to new and existing construction, including the design, construction,
erection, placement, alteration, repair, renovation, demolition, relocation, removal, occupancy or
change in occupancy of any building or structure or addition to a building or structure.
amended 8162/2002
2.2
The building construction codes or building construction standards adopted in whole or in
part adopted by the Lieutenant Governor in Council by regulation pursuant to section 3 of The
Buildings Act are hereby adopted by the City of Winnipeg pursuant to section 4 of The Buildings Act
and the said codes and standards are incorporated into and form part of this By-law.
amended 8162/2002; 27/2026
2.3
This By-law establishes administrative requirements and procedures for the enforcement of
the Code.
SECTION 3
DEFINITIONS OF WORDS AND PHRASES
3.1
Unless otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires, words and
expressions in this By-law have the same meaning as the same words and expressions in the Code.
3.2
Words and phrases defined in The City of Winnipeg Charter have the same meaning
in this By-law.
amended 8162/2002
By-law No. 4555/87
2
3.3
The words and terms used in this By-law have the following meanings:
"Antenna Structure" means a structure designed to support any device used for receiving
radio waves and shall include the structures supporting satellite dish antennae.
"Accepted" means accepted by the designated employee.
amended 108/2017
"Approved" when used with reference to materials or fixtures used in a plumbing system
means
(a)
that such materials or fixtures have been submitted for examination and
testing to the Canadian Standards Association; that formal certification has
been given to the effect that they conform to the CSA standards; that the
materials or fixtures have the required markings, and also are acceptable to
the designated employee; or
amended 108/2017
(b)
that the materials or fixtures are acceptable to the designated employee and
such acceptance shall be considered only when warranted in the opinion of
the designated employee and shall apply mainly to materials and fixtures of
other than a regular line of manufacture, materials or fixtures built to a
customer's order, or materials or fixtures manufactured or produced singly
or in small quantities.
amended 108/2017
"Areaway" means an underground structure used for the convenience of the adjacent
building it serves built separately or attached to said building and built entirely below
ground, and may have all or a portion of its structure exposed at ground level. Areaways
shall include: light openings, light wells, vaults, storage spaces, conduits, tunnels,
pipelines, coal chutes, service chutes and other underground conveying devices.
"Aspect", with respect to design and construction of buildings, includes the architectural,
structural, and mechanical aspects of design and construction.
added 54/2012
amended 8162/2002; repealed 108/2017
"Awning" means any roof-like structure other than a marquee, attached to a building and
projecting more than 300 mm from the face of the building, used to provide shade, and
shall include a sun visor and louvres.
"Building Occupancy Permit" means permission or authorization issued in writing
pursuant to this By-law to occupy any building or part thereof in the City.
added 6255/93
By-law No. 4555/87
3
"Canopy" means any roof-like structure projecting more than 300 mm from the face of a
building having a rigid frame, and attached to said building in such a manner as not to
become an integral part thereof.
"City", unless the context requires otherwise, means the City of Winnipeg.
added 54/2012
"Code" means the applicable provisions of the Manitoba Building Code, the Manitoba Fire
Code and the Manitoba Plumbing Code.
amended 54/2012
"Codes" means the Manitoba Building Code, the Manitoba Fire Code and the Manitoba
Plumbing Code.
added 54/2012
"Cooking equipment ventilation system" includes one or more of the following: a
ventilating system, an exhaust system, a make-up air system, a hood, ductwork and fire
suppression system.
added 80/2008
"Construction", unless the context requires otherwise, includes the erection,
placement, alteration, repair, renovation, extention, demolition, relocation, or
removal of any building.
added 54/2012
"Design professional" means a professional engineer or architect who is qualified to sign
and seal plans, drawings and other documents submitted as part of an application for a
permit under subsection 5.1.
added 54/2012
"Designated Committee" means the Standing Policy Committee on Property and
Development.
added 108/2017; amended 137/2022
"Designated Employee" means the Director or an employee of the City to whom he or
she has delegated authority to enforce or administer all or part of this By-law.
amended 8162/2002; 108/2017
"Director" means the Director of the Planning, Property and Development department
of the City of Winnipeg or, if another Department is responsible for the administration
and enforcement of this By-law, the head of that Department, and includes an employee
acting as the Director on a temporary basis or any specific employee who has been
delegated all or some of the powers of the Director under this By-law.
added 108/2017
"Electrical Code" means the edition of the Canadian Electrical Code adopted by the
Winnipeg Electrical By-law.
added 54/2012
By-law No. 4555/87
4
"finished level" in regards to a level of a building, means a level that has been completed
with drywall or other wall coverings, insulation, flooring, and other finishes, resulting in
additional living space for occupants
added 27/2026
"Fire protection system" includes one or more of the following: a wet sprinkler
system, a dry sprinkler system, a pre-action system, a chemical suppression system,
an inert suppression system, a wet or dry standpipe system.
added 80/2008
"HVAC system" includes one or more of the following: a heating system, ventilating
system, exhaust system, fire dampers and smoke dampers.
added 80/2008
"Manitoba Building Code" means the current edition of the building code adopted by
regulation pursuant to The Buildings Act.
added 54/2012; 27/2026
"Manitoba Fire Code" means the current edition of the fire code adopted by regulation
pursuant to The Fires Prevention and Emergency Response Act.
added 54/2012
"Manitoba Plumbing Code" means the current edition of the plumbing code adopted by
regulation pursuant to The Buildings Act.
added 54/2012; 27/2026
"Marquee" means any roof-like structure constructed and erected as a permanent part of
the building over an entrance thereto, and projecting more than 300 mm from the exterior
wall of the building.
"Mechanical hazardous process system" includes one or more of the following: a bio-
hazard laboratory fume hood and associated exhaust system, a dust collection system, a
welding exhaust system, a flammable or combustible storage system, an explosion relief
system, a painting, coating and spray operation.
added 80/2008
"Mechanical system" includes an HVAC system, a mechanical hazardous process system,
a cooking equipment ventilation system and a fire protection system.
added 80/2008
"Occupancy" means the use or intended use of a building or part thereof for the shelter or
support of persons, animals or property.
added 6255/93
By-law No. 4555/87
5
"Owner" means a person or agent of a person who owns, manages or is in possession of
land or a building, or who is in receipt of the whole or part of any rents or profits therefrom,
whether the rents and profits are received on the person's own account, or as agent or
trustee for another person.
added 54/2012
"Person" has the same meaning as it has in The City of Winnipeg Charter.
amended 8162/2002
"Pool" means any artificially constructed basin, lined with concrete, fiberglass, vinyl or like
material, that is capable of containing a water depth greater than 60 cm, whether in-ground
or above-ground, including a spa, swim spa and a hot tub;
added 110/2024
"Prime Mechanical Contractor" means an individual, partnership, firm, corporation or
government department contracted to undertake mechanical work that may or may not
hold a valid Mechanical Contractor's Licence "M1" or Mechanical Contractor's Licence "M2"
issued in accordance with this By-law.
added 119/2017
"Private Pool" means pool that is not a public pool;
added 110/2024
"Public Pool" means any pool in respect of which The Public Health Act, CCSM c. P210,
or any regulations under that Act, applies;
added 110/2024
"Relocation" means the moving of a building or structure from one location to another
location, either on the same property or to another property.
"Renovation" means the reconstruction of all or part of the interior or exterior, or both, of
an existing building where there is no structural reconstruction, alteration or enlargement of
the building.
"Repair" means work done to an existing building for the purpose of maintenance and not
amounting to a renovation.
"Seasonal Pool" means a private pool that is designed and intended to be erected and
used seasonally or temporarily only, and that is easily disassembled or moved without the
use of specialized equipment or heavy machinery.
added 110/2024
"Sign" means any writing (including letter, word or numeral) pictorial representation
(including illustration or decoration), emblem (including device, symbol, logo or trade
mark), flag (including banner or pennant), or any other figure of similar character, which
(a)
is a structure or any part thereof, or is attached to, painted on, or in any
other manner represented on or in a building or other structure; and
By-law No. 4555/87
6
(b)
is used to announce, identify, direct attention to, or advertise
"Sign, facia" means a sign, or individual letters attached to, marked or inscribed on, or
erected or placed against, a wall or other surface, whether forming part of a building or not,
and having the exposed face of the sign on a plane approximately parallel to the plane of
such wall or other surface and visible from the outside of the building, and projecting not
more than 300 mm from the face of such wall or other surface.
"Sign, free-standing" means a sign supported by a vertical column or columns placed in
the ground with the sign surface area above ground level, and being structurally
independent of any other structure.
"Sign, free swinging" means a sign which, when erected or hung on or attached to any
building is capable of swinging, oscillating or rocking, but not as a result of mechanical
devices incorporated in the sign for such purpose.
"Sign, illuminated" means a sign designed to give forth any artificial light or reflect light
from an artificial source.
"Sign, mobile" means a sign which is mounted on a trailer, vehicle, stand or similar
support structure which is designed in such a manner that the sign can be readily relocated
to another location, and which may include copy that can be changed through the use of
removable characters or panels.
"Signs, projecting" means a sign other than a facia or canopy sign which is attached to a
building and extends beyond the line of the said building or beyond the surface of that
portion of the building to which it is attached.
"Sign, roof" means a sign erected, constructed and maintained wholly upon or over the
roof of a building with the principal support on the roof structure.
"Sign, temporary" means a sign with or without a structural frame and intended to be
displayed for a short period of time.
"Structure" means anything constructed or erected with a fixed location on or in the
ground, or attached to something having a fixed location on the ground and including but
not limited to the following: buildings, walls, fences, signs, billboards, poster panels, light
standards, swimming pools.
"Sun visor" means a projection from a building for the purpose of providing shade to an
aperture in the form of louvres, egg crating or other similar methods, but in no case
designed so as to prevent air, rain, snow or other atmospheric elements from passing
through such projection.
By-law No. 4555/87
7
"Underpinning" means the construction process of increasing the load carrying capacity
of an existing foundation, or of providing new permanent support for an existing structure
that has suffered damage and distortion through some inadequacy in its support.
added 6255/93
3.4
All pronouns and any variation thereof shall be deemed to refer to any gender, singular
or plural, as the context may require.
added 27/2026
SECTION 4
PROHIBITIONS
4.1
repealed 8162/2002
4.2
Where a permit is required by this By-law, no person shall engage in any construction or
other activity that requires a permit, or authorize or allow construction or another activity that
requires a permit to begin or to proceed, unless a valid permit exists for the construction or the
other activity
amended 54/2012
4.3
No person shall
(a)
engage in any construction or other activity in a manner that deviates from the
accepted plans and specifications forming a part of the permit for that construction
or other activity, or
(b)
omit or fail to complete, prior to occupancy, construction required by the accepted
plans and specifications forming a part of the permit,
without first having obtained the acceptance of the designated employee to do so, except
for minor changes which conform to the applicable Codes.
amended 8162/2002, 54/2012
4.4
Where a Building Occupancy Permit is required by section 15 herein, no person shall occupy
or allow the occupancy of any building, or part thereof, or change the occupancy, unless
the Building Occupancy Permit has been issued by the City.
amended 6255/93
4.5
No person having responsibility for the construction, reconstruction, demolition, alteration,
removal, relocation or occupancy of a structure shall cause, allow or maintain any unsafe condition.
4.6
No person shall excavate or undertake work on, over or under public property, or erect or
place any construction or work or store any materials thereon, without acceptance having first been
obtained in writing from the appropriate government authority.
By-law No. 4555/87
8
4.7
No person shall allow the property boundaries or accepted grades of a building lot to be so
changed as to place a building or part thereof in contravention of the Code.
4.8
Any person who knowingly submits false or misleading information contravenes this By-law.
SECTION 5
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OWNER
amended 54/2012
5.1
Where the Manitoba Building Code, or the designated employee under subsection 9.13
of this By-law, requires that plans, drawings and related documents submitted as part of an
application for a permit must be signed and sealed by an architect or a professional engineer or
both, it is the responsibility of the owner to
(a)
ensure that the plans, drawings and related documents, including certificates required to
be submitted as part of an application required by subsection 6.3, are signed and sealed
by one or more architects or professional engineers who are
(i)
entitled to practice as architects or professional engineers, as the case may be, in
the Province of Manitoba,
(ii)
skilled in the application of the Codes to the aspect of the design and construction
of the building represented in the plans, drawings and related documents signed
and sealed by the architect or professional engineer, and
(b)
subject to subsection 5.3,
(i)
ensure that each aspect of the construction of the building is reviewed periodically
during the course of construction by the same design professional who signed and
sealed the plans, drawings and other documents submitted as part of the
application for the permit with respect to that aspect of the building, and
(ii)
submit, as part of an application for a building occupancy permit, a certificate
concerning the compliance of the construction with the Codes which is in a form
acceptable to the designated employee and has been signed and sealed by the
design professional who reviewed the construction.
amended 54/2012
5.2
By-law No. 4555/87
9
5.3
Subject to the Manitoba Building Code, where the review of an aspect of the construction of
a building is not carried out by the same design professional or professionals who signed and
sealed the plans, drawings and other documents submitted as part of the application for the permit
with respect to that aspect, the owner must notify the designated employee of this fact in writing
as soon as possible and must provide the designated employee in writing the name and address of
the design professional who will be conducting the review of that aspect of construction as soon as
that person is known. If, during the construction of a building, a new design professional is
appointed to review the construction of the building, the owner must immediately notify the
designated employee of this fact in writing.
amended 8162/2002, 54/2012
5.4.1 An owner of property must, prior to commencing work on the property for which a permit,
acceptance or approval is required pursuant to this By-law, obtain all necessary permits,
acceptances and approvals.
amended 54/2012; 108/2017
5.4.2 If an owner has failed to obtain a required permit, acceptance or approval prior to
commencing work in compliance with sentence 5.4.1, the owner at the time the work was
commenced or carried out - and every subsequent owner - is nonetheless required to obtain all
permits, acceptances and approvals and to pay all applicable fees despite the fact that the work
has already commenced or has been completed. For greater clarity, if work for which a permit,
acceptance or approval is required has been commenced or carried out without the required
permit, acceptance or approval, the current owner is responsible for obtaining the required
permit, acceptance or approval and must pay any fees or penalties associated with the permit,
acceptance or approval, including fees for its issuance after the work has been commenced or
carried out.
amended 54/2012; 108/2017
5.5.1 In addition to complying with subsection 5.3, every owner shall give notice in writing to the
designated employee, prior to commencing work, listing
amended 8162/2002, 54/2012
(a)
the name, address and telephone number of
(i)
the constructor or other person in charge of the work,
(ii)
removed 54/2012
(iii)
any inspection or testing agency engaged to monitor the work; and
(b)
any change in or termination of employment of such persons during the
course of the construction immediately that such change or termination
occurs.
5.5.2 Every owner shall give notice to the designated employee of the dates on which he intends
to begin work prior to commencing work on the building site.
amended 8162/2002, 54/2012
By-law No. 4555/87
10
5.5.3 The owner of property in respect of which a permit has been issued must ensure that a
designated employee is notified:
amended 8162/2002; 108/2017
(i)
prior to the expiry of the permit as provided in clause 14.1.3(1)(a), unless
an extension is granted, that work authorized by the permit has been
initiated;
(ii)
that work has been completed to the point where an inspection required
by this By-law can take place;
(iii)
within one month following an inspection during which a defect in the
construction of a single family house or duplex was identified, that the
defect has been corrected and is ready for re-inspection;
(iv)
within seven days, or such greater time as determined by the designated
employee, following an inspection during which a defect in the
construction of any structure other than a single family house or duplex
was identified, that the defect has been corrected and is ready for
reinspection;
replaced 27/2026
(v)
prior to the expiry of the permit as provided in clause 14.1.3(b) (that is,
unless an extension is granted, within three years after the permit has
been issued or such longer period as is approved by a designated
employee), that work has been completed and is ready for inspection;
(vi)
in writing of any change in the ownership or of the address of the owner
prior to the issuance of a building occupancy permit; and
(vii)
of any other information as required by this By-law or the Code.
5.5.4 The owner of property with respect to which a permit has been issued must ensure that:
amended 6255/93; 8162/2002, 54/2012; 108/2017
(a)
work that is required to be inspected is not covered until the required
inspection has taken place; and
(b)
where an inspection has revealed a defect that must be remedied prior to
continued work, that the defect is not covered until the required re-
inspection has taken place.
(c)
all construction materials, waste and demolition debris are properly
stored and secured on site in accordance with the Code and all applicable
City by-laws.
added 27/2026
5.5.5
amended 8162/2002, 54/2012; repealed 108/2017
By-law No. 4555/87
11
5.6
No owner shall deviate from the requirements or the conditions of the permit, including the
accepted plans, drawings and other documents, without first obtaining from the designated
employee permission to do so, except for minor changes which conform to the Code. Where, in the
reasonable opinion of the designated employee, deviations from the conditions of the permit are
substantial and require an additional review of the plans, drawings or other documents, he or she
shall treat the proposed deviations as a new application and the process associated with a new
application, including the payment of fees, must then be followed.
amended 8162/2002, 54/2012
5.7.1 Every owner shall ensure that the drawings and specifications on which the issue of the
building permit was based are available continuously at the site of the work for inspection during
working hours by the designated employee, and that the permit, or true copy thereof, is posted
conspicuously on the site during the entire execution of the work; and
amended 8162/2002, 54/2012
5.7.2 Every owner shall keep visible at all times during construction the street number of the
premises in figures at least 75 mm high and visible from the street or sidewalk.
amended 54/2012
5.8.1 The granting of a permit, the review and acceptance of the drawings and specifications, or
inspections made by the designated employee, shall not in any way relieve the owner of a structure
from full responsibility for carrying out the work or having the work carried out and for maintaining
the building or structure in accordance with the requirements of the applicable Codes and this
Bylaw, including ensuring that the occupancy of the building, or any part thereof, is in accordance
with the terms of the Building Occupancy Permit.
amended 6255/93; 8162/2002, 54/2012
5.8.2 Without restricting the generality of Sentence 5.8.1, the owner of a building must ensure
that every part of the building is in compliance with the Codes that were in effect at the time that
that part of the building was constructed, altered or renovated. This requirement applies whether
or not the owner owned the building at the time that the building or part of the building was
constructed, altered or renovated.
added 54/2012
5.9
repealed 8162/2002
5.10
No person shall interfere in any way with the designated employee or anyone acting under
his authority or by his instructions, in the performance of any duties imposed upon him by this By-
law.
amended 8162/2002
5.11
Every owner shall make or have made, at his own expense, tests or inspections as
necessary to prove compliance with the Code, and shall promptly file a copy of all such test or
inspection reports with the designated employee.
amended 8162/2002, 54/2012
By-law No. 4555/87
12
5.12
To the extent that is possible, all tests required by the designated employee shall be carried
out by the owner in accordance with recognized standard test methods. In the absence of such
standard test methods, the designated employee may specify the test procedure to be followed.
amended 8162/2002, 54/2012; 108/2017
5.13
Where tests of any materials are made to ensure conformity with the requirements of the
Code, records of the test data shall be kept available by the owner or his agent for inspection
during the construction of the building and for such period thereafter as required by the designated
employee.
amended 8162/2002, 54/2012
5.14
Every owner shall provide an up-to-date survey of the building site when and as required by
the designated employee.
amended 54/2012
5.15
When required by the designated employee, every owner shall uncover and replace at his
own expense any work that has been covered contrary to an order issued by the designated
employee.
amended 54/2012; 108/2017
5.16
Every owner is responsible for the cost of repair of any damage to public property or works
located thereon that may occur as a result of undertaking work for which a permit was required by
this By-law.
amended 54/2012
5.17
Should occupancy occur prior to the completion of any work being undertaken that requires
a permit, every owner shall ensure that no unsafe condition exists or will exist because of the work
being undertaken or not completed.
amended 54/2012
5.18
When a structure or part thereof is in an unsafe condition, the owner shall immediately take
all necessary action to put the structure in a safe condition. All structures, existing and new, and
all parts thereof shall be maintained in a safe condition. All devices, or safeguards which are
required by the Code in a building or structure when erected, altered, or repaired, shall be
maintained in good working order. The owner or his designated agent shall be responsible for the
maintenance of such building or structure.
amended 54/2012
5.19
Where a stop work order has been issued by the designated employee, in accordance with
subsection 9.2 herein, the owner, or his designated agent, shall stop work immediately, except for
the installation or erection of covers or guards so as to be able to maintain the site in a safe
condition.
amended 54/2012
5.20
Where work is suspended or terminated, the owner, or his designated agent, shall leave the
site in a safe manner and shall maintain the site in a safe condition.
amended 54/2012
By-law No. 4555/87
13
5.21
When required by the designated employee, every owner shall submit, on completion of the
construction, a revised set of drawings, depicting the building as constructed.
amended 54/2012
5.22
When completed construction is in non-compliance with this By-law or another By-law one
of the applicable Codes, the owner must, at his or her expense, bring the building into compliance
within a reasonable period of time.
added 54/2012
5.23
If the designated employee has issued a separate permit for the foundation or another
aspect or stage of a construction project under subsection 9.5, the owner must ensure
that, prior to the expiration of that permit, either
added 108/2017
(a)
the necessary permits for subsequent stages, or for the completion of the
project in its entirety, are obtained; or
(b)
the portion of the construction project that has been constructed to that
point is demolished and the site on which it is located is returned to the
condition it was in prior to construction.
SECTION 6
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DESIGN PROFESSIONAL
amended 54/2012
6.1
This section applies whenever the Manitoba Building Code or the designated employee,
acting pursuant to subsection 9.13 of this By-law, requires that plans, drawings and related
documents submitted with an application to construct a building must be signed and sealed by
a design professional.
amended 54/2012
6.2
An architect or an professional engineer must not sign and seal any plans, drawings or other
documents that are to be submitted as part of an application for a permit, and must not sign and
seal a certificate required by the designated employee under subsection 9.15.1 of this By-law
concerning the compliance of construction with Codes and by-laws, unless he or she
(a)
is a member in good standing of the Manitoba Association of Architects or the
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Manitoba, as the case
may be; and
(b)
is skilled in the application of the applicable Code or Codes to those aspects of the
construction that are represented in the plans, drawing or other documents or that
are referred to in the certificate being submitted.
amended 54/2012
6.2.1
By-law No. 4555/87
14
6.2.2
6.3
Notwithstanding sentence 9.14.2, but subject to subsection 6.4, the design professional
who signs and seals plans and drawings that the owner submits as part of an application for a
permit must sign and seal a certificate which contains the following statement with respect to
the application:
I hereby certify that I have complied with all applicable legislation and
professional codes in affixing my seal to the plans, drawings and related
documents which are being submitted as part of an application for a
permit under the Winnipeg Building By-law.
By affixing my seal, I am representing that:
-
I am fully aware of the provisions of the Manitoba Building Code,
the Manitoba Energy Code, the Manitoba Plumbing Code and the
Manitoba Fire Code that are applicable to these plans and
drawings;
-
I have applied a professional standard of care to ensure
compliance of these plans and drawings with the applicable
provisions of these Codes.
amended 54/2012; 108/2017
6.4
The obligation set out in subsection 6.3 does not apply to an application for a permit
submitted before April 30, 2012.
amended 54/2012
6.5
A design professional who withdraws from a construction project, must immediately advise
the designated employee in writing.
amended 54/2012
SECTION 7
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONSTRUCTOR
7.1
Every constructor, including building, mechanical and plumbing contractors, shall ensure
that all work is carried out in accordance with this By-law, the Code and all provisions as described
on the permit and accepted drawings and specifications.
amended 80/2008
7.1.1 Every constructor, including building, mechanical and plumbing contractors, shall ensure
that all construction materials, waste, and demolition debris are properly stored and secured on
site in accordance with the Code and all applicable City by-laws.
added 27/2026
By-law No. 4555/87
15
7.2
Every constructor shall ensure that all construction safety requirements of the Code are
complied with.
7.3
Every constructor shall give notice to the designated employee
(a)
of intent to do work that has been ordered to be inspected during
construction;
(b)
of intent to cover work that has been ordered to be inspected prior to
covering; and
(c)
when work has been completed so that a final inspection can be made.
7.4
Every constructor is responsible jointly and severally with the owner for any work actually
undertaken.
amended 54/2012
7.5
When required by the designated employee, the constructor shall provide a statutory
declaration that his work was completed in accordance with the accepted plans and specifications,
and the requirements of the Codes and this By-law.
amended 54/2012
SECTION 8
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CITY
amended 108/2017
8.1
The designated employee and his or her delegates may conduct inspections and take steps
to administer and enforce this By-law or remedy a contravention of this By-law in accordance with
The City of Winnipeg Charter and, for those purposes, have the powers of a "designated employee"
under The City of Winnipeg Charter.1
amended 8162/2002
8.2
The designated employee shall keep copies of all applications received, permits and orders
issued, inspections and tests made, and of all papers and documents connected with the
administration of the Code and this By-law for such time as other regulations require.
8.3
The designated employee shall accept any construction or condition that lawfully existed
prior to the effective date of the Code unless the construction or condition constitutes an unsafe
condition or contravenes some other by-law or regulation.
8.4
In addition to orders to remedy a contravention of this By-law, the designated employee
may issue notices advising that a contravention of this By-law has taken place and requiring that it
be rectified.
amended 8162/2002
By-law No. 4555/87
16
8.5
The designated employee shall answer such relevant questions as may be reasonable with
respect to the provisions of the Code or this By-law when requested to do so, but except for
standard design aids shall refrain from assisting in the laying out of any work and from acting in the
capacity of an engineering or architectural consultant.
8.6
The designated employee shall issue a permit to the owner, constructor or agent, when to
the best of his knowledge, the applicable conditions as set forth in the Code and other relevant by-
laws of the City have been met.
amended 54/2012
8.7
In the issuance of a stop work order, the designated employee shall issue such order in
writing, to the owner of the property involved, to the owner's agent, to the contractor, or the
person in charge, stating the reason for the order and the conditions under which the work may be
resumed.
amended 54/2012
8.8
Any order to remedy a contravention of this By-law must be issued in accordance with The
City of Winnipeg Charter. 2
amended 8162/2002
8.9
Where an address for sending a notice, order, decision or other document is required, one
of the following shall be used:
(a)
if the person to be served is the owner of real property, the address
maintained by the tax collector for the purpose of issuing the tax notice for
that property;
(b)
if the person to be served is the occupant of real property, the street
address for that property and
(c)
if the document to be served relates to a permit, licence or other document
for which the person to be served has applied, the address provided by the
person in the application.
added 8162/2002
8.10.1 Despite 8.9, where a person to whom a notice, order, decision, or other document is
required to be given or sent under this by-law has provided his or her email address to
the designated employee, the notice, order, decision, or other document required to be
given or sent under this by-law may be sent to that person at the email address so
provided.
added 27/2026
8.10.2 Where a notice, order, decision, or other document is sent by way of email under
subsection 8.10.1, the designated employee must obtain and retain a copy of a delivery
receipt in respect of the email.
added 27/2026
By-law No. 4555/87
17
8.10.3 Where a delivery receipt is not obtained under subsection 8.10.2, the notice, order,
decision, or other document must be sent in accordance with 8.9.
added 27/2026
SECTION 9
POWERS OF THE DESIGNATED EMPLOYEE
9.1
repealed 8162/2002
9.2
9.2.1 The designated employee is empowered to order
(a)
a person who contravenes the Code or this By-law, to comply with the Code
or this By-law within a specified time;
(b)
work to stop on the structure or any part thereof,
(i)
if such work is proceeding in contravention of the Code or of this By-
law, or any other condition under which the permit was issued, or
(ii)
if there is deemed to be an unsafe condition;
(c)
the removal of any unauthorized encroachment on public property;
(d)
the removal of any building or part thereof constructed in contravention of
the Code or this By-law;
(e)
the cessation of an occupancy in contravention of the Code or this By-law;
(f)
the cessation of an occupancy if any unsafe condition exists;
(g)
correction of any unsafe condition.
(h)
that work not be covered until it has been inspected; and
(i)
that certain work be inspected during construction.
9.2.2 The designated employee may authorize the complete or partial demolition or removal, at
the expense of the owner thereof, of a structure which, in his opinion, has been constructed in
contravention of the Code or any by-law and to provide that the cost of such demolition or removal
as certified by the designated employee may be added to the taxes on the land occupied by such
structure and collected as other taxes.
amended 54/2012
By-law No. 4555/87
18
9.2.3 The designated employee may by written notice, require the owner of a structure or other
person acting for the owner in respect thereof, to comply within a specified period of time to have
the structure made to conform with the Code in such respects as are specified in the notice.
Omission to give such notice, however, shall not prevent any owner or other person from being
prosecuted for breach of the Code.
amended 54/2012; 108/2017
9.2.4 The designated employee is empowered to determine whether a defect identified during
an inspection is minor in nature or whether a reinspection will be required before the work may
proceed in accordance with sections 5.5.3(iii), 5.5.3(iv) and 5.5.4(b) herein. Where the defect is
determined to be minor, the designated
employee may close the permit without a
reinspection.
added 27/2026
9.3
The designated employee may direct that tests of materials, equipment, devices,
construction methods, structural assemblies or foundation conditions be made, or sufficient
evidence or proof be submitted at the expense of the owner, where such evidence or proof is
necessary to determine whether the material, equipment, device, construction or foundation
condition meets the requirements of the Code. (See section 13) The evidence or proof the
designated employee is authorized to require includes certificates or representations from
architects, engineers, surveyors or other individuals with expertise in the aspect of design or
construction being certified or represented.
amended 54/2012
9.4
The designated employee may require any owner to submit an up-to-date plan of survey
prepared by a Manitoba Land Surveyor which shall contain sufficient information regarding the
building lot and the location of any structure
amended 54/2012
(a)
to establish before construction begins that all requirements of the Code in
relation to this information will be complied with; and
(b)
to verify upon completion of the work that all such requirements have been
complied with.
9.5.1 The designated employee may issue a permit for the entire construction project or, when
requested, may issue separate permits for aspects or stages of the construction project.
9.5.2 Separate permits for aspects or stages of the construction project may be issued only after
the designated employee has approved the plans and drawings for those stages.
9.5.3 The fact that the designated employee issues a permit for a particular aspect or stage of the
construction project does not mean that approval has been or will be given of plans for other
aspects or stages of the project and an owner who proceeds with construction to the extent
authorized by the permit must assume the risk that plans for other aspects or stages of the project
may not be accepted by the designated employee.
amended 8162/2002
By-law No. 4555/87
19
9.6.1. The designated employee may issue a permit on the condition that, before specific aspects
or stages of construction authorized in the permit are initiated, the owner must provide and the
designated employee must approve information, plans or details of plans that are not available at
the time the permit is issued.
9.6.2 The designated employee may issue a conditional permit under clause 9.6.1 only where the
information or plans that must be provided and approved are not relevant to aspects or stages of
construction which are permitted to proceed in the interim.
9.6.3 The fact that the designated employee issues a conditional permit under clause 9.6.1 does
not mean that approval of plans or details of plans submitted as a condition of the permit has been
or will be given and an owner who proceeds with construction to the extent authorized by the
permit must assume the risk that plans for other aspects or stages of the project may not be
approved. Similarly, where information provided pursuant to a conditional permit leads the
designated employee to conclude that the plans or the permit must be altered in order to comply
with the Building Code, such alterations shall be made at the owner's expense.
amended 8162/2002
9.7.1 The designated employee may refuse to issue a permit
amended 79/2019
(a)
whenever information submitted is inadequate to determine compliance with
the provisions of the Code;
(b)
whenever incorrect information is submitted;
(c)
that would authorize any building work or occupancy that would not be
permitted by the Code;
(d)
in respect of any appliance, device, machine or apparatus or in respect of
any construction if the installation or construction will not comply with the
regulations of the City, of the Government of Manitoba or of the
Government of Canada;
(e)
for the repair or alteration of a building if, in his opinion, the building is so
dilapidated or damaged that the building or its remaining components do
not meet an acceptable standard, or if, in his opinion, the building will vary
in appearance from the usual types of building in the vicinity to such extent
as to have an adverse effect of property values in the area;
(f)
where, in his opinion, the results of the tests referred to in section 13
herein, are not satisfactory;
(g)
to any person who has failed to pay any fees due and owing to the City
under this or any other by-law;
amended 79/2019
By-law No. 4555/87
20
(h)
where, in his opinion, a condition exists which could adversely affect the
health and/or safety of the occupants of the proposed building or structure;
or
amended 79/2019
(i)
where the designated employee determines that the proposed building or
structure will create an unsafe condition in respect of an existing building or
structure.
added 79/2019
9.7.2 The designated employee may require that an owner who has applied for a building
permit perform such inspections or tests as the designated employee determines to be
necessary to make a determination under clause 9.7.1(i).
added 79/2019
9.7.3 Where the designated employee determines that the proposed building or structure will
create an unsafe condition in respect of an existing building or structure under clause 9.7.1(i),
the designated employee must not issue a permit until he or she is satisfied that the owner of a
property in respect of which the application for the building permit has been submitted, or his or
her designate, has done all things reasonably necessary to ensure that the proposed building or
structure will not create an unsafe condition in respect of the existing building or structure.
added 79/2019
9.7.4 An owner may satisfy the obligation imposed by subsection 9.7.3 by providing to the
designated employee a signed and sealed certification by a professional engineer licensed who
meets the requirements under subsection 6.2.
added 79/2019
9.7.5 Despite clause 9.7.1(i) and subsection 9.7.3, the designated employee may issue a
permit where he or she determines that
added 79/2019
(a)
the owner of a property in respect of which a building permit application has been
submitted, or his or her designate, has made all reasonable attempts but has
been unable to
(i)
determine whether the proposed building or structure will create an
unsafe condition in respect of an existing building or structure; or
(ii)
remediate or reinforce the existing building or structure as necessary to
ensure that the proposed building or structure will not create an unsafe
condition in respect of the existing building or structure; or
(b)
the owner of the existing building or structure has refused all reasonable
attempts to
(i)
determine whether the proposed building or structure will create an
unsafe condition in respect of the existing building or structure; or
By-law No. 4555/87
21
(ii)
remediate or reinforce the existing building or structure as necessary to
ensure that the proposed building or structure will not create an unsafe
condition in respect of the existing building or structure.
9.8
The designated employee may revoke a permit if
(a)
there is a contravention of any condition under which the permit was issued;
(b)
the permit was issued in error;
(c)
the permit was issued on the basis of incorrect information;
(d)
the person doing the work demonstrates that he is not competent to do the
work; or
(e)
in his opinion, the work being carried out is not proceeding at a satisfactory
rate.
9.9
repealed 54/2012
9.10
The designated employee, in special cases that in his opinion warrant it, may modify or vary
any specified regulation where such modification or variation in his opinion will substantially
accomplish the object of the regulation.
amended 6255/93
9.11
Upon the completion of the construction of a building or structure, the designated employee
may require an owner to submit an up-to-date set of drawings depicting the building or structure as
constructed.
amended 6255/93, 54/2012
9.12
The designated employee may require that drawings and specifications submitted in
connection with an application for a permit be in a form which will facilitate examination to
determine compliance with the Code and this By-law and may require that all values be stated in
metric units.
amended 6255/93
9.13
Where, in the opinion of the designated employee, the complexity or risks associated with
the design of construction or the construction of a building requires special technical knowledge,
the designated employee may require that the owner
(a)
submit plans, drawings and other documents signed and sealed by an architect or
professional engineer, or both, as part of an application for a permit; and
By-law No. 4555/87
22
(b)
ensure that the construction of the building is reviewed by an architect or
professional engineer, or both, and submit as part of an application for an interim or
final building occupancy permit required under section 15, a certificate signed and
sealed by the architect or engineer, or both, who inspected the construction
concerning the compliance of the construction with the Codes or specific aspects of
the Codes.
amended 6255/93, 54/2012
9.14.1 The designated employee is authorized to determine the type and form of plans,
drawings and other documents that are required under subsection 5.1 to be submitted as part
of an application for a permit with respect to construction or occupancy.
added 54/2012
9.14.2 Without restricting the generality of sentence 9.14.1, but subject to Subsection 6.3, the
designated employee is authorized to establish the text of a certificate signed and sealed by a
design professional that the owner must submit as part of an application for a permit for
construction or occupancy.
added 54/2012
9.15.1 For the purposes of complying with the City's obligation to inspect and approve plans
relating to construction prior to a permit being issued, and for the purposes of complying with
the City's obligation to enforce the building construction codes or building construction
standards adopted pursuant to The Buildings Act, the designated employee may rely on a
certificate of or representation by a professional engineer or an architect, or both, as to the
compliance of plans and drawings or other documents, or of construction, with the Codes and
with applicable by-laws.
added 54/2012; 27/2026
9.15.2 In relying on a certificate or representation of a professional engineer or architect
pursuant to sentence 9.15.1, the designated employee may establish circumstances in which no
examination or review whatsoever of certain aspects or parts, or of the entirety,
of the plans or drawings or other documents signed and sealed by a design professional, or of
construction reviewed by a design professional, will be conducted by the City of Winnipeg
before a permit or an interim or final building occupancy permit is issued.
added 54/2012
9.15.3 As part of the authority granted by sentence 9.15.1, the designated employee is
authorized to determine:
(a)
subject to subsection 6.3, the form and content of the certificate or
representation to be provided, including a signed and sealed statement using
specific text approved by the designated employee;
(b)
the amount of professional liability insurance, if any, that must be carried by an
architect or professional engineer who provides certifications or representations;
By-law No. 4555/87
23
(c)
the criteria, if any, for determining when the City of Winnipeg will not rely solely
or at all on the required certificates or representations submitted by specific
individual design professionals; and
(d)
the form of an audit program or other programs, if any, to encourage compliance
of submitted plans and specifications with the applicable codes and by-laws.
added 54/2012
9.16.1 Subject to sentence 9.16.2, the designated employee may institute a program in which
permits authorizing the construction or occupancy of buildings to which subsection 5.1 does not
apply are issued by the City with minimal examination or review by the City of plans, drawings
or specifications for compliance with this By-law and with minimal or no inspection of
construction.
added 54/2012
9.16.2 The program referred to in sentence 9.16.1 must include an audit function which
subjects the minimally unexamined plans or specifications as well as the construction of the
building to random, systematic or targeted review.
added 54/2012
9.16.3 As part of the authority granted by this section, the designated employee is authorized
to establish the circumstances in which the program authorized in sentence 9.16.1 will apply,
and to determine the form of the audit function established as part of the program.
added 54/2012
9.17
Notwithstanding subsections 9.15 or 9.16, where a designated employee determines,
through an audit or otherwise, that plans or specifications submitted under subsections 9.15 or
9.16, or actual construction based upon permits issued under those provisions, fail to comply
with this By-law or the Codes, the designated employee may order the designer or the owner,
or both, to rectify the point of non-compliance within a reasonable time. A designer or owner
who fails to comply with an order issued under this provision commits an offence.
added 54/2012
SECTION 10
APPEAL
10.1
Subject to payment of any appeal fee established by Council, an appeal from an order to
remedy a contravention of this By-law or a decision made by the designated employee may be
made to the Designated Committee in accordance with The City of Winnipeg Charter. 4
amended 8162/2002, 54/2012; 106/2015; 108/2017
10.2
Where the subject matter of an appeal has to do with building design and construction
and is of a technical nature, the Designated Committee may adjourn the appeal and
refer the matter to the Winnipeg Building Commission for recommendation.
added 108/2017
By-law No. 4555/87
24
SECTION 11
repealed 108/2017
SECTION 12
UNSAFE CONDITIONS
12.1
Premises are in an unsafe condition when they pose a risk of harm to people, animals or
neighbouring properties and, without restricting the generality of the foregoing, a property is in an
unsafe condition when
(a)
all or parts of the buildings or structures located on the premises constitute
a fire hazard or are likely to fall or cause an explosion;
(b)
the floors, stairs, walls and other structural aspects of buildings or structures
located on the premises are insecure or pose a danger to people or animals
who enter the buildings or structures;
(c)
a vacant building or structure is unguarded or open so that entry can be
easily gained to it; or
(d)
wells, excavations, openings or holes located on the premises are not
property covered or guarded so that people or animals could fall into them
and be trapped.
(e)
all or part of the structure has been destroyed by fire.
added 27/2026
12.2
The owner and occupant of premises shall not permit those premises to be in an unsafe
condition.
12.3
repealed 35/2004
12.4 Premises may, at the discretion of the designated employee, be determined to be in an
unsafe condition where there is an accumulation of construction waste and/or demolition
debris.
added 27/2026
12.5 The owner and occupant of the premises must, when requested, provide access to the
designated employee for the purpose of assessing site conditions and safety.
added 27/2026
By-law No. 4555/87
25
12.6
The designated employee may, by written notice, require the owner of a structure to
provide, at the owner's sole cost and expense, a certified report form an architect or engineer
as to the condition of the structure.
added 27/2026
12.7
The City may take remedial action to remove the accumulation of construction waste
and/or demolition debris where any order to correct the unsafe condition has not been complied
with in the period of the time specified in the order and will apply all associated costs to the
property owner
added 27/2026
SECTION 13
TESTS
13.1
All required tests of materials shall be conducted according to the appropriate methods
found in the standards listed in the Code, or in the absence of these, as specified by the designated
employee or other authority acceptable to him.
13.2
Tests and inspections shall be conducted as required by the designated employee and all
costs thereto shall be borne by the owner or constructor.
amended 54/2012
13.3
Laboratory tests shall be conducted by a laboratory acceptable to the designated employee.
SECTION 14
PERMITS AND CERTIFICATES
GENERAL
14.1.1 Except as provided for in Sentence 14.2.1(2), a permit is required whenever work regulated
by this Bylaw or the Code is to be undertaken.
amended 6255/93
14.1.2(1)
Subject to subsection 14.8.2(1), an application for a permit or certificate under
this By-law must be in writing in a form prescribed by the Director, and must be made by:
amended 108/2017
(a)
the owner;
(b)
an individual authorized in writing by the owner to apply on behalf of the
owner; or
By-law No. 4555/87
26
(c)
a licensed mechanical, plumbing or demolition contractor who has been
contracted to carry out the work for which the permit or certificate is
being sought.
amended 163/2022
(1.1)
The designated employee may require that the application for a permit or
certificate submitted in accordance with subsection (1) include drawings or plans
which, in the opinion of the designated employee, are reasonably required to
review and make a decision in respect of the application.
amended 80/2008, 54/2012; 108/2017
(2)
repealed 166/2004
(3)
If the applicant, or a design professional named by an applicant,
(a)
fails within a reasonable period of time to provide information required to
process the application or fails to respond to communication from the City,
or
(b)
otherwise appears to have abandoned the application,
the designated employee may reject the application. The designated employee may
give the applicant notice of a decision to reject an application by sending the notice
to the applicant at the address provided by the applicant in the application
amended 6255/93, 6280/93 and 6595/95, 54/2012
14.1.3 (1)
A permit automatically expires and is thereafter null and void if the owner does not
ensure that construction or other work authorized by the permit
(a)
subject to item 14.1.3(2), is initiated within 6 months after the permit is
issued;
(b)
subject to item 14.1.3(2), is completed within
(i)
three years after the date the permit is issued; or
(ii)
a greater length of time as determined to be reasonable by the
designated employee in the case of extraordinarily large construction
projects; and
(c)
complies with the conditions imposed on the permit, including the conditions
set out in sentence 14.1.5
amended 54/2012
By-law No. 4555/87
27
14.1.3 (2)
Upon application by the owner, a designated employee may grant an extension
to the date by which construction or other work must be initiated or completed. The extension
may extend the time period for initiation or completion by no more than the time period set out
in Items 14.1.3(1)(a) and (b) for the initiation or completion of the construction or other work
authorized by the permit. In order to qualify for the extension, the owner must
(a)
submit, and undertake to implement, a work plan which sets reasonable
and measurable targets for stages of construction or other work to be
completed; and
(b)
provide a deposit in an amount equal to 40% of the cost of the permit,
which must be refunded, without interest, if the construction or other
work is initiated or completed within the extended time period.
added 54/2012; amended 58/2020
14.1.3 (3)
A designated employee may revoke a permit by giving notice to the owner at the
address provided by the owner in the permit application if
(a)
the construction or other work authorized by the permit is not proceeding
reasonably to completion after being initiated; or
(b)
the owner does not meet the targets set out in the work plan referred to
in Item 14.1.3(2)(a) for stages of construction or other work to be
completed.
added 54/2012
14.1.3 (4)
Where a designated employee has revoked a permit under Item (3) and the
same owner applies for a new permit in respect of substantially the same construction project,
the designated employee may require that the owner provide a deposit in an amount equal to
the cost of the permit before issuing the permit. The deposit must be refunded, without
interest, if the owner complies with Item 14.1.3(1) in respect of the construction or other work
for which the permit is issued.
added 54/2012
14.1.4 Where an inspection is requested and it is necessary that the inspection be conducted
outside of regular office hours or conducted during office hours in addition to a regular inspection,
a fee shall be charged as provided for in The Planning, Development and Building Fees By-law, in
addition to the required permit fees.
amended 6595/95; 27/2026
By-law No. 4555/87
28
14.1.5 Every permit is issued upon the condition
(a)
that pegs, stakes, lines and other marks approved by the designated
employee be located on the building site so as to establish the line or
limiting distance beyond which the building or structure shall not extend as
specified on the permit, and shall be accurately maintained during the
course of construction and until occupancy has been approved and such
markings shall be provided for the erection a new building or structure,
extension or addition to existing buildings or structures moved from one
location to another whether on the same property or not;
(b)
that the work shall be carried out in accordance with all provisions of this
By-law and the Code and all provisions as described on the permit and
accepted drawings;
(c)
that all City by-laws and provincial and federal regulations be complied with;
and
(d)
that the designated employee shall get copies of all changes ordered which
may alter any conditions or requirement of this By-law and the Code, and a
set of the revised drawings showing these changes.
14.1.6 All work being carried out under a permit issued prior to the effective date of this By-law or
of the Code shall be completed in accordance with the previous by-law or Code requirements and
any special conditions described on the permit and accepted drawings.
amended 54/2012
14.1.7 A permit shall be considered void and all rights under the permit shall be terminated if the
negotiable instrument used for payment of the permit fee is returned for any reason.
14.1.8 Information satisfactory to the designated employee shall be submitted with each
application for a permit to enable the designated employee to determine whether or not the
proposed work will conform to the by-law and the Code and whether or not it may affect adjacent
property.
14.1.9 When required by the designated employee, drawings, specifications, structural calculations
and/or a code analysis shall be provided.
14.1.10 Drawings drawn to scale upon paper, cloth or other substantial material shall be clear and
durable, and shall indicate the nature and extent of the work and proposed occupancy in sufficient
detail to establish that when completed the work and the proposed occupancy will conform to this
By-law and the Code.
14.1.11
(1) Site plans shall be referenced to an up-to-date survey and, when required to
prove compliance with the by-law or the Code, a copy of the survey shall be
submitted to the designated employee.
amended 108/2017
By-law No. 4555/87
29
(2) Site plans shall show, when required by the designated employee,
(a) by dimensions from property lines, the location of the proposed
building;
(b) the similarly dimensioned location of every other adjacent
existing building on the property;
(c) existing and finished ground levels to an established datum at or
adjacent to the site; and
(c) the access routes for fire fighting.
14.1.12 In lieu of separate specifications, the designated employee may allow the essential
information to be shown on the drawings but in no case shall such terms as "in accordance with the
Code", "legal", or similar terms be used as substitutes for specific information.
14.1.13 When, in order to expedite work, acceptance of a portion of the building is desired prior to
the issuance of a permit for the whole building, application shall be made for the complete building
and complete drawings and specifications covering the portion of the work for which immediate
acceptance is desired shall be filed with the designated employee.
14.1.14 The granting of a permit for part of a building authorizes work on that part of the building
only, and does not assure that the permit for the entire building will be granted. Work not covered
by permit shall not be commenced.
14.1.15 After issuance of the permit, application may be made for revision of the permit, and such
applications shall be made in the same manner as for the original permit.
14.1.16 Applicable fees set out in the Planning, Development and Building Fees By-law are payable
in respect of permits, certificates and inspections referred to in this section.
amended 80/208
14.1.17
repealed 80/2008
14.1.18 The construction, addition or alteration of any building located within 107 m of normal
summer water level of a waterway (river, stream, creek, coulee or drain) may also be subject to
The Rivers and Streams Act and in such cases, reference should be made to The Winnipeg Rivers
and Streams Authority No. 1.
By-law No. 4555/87
30
BUILDING PERMITS
14.2.1 (1)
Subject to subsections (2), (2.1) or (2.2), unless the required permit has first been
obtained from the designated employee, no person shall commence or cause to be
commenced
amended 54/2012; 110/2024
(a)
the location, placement, erection or construction of any building or
structure, or portion thereof;
(b)
the addition, extension, improvement, alteration or conversion of any
building or structure, or portion thereof;
(c)
the repair, rehabilitation, or renovation of any building or structure,
or portion thereof;
(d)
underpinning;
(e)
the relocation or removal of any building or structure, or portion
thereof;
(f)
the excavation of any land for any purpose of erecting or locating on
or above it, any building or structure;
(g)
the installation, construction, repair, renewal, alteration or extension
of a mechanical system or wood-burning appliance;
(h)
the installation, construction, alteration or extension of a spray paint
operation, spray painting booth, dip tank or other special process;
amended 118/2017
(i)
the alteration, addition, erection or re-erection of a sign or antennae
structure including any accessories; and
amended 6255/93; 118/2017
(j)
the installation of interior subsurface drainage equipment, including sump
pits, sump pumps and associated equipment.
added 118/2017
(k)
the alteration of a building envelope, or a portion thereof;
added 27/2026
(l)
the finishing a previously undeveloped level or unfinished space, including
a lower level, within an existing single-family dwelling, duplex, triplex, or
row house;
added 27/2026
By-law No. 4555/87
31
(m)
the creation of a new bedroom within an existing single-family dwelling,
duplex, triplex, or row house; and
added 27/2026
(n)
the installation of a permanent pool structure capable of holding more
than 600mm in height of water including pools, spas, swim spas, and hot
tubs.
added 27/2026
(2)
Despite subsection 1, a building permit is not required for the following construction
work:
amended 54/2012; 110/2024
(a)
patching, painting or decorating;
(b)
replacement of stucco or siding with the same material as that
being replaced;
(c)
replacement of roofing material with the same material as that being
replaced;
(d)
replacement of floor coverings;
(e)
construction of fences;
(f)
installation of cabinets and shelves;
(g)
construction or installation of a detached accessory storage building
not greater than 10 m² in building area;
(h)
installation of mobile homes situated in mobile home parks, excluding the
construction of accessory buildings; and
amended 118/2017
(i)
erection of temporary tents less than 901 square feet in building area.
amended 54/2012; 108/2017; 118/2017
(j)
repealed 118/2017
(k)
replacement of doors when the opening is not altered within an existing
single-family dwelling, duplex, triplex or row house;
added 27/2026
(l)
replacement of windows with windows of the same size and when the
opening is not altered within an existing single-family dwelling, duplex,
triplex or row house;
added 27/2026
By-law No. 4555/87
32
(m)
construction of unenclosed residential decks 600mm or less in height
above finished ground for a single-family dwelling, duplex, triplex or row
house;
added 27/2026; amended 44/2026
(n)
construction of unenclosed barrier-free ramps 600mm or less in height
above finished ground for a single-family dwelling, duplex, triplex or row
house;
added 27/2026; amended 44/2026
(o)
for the erection of seasonal pools for a single-family dwelling, duplex,
triplex or row house;
added 27/2026; amended 44/2026
(p)
non-structural work on a single-family dwelling, duplex, triplex or row
house other than:
added 27/2026; amended 44/2026
(i)
plumbing construction;
(ii)
electrical construction;
(q)
any structure the designated employee determines does not require a
building permit.
added 27/2026
(2.1)
amended 110/2024; repealed 27/2026 (entire section)
(a)
(b)
(c)
amended 108/2017
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(d)
added 54/2012
(2.2)
added 110/2024; repealed 27/2026
By-law No. 4555/87
33
(2.3)
Despite subsection (2) (o), the Designated Employee is authorized to determine
that a pool is not a seasonal pool and, where the Designated Employee has so
determined, the Designated Employee is authorized to issue an order requiring
an owner to obtain a building permit.
added 110/2024; amended 27/2026
(3)
Notwithstanding that a building permit is not required as stated in aforesaid
Sentence 14.2.1(2), such work shall comply with the regulations of this Bylaw or the
Code or other applicable Bylaws and the work shall not place the building or
structure in contravention or further contravention of the Code or any other by-law.
amended 6255/93
14.2.2 Except as otherwise allowed by the designated employee, every application for a building
permit shall
(a)
identify and describe in detail the work and major occupancy to be covered
by the permit for which application is made;
(b)
describe the land on which the work is to be done, by a description that will
readily identify and locate the building lot;
(c)
include a plot plan showing the street lines or other boundaries of the
property upon which it is proposed to erect the structure and the location
thereof upon the property in relation to the other structures on such
property and the premises immediately adjoining;
(d)
include drawings and specifications and show the occupancy of all parts of
the building;
(e)
when required for antenna structures, include complete drawings and
specifications covering the construction of the antenna structure and
accessories thereto, and other information with respect to the building upon
which it is proposed to locate the antenna structure as to determine whether
the structure of such building will carry the additional loads and stresses
imposed thereon by the erection of the antenna structure without exceeding
the stress requirements;
(f)
state the valuation of the proposed work, where required by the designated
employee, and be accompanied by the required fee;
amended 166/2004
(g)
state the names, addresses and telephone number of the applicant, owner,
design professional who has signed and sealed the plans and drawings and,
if different, the design professional who has reviewed the construction, and
constructor; and
amended 54/2012
(h)
include proof of acceptance, when necessary, from other authorities.
By-law No. 4555/87
34
14.2.3 (1)
The designated employee is authorized to determine the value of work for which a
permit is sought, whether or not it is necessary to do so in order to determine the
applicable permit fee. At the request of the designated employee, the permit
applicant must provide a reasonable estimate of the value of the work and any
other information available to the applicant that is reasonably required by the
designated employee to make that determination.
amended 166/2004; 80/2008; 108/2017
(2)
The valuation to be shown on an application for a building permit shall mean the
total monetary worth, of all construction work including all painting, papering,
roofing, electrical and mechanical work, plumbing, permanent or fixed heating
equipment, and any permanent equipment and all labour, including the work of
designing and managing the project and other professional services, and materials
and devices which form part of the work in its completed form. No portion of any
building including mechanical, electrical and plumbing work, shall be excluded from
the valuation of the building permit because of any other permits required by any
governing by-law, regulation or agency.
amended 108/2017
(3)
Notwithstanding the provisions of Sentence 14.2.3(2) aforesaid, the valuation for a
building permit in the case of a removal or relocation, shall include the cost to move
the building, excavation at the new site, cleaning and leaving the former site in the
condition specified in this By-law or in the Code, and alterations or repairs to the
building.
(4)
In the case of the erection, alteration or enlargement of any sign or encroachment,
the valuation shall reflect the cost of all labour, materials and devices necessary to
complete the work.
(5)
Every owner, architect, professional engineer, contractor or builder, having
contracted for or having performed supervised or inspected any work of
construction, alteration or repairs on any land, or the agent of such person, shall
give, in writing over his signature when requested by the designated employee all
the information in his power with respect to the cost of the work.
amended 54/2012
TEMPORARY BUILDING PERMITS
14.3.1 (1)
Notwithstanding anything contained elsewhere in this By-law or in the Code, a
permit for a temporary building may be issued by the designated employee,
authorizing for a limited time only, the erection and existence of a building or part
thereof for an occupancy which because of its nature, will exist for a short time
under circumstances which warrant only selective compliance with the Code.
(2)
No person shall erect or place a temporary building without first entering into an
agreement with the City and obtaining the required permit.
By-law No. 4555/87
35
14.3.2 A temporary building shall be permitted only for;
(a)
a display home or cottage;
(b)
a mobile home utilized as a residence while a permanent dwelling is being
constructed on the same site, or
(c)
the following major occupancy classifications:
(i)
All Divisions, Group A;
(ii)
Group D; and
(iii)
Group E.
14.3.3 The permit for a temporary building shall require the acceptance of the Chief of the Fire
Department and the Medical Health Officer before issuance.
14.3.4 A temporary building shall not exceed one (1) storey in height.
14.3.5 A temporary building shall be permitted for a period not exceeding one (1) year, on the
condition that the temporary building shall be removed before the expiration of the specified period
of time, except that this period may be extended and another temporary building permit issued
when warranted in the opinion of the designated employee.
14.3.6 The temporary building shall be properly maintained at all times.
14.3.7 The temporary building shall be subject to any other conditions that may be specified by the
designated employee.
14.3.8 Temporary buildings to be used in connection with construction work may be erected
without obtaining a permit, but shall be removed immediately upon completion of the construction
work.
DEMOLITION PERMITS
14.4.1 No person shall commence or cause to be commenced the demolition of any building or
structure, or portion thereof, unless the required permit has first been obtained from the
designated employee as hereinafter provided.
14.4.1.1 The designated employee shall not accept an application for a permit to demolish any
building or portion thereof unless the applicant possesses a Demolition Contractor's Licence in good
standing with the City of Winnipeg.
added 163/2022
By-law No. 4555/87
36
14.4.2 Except as otherwise allowed by the designated employee, every application for a demolition
permit shall
(a)
describe the building or structure that is to be demolished;
(b)
identify and describe in detail the work for which application is made;
(c)
include all necessary drawings and specifications;
(d)
include, when necessary, clearances from other authorities;
(e)
state the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the applicant, owner
and professional engineer; and
amended 54/2012
(f)
be accompanied by the required fee.
14.4.3 Notwithstanding the requirements of Article 14.1.3 aforesaid, every demolition permit is
issued upon the condition that
(a)
the demolition be commenced within the time stated on the permit, except
that, if no time is so stated on the permit, the demolition shall be
commenced within thirty (30) days of the issuance of the permit;
(b)
the demolition be actively carried out thereafter and be completed:
amended 108/2017
(i)
in the case of any building or structure with a commercial occupancy,
within 60 days; and
(ii)
in the case of any other building or structure, within 30 days
following the date on which the demolition permit is issued, unless an extension
of time is requested by the permit holder and approved by the designated
employee prior to the expiration of the 30 day or 60 day time limit, as the case
may be; and
(c)
no modifications to the accepted method of demolition be made without
prior approval of the designated employee.
14.4.4 The requirements pertaining to demolitions are contained in section 16 herein.
ELECTRICAL PERMITS
14.5.1 The requirements for the issuance of an electrical permit shall be as set forth in The
Winnipeg Electrical By-law.
By-law No. 4555/87
37
PLUMBING PERMITS AND CERTIFICATES
14.6.1 (1)
Except as provided in Sentence (2) herein, a plumbing system shall not be
constructed, extended, altered, renewed or repaired unless a plumbing permit to do
so has been obtained.
(2)
A plumbing permit is not required when
(a)
a stoppage in the drainage system is cleared;
(b)
a leak is repaired in a water distribution system;
(c)
a fixture is replaced without any change to the drainage system;
(d)
a replacement is made to existing faucets, service water heater,
valves or pipes and fittings in a water distribution system.
(3)
Plumbing permits shall be issued only to
(a)
a licensed plumbing contractor;
(b)
a person to do work on a single family dwelling owned by him, and
occupied by him, only as his domestic domicile, provided that he has
satisfied the designated employee that he is competent to perform
such work; or
(c)
to a person to do work in a single family dwelling owned by him,
which will be occupied by him upon completion, only as his domestic
domicile, provided that he has satisfied the designated employee
that he is competent to perform such work.
(4)
A plumbing permit shall not be transferable.
14.6.2 (1)
Every application for a plumbing permit shall be accompanied by a specification or
description of the proposed work.
(2)
When required by the designated employee, the application shall also be
accompanied by a plan that shows;
amended 108/2017
(a)
the location and size of every building drain, and of every trap and
cleanout fitting that is on a building drain;
(b)
the size and location of every soil or waste pipe, trap and vent pipe;
and
By-law No. 4555/87
38
(c)
a layout of the potable water distribution system including pipe sizes
and valves.
14.6.3 The designated employee may revoke a plumbing permit issued pursuant to paragraphs (b)
or (c) of Sentence 14.6.1(3) aforesaid, if during the course of inspection it becomes obvious that
the person is not competent to perform such work, and may require that the work be corrected and
completed by a licensed plumbing contractor under a new plumbing permit.
amended 108/2017
14.6.4
repealed 27/2026
14.6.5
amended 54/2012; 108/2017; repealed 27/2026
SIGN PERMITS
14.7.1 (1)
Except as permitted in Sentence (2) herein, no person shall commence or cause to
be commenced the construction, erection, location, relocation, alteration or repair,
other than normal maintenance of any sign unless the required permit has first been
obtained from the designated employee.
amended 108/2017
(2)
Except as varied herein, the following signs shall not be subject to the provisions of
this section but this exception shall not relieve the owner or person in control of
such signs from erecting and maintaining the sign in a safe condition and complying
with the applicable Zoning By-law:
amended 54/2012
(a)
signs of a duly constituted governmental body, including traffic or
similar regulating devices, legal notices, or warnings at railroad
crossings;
(b)
signs in display windows including writing, representation, painting
or lettering directly on the surface of any window or door, or other
figure or similar character within a building visible from the exterior.
(c)
memorial signs commemorative plaques or cornerstones of bronze,
brass, stone or other non-combustible materials when built into or
attached to the walls of a building or other structure provided they
bear only the name of the owner, the name or use of the building,
the date of the erection of the building and/or reading matter
commemorating a person or event;
amended 54/2012
(d)
construction signs;
By-law No. 4555/87
39
(e)
signs required to be erected or maintained by law or governmental
order, rule or regulation;
(f)
directional signs;
(g)
real estate signs;
(h)
signs not exceeding 3 square metres used to promote a candidate
during a government election.
14.7.2 Except as otherwise allowed by the designated employee, every application for a sign permit
shall provide the following information:
amended 108/2017
(a)
the street and street number of the building or structure to which the sign
is, or is to be attached, or the legal description of the zoning lot on which
the sign is to be located;
(b)
the maker's name and address;
(c)
the names, addresses and telephone number of the applicant, owner,
architect, professional engineer or other designer, and constructor;
amended 54/2012
(d)
the sign surface area and copy area of the sign, drawn to scale, giving all
dimensions, plus the supporting members;
(e)
the maximum height and clearance of the sign;
(f)
the weight, voltage, wattage of the sign where applicable;
(g)
the dimensions of the wall surface of the building to which the sign is to be
attached;
(h)
a site plan, drawn to scale, showing the proposed location of the sign in
relation to the boundaries of the lot and the dimensions of the building
and/or the lot upon which it is to be situated, and in the case of the
projecting signs the width of the sidewalk over which it projects;
(i)
size and location of all signs of the same classifications existing on the
premises and/or the building;
(j)
structural, footing, details, and material specifications;
(k)
in the case of electrical signs the size, number and location of all potential
discharge tubes, florescent and incandescent lamps, current and voltage
rating and circuit loading for each sign;
By-law No. 4555/87
40
(l)
if the sign is illuminated or animated the colour to be used and the technical
means by which this is to be accomplished;
(m)
when required, complete drawings and specifications covering the
construction of the sign and accessories thereto, and other information with
respect to the building upon which it is proposed to locate the sign as to
determine whether the structure of such building will carry the additional
loads and stresses imposed thereon by the erection of the sign without
exceeding the stress requirements.
MECHANICAL PERMITS AND CERTIFICATES
added 80/2008
14.8.1(1)
Except as provided in Sentence (2) herein, a mechanical system or any element of a
mechanical system must not be constructed, extended, altered, renewed or repaired
unless a mechanical permit has been obtained from the designated employee.
(2)
Subject to Sentence (3), a mechanical permit is not required when the construction,
extension, alteration, renewal or repair:
(a)
is limited to duct alterations, additions or deletions that take place at
the fan or service connection;
(b)
does not result in removal or alteration of either smoke or fire
dampers;
(c)
does not affect or alter the integrity of existing fire-rated shafts and
enclosures;
(d)
is limited to the replacement, relocation or addition of sprinkler
heads with the same capacity, zone and hydraulic flow as those
previously approved;
(e)
is limited to the replacement of one or more existing standpipe
valves or hoses with the same capacity as those being replaced;
(f)
is limited to maintenance of an existing mechanical system;
(g)
is limited to replacing existing cooking equipment;
(h)
is limited to replacing an existing commercial kitchen exhaust fan;
(i)
is limited to replacing or relocating a chiller; or
(j)
takes place in a single family or two family residential dwelling.
By-law No. 4555/87
41
(3)
Although a permit is not required for the construction, extension, alterations,
renewals or repairs referred to in Sentence (2), the work referred to in that
Sentence must fully comply with the Code, this By-law and other applicable by-laws
and, in addition, must not result in the building contravening the Code, this By-law
or other applicable by-laws.
14.8.2(1)
An application for a mechanical permit may only be made by, and a mechanical
permit may only be issued to:
amended 119/2017
(a)
a licensed mechanical contractor; or
added 119/2017
(b)
a person who is authorized by a licensed mechanical contractor, in writing in
a form acceptable to the Designated Employee, to apply for a mechanical
permit on the licensed mechanical contractor's behalf.
added 119/2017
14.8.2(1.1)
A mechanical permit is not transferable.
added 119/2017
(2)
An application for a mechanical permit must be accompanied by:
(a)
specifications or a description of the proposed work;
(b)
the name and contact information of the licensed mechanical
contractor who will be performing the proposed work; and
added 119/2017
(c)
where requested by a designated employee, a plan that shows
(i)
the type, location, capacity and size of all equipment, ducts
and dampers and associated heating, venting, air movement
and air handling equipment; or
(ii)
the type, location and size of all fire protection equipment
and systems.
amended 119/2017 (entire subsection c)
(3)
Where an application requires that the applicant declare the value of the work for
which the permit is sought, the applicant must set out the total monetary worth of
the permanent or fixed equipment and devices as well as the labour, materials and
other devices necessary to complete the work for which the permit is being sought
without excluding any of the work because of any other permits required by another
by-law, regulation or agency.
By-law No. 4555/87
42
14.8.3(1)
Where a designated employee has reasonable grounds to conclude that the permit
holder is not competent to perform the work for which the permit has been issued,
the designated employee is authorized to revoke the permit and require that a new
permit be issued to another licenced mechanical contractor before the work is
completed.
(2)
A permit issued under this section expires unless the work for which it was issued is
initiated within a six month period and continued without unreasonable interruption
until completion.
(3)
repealed 27/2026
SECTION 15
OCCUPANCY
REQUIREMENTS FOR OCCUPANCY
15.1.1 No owner, agent or person in charge shall occupy/use a building or part thereof, or permit
any occupancy/use of a building or part thereof, or change the occupancy, without first obtaining a
Building Occupancy Permit as set forth in this subsection.
amended 6255/93, 54/2012
15.1.2.1
A Building Occupancy Permit is required for a building or structure or part
thereof:
a)
or any new building or structure or portion thereof except a single-family
dwelling, a two-family dwelling or a multi-family dwelling without shared exit
facilities;
amended 6255/93
b)
or any existing building or structure where an alteration is made thereto,
except a single-family dwelling, a two-family dwelling or a multi-family
dwelling without shared exit facilities;
amended 6255/93
c)
or a change from one Major Occupancy Group to another or a change from
one Division to another within a Major Occupancy Group in any existing
building or structure or part thereof;
amended 6255/93
d)
or a change from one use to another within the same Division in a Major
Occupancy Group which results in an increase in the occupant load;
amended 6255/93
By-law No. 4555/87
43
e)
for a change to a new use not previously authorized
amended 6353/94
f)
amended 6353/94; repealed 110/2024
15.1.3 (1)
The designated employee may issue an Interim Building Occupancy Permit for a
partial use of a building or structure subject to any conditions imposed by the
designated employee.
amended 6255/93, 54/2012; 108/2017
(2)
Without restricting the generality of item (1), the conditions imposed on an Interim
Building Occupancy Permit may include
(a)
requiring that the applicant release and indemnify the City of Winnipeg from
any claims made against it for harm or loss resulting from the issuance of
the Permit;
(b)
requiring that the applicant provide a certificate of insurance in an amount
and of a type that the designated employee considers sufficient to
adequately protect the City from liability; and
(c)
requiring that the owner undertake to obtain a final building occupancy
permit within a specified period of time.
added 54/2012
(3)
A person who fails to comply with a condition imposed under this Sentence commits
an offence.
added 54/2012
15.1.4 No change shall be made in the type of occupancy or use of any building or structure, which
would place the building or structure in a different occupancy group, or division within a group,
unless such building or structure is made to comply with the requirements of the Code for that
occupancy group, or division within a group.
amended 6255/93
15.1.5 Every new building or structure that requires a Building Occupancy Permit shall comply with
the construction requirements for the Major Occupancy Group to be housed therein, except that the
designated employee may consent to a Building Occupancy Permit for a building or structure which
varies in a minor respect from the requirements of the Code, where in the opinion of the
designated employee, such a variation will substantially accomplish the objects of the Code.
amended 6255/93; 108/2017
By-law No. 4555/87
44
15.1.6 Every existing building or structure that requires a Building Occupancy Permit shall,
wherever practical, comply with the construction requirements for the major occupancy group to be
housed therein, except that the designated employee may consent to a Building Occupancy permit
for a building or structure which varies from the regulations of the Code, where in the opinion of
the designated employee, the construction is reasonable under the circumstances, and will not
jeopardize life or property.
amended 6255/93; 108/2017
15.1.7 The designated employee may issue a Temporary Building Occupancy Permit for the use of
a building or structure approved as a temporary building or structure under the Winnipeg Building
Bylaw.
amended 6255/93; 108/2017
15.1.8 A Temporary Building Occupancy Permit shall be for a period of not more than one (1) year,
but before the expiration of such period, the Temporary Building Occupancy Permit may be
renewed by the designated employee for a further one year period.
amended 6255/93; 108/2017
15.1.9 Notwithstanding apparent compliance with this Bylaw, the designated employee may refuse
to issue a Building Occupancy Permit if the building, structure or proposed use is to the designated
employee's knowledge in violation of a Zoning Bylaw, or any other Bylaw of the City.
amended 6255/93; 108/2017
15.1.10 An applicant for a Building Occupancy Permit shall supply all information requested by the
designated employee to show compliance with this Bylaw and any other relevant Bylaws of the City.
amended 6255/93; 108/2017
15.1.11 Before the issuance of a Building Occupancy Permit, the necessary fees shall be paid in
advance.
amended 6255/93
15.1.12 The required Building Occupancy Permit shall be displayed and maintained in a legible
condition by the owner or his agent in a location acceptable to the designated employee.
amended 6255/93, 54/2012; 108/2017
OCCUPANT LOAD
15.2.1 (1)
Notwithstanding anything elsewhere contained in the Code, for each assembly room
or area in a building or structure classified as a Group A occupancy the designated
employee shall furnish an Occupant Load Placard which can be easily read from a
distance of 6 m stating the occupant load for the room or area, unless the
designated employee deems it to be unnecessary.
amended 108/2017
(2)
The Occupant Load Placard shall be displayed in a location acceptable to the
designated employee.
amended 108/2017
By-law No. 4555/87
45
15.2.2 (1)
The proposed occupant load for each assembly room or area shall be clearly
indicated on the plans submitted for review at the time of application for a building
permit.
(2)
The occupant load specified may be less than that determined by the minimum
requirements of the Code, either by the choice of the designer or because of other
regulations, but the design of the building shall properly accommodate the number
of persons determined by the Code.
15.2.3 (1)
The owner of the building or structure shall be responsible for keeping the actual
occupant load within the limits specified on the Occupant Load Placard.
amended 54/2012
(2)
The owner of a building may request that the designated employee furnish a revised
Occupant Load Placard providing the request is submitted in writing and contains
sufficient information to justify the change.
amended 54/2012; 108/2017
SECTION 16
REMOVAL, RELOCATION, OR DEMOLITION OF A BUILDING OR STRUCTURE
REGULATIONS
16.1.1 (1)
This section provides regulations for
(a)
the moving of an existing building or structure from a site within the
City or Additional Zone to another site;
(b)
the moving of an existing building or structure and the placing of
same at another location on the same site; and
(c)
the demolition of a building or structure.
(2)
Notwithstanding anything elsewhere contained in this By-law, a building or structure
to be moved onto a site in the City or Additional Zone from a site outside said areas
shall comply with the regulations of this By-law and the Code for new construction.
16.1.2 (1)
The relocation of a building or structure shall not be permitted unless all regulations
of this By-law and the Code for new construction are complied with.
amended 27/2026
(2)
The demolition of a building or structure shall be subject to the requirements of Part
8 of the Code.
By-law No. 4555/87
46
16.1.3 A building or structure shall not be removed or relocated, within the City or Additional Zone,
if the building or structure, in the opinion of the designated employee,
amended 108/2017
(a)
is in such a state of deterioration or disrepair, or is otherwise so structurally
unsafe that it could not be moved without endangering persons or property;
or
(b)
will vary in appearance from the usual types of buildings at its new site to
such extent as to lessen the desirability for building purposes of land in the
immediate vicinity.
APPLICATIONS
16.2.1 Upon application for a permit to demolish, relocate, or remove a building or structure, the
applicant shall submit a statement that the taxes upon the land and building or buildings, or
structures have been paid in full, and that the land and building or buildings, or structure have not
been sold for taxes, and if so sold, have not been redeemed. This provision shall not apply to
buildings or structures demolished under section 9 or subsection 12.6 aforesaid, of this By-law or of
any other by-law of the City, or section 439 of The City of Winnipeg Act.
amended 6595/95
16.2.2 The designated employee on may require that an application for a permit to remove,
relocate or demolish a building or structure contain one or more of the following:
amended 108/2017
(a)
a description of the building or structure giving the existing location,
construction materials, dimensions, number of rooms and condition of
exterior and interior;
(b)
a legal description of the existing site;
(c)
a legal description of the site to which it is proposed that the building or
structure is to be moved if located within the City or Additional Zone; and
(d)
a plot plan of the site to be occupied by the building or structure if located
within the City or Additional Zone.
16.3
The owner, or his agent, of a site from which a building or structure is to be removed or
demolished shall
amended 54/2012
(a)
notify the gas, electric, telephone and water service companies or utilities to
shut off and/or remove their service, and no work shall be carried out until
these services have been shut off and/or removed;
By-law No. 4555/87
47
(b)
arrange to plug the sewer line with a concrete stopper in conformance with
the Sewer By-law; and
(c)
upon completion of the removal or demolition, put the site into such
condition as is safe, level, sanitary and consistent in appearance with the
nature and use of adjoining lands, to the satisfaction of the designated
employee.
amended 7912/2001; 108/2017
SECTION 17
LICENSING
PLUMBING CONTRACTOR'S LICENCE
17.1.1 Except as permitted by Article 17.1.2 herein, every person, firm, corporation, or government
department desiring to carry on the work of placing, installing, maintaining, repairing, or replacing a
plumbing system in the City of Winnipeg or the Additional Zone, shall be licensed as a Plumbing
Contractor, and the person or some member of the firm or some official of the corporation or
government department shall apply in writing to the designated employee for examination and shall
pay the appropriate examination fee, and upon passing the examination and paying the appropriate
contractor's licence fee, shall be given a Plumbing Contractor's Licence, enabling such plumbing
work to be carried on by such person, firm, corporation or government department, subject to the
limitations of the licence and the other requirements of this By-law.
amended 108/2017
17.1.2 Article 17.1.1 aforesaid does not apply to a home owner doing work covered by a permit
issued in accordance with either paragraph (b) or (c) of Sentence 14.6.1(3) aforesaid.
amended 54/2012
17.1.3 The holder of a Plumbing Contractor's Licence shall be authorized to obtain permits to
perform any plumbing work governed by the City of Winnipeg By-laws.
amended 27/2026
17.1.4 Notwithstanding the requirements of Article 17.1.1 aforesaid the examination fee and/or
licence fee referred to may be waived for certain corporations or government departments, when
such is warranted in the opinion of the designated employee, and where the only plumbing work
being done is of a routine nature in connection with the maintenance or operation of a building or
plant.
amended 108/2017
By-law No. 4555/87
48
QUALIFICATIONS FOR PLUMBING CONTRACTOR'S LICENCE
amended 27/2026
17.2.1 A person applying for a Plumbing Contractor's Licence shall
amended 27/2026
(a)
be a journeyman plumber; and
(b)
have passed an examination set out by the Examining Committee
APPLICATION FOR PLUMBING CONTRACTOR'S LICENCE
amended 27/2026
17.3.1 Every application for application for a Plumbing contractor's Licence shall give the name and
business address of the applicant.
17.3.2 If the applicant is a partnership, the application shall contain the names and addresses of
the various partners of the firm.
17.3.3 If the applicant is a corporation, the names and addresses of the corporation officers and
their corporate titles shall be shown.
17.3.4 If the applicant is a government department, the name and address of the department head
and his title shall be shown.
PLUMBING CONTRACTOR'S LICENCE FEE
amended 27/2026
17.4.1 The fee for a Plumbing Contractor's Licence shall be as specified in The Planning,
Development and Building Fees By-law for the year for which same is taken out.
amended 6595/95; 27/2026
RENEWAL OF CONTRACTOR'S LICENCE LICENCE
amended 27/2026
17.5.1 (1)
Plumbing Contractor's Licences shall not be transferable.
amended 166/2004
(1.1)
Plumbing Contractor's Licences may be issued for a one-year term and shall expire
on the date indicated on the licence.
added 166/2004; amended 108/2017; 27/2026
(2)
If a Plumbing Contractor's Licence has not been renewed within six months
following the expiration of his or her licence, the applicant shall requalify as set out
in subsection 17.2.1 aforesaid.
amended 166/2004; 27/2026
By-law No. 4555/87
49
(3)
The designated employee may require that the applicant for renewal of a Plumbing
Contractor's Licence, or some member or employee of the firm, write the
examination required in Article 17.1.1 aforesaid.
amended 108/2017
17.6
Every person licensed shall give immediate notice to the designated employee of any
change in his place of business or in the case of any firm of its dissolution or of a change of its
name or, in the case of a corporation of any change in persons holding corporate offices.
amended 108/2017
17.7
Every plumbing contractor shall be responsible for the work of his employees.
17.8
The designated employee may revoke, cancel or suspend a Plumbing Contractor's Licence if,
upon review of the facts presented at a hearing, he is of the opinion that the licencee has violated
any of the provisions of this By-law or the Code.
amended 108/2017
EXAMINING COMMITTEE
17.9.1 (1)
There is hereby established an examining committee consisting of three (3)
members as set forth in Sentence (2) herein who shall prescribe the subjects for
which candidates for a plumbing contractor's licence shall be examined and conduct
and provide for the supervision of the examination of candidates and report thereon
to the designated employee.
amended 108/2017
(2)
The Committee shall consist of the Manager of Building Inspections, or his designate
and the Chief Mechanical Inspector of the City of Winnipeg, and divisional employee
as determined by the Manager of Building Inspections.
amended 6677/95; 27/2026
MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR'S LICENCE
added 80/2008
17.10.1
No individual, partnership, firm, corporation or government department may place,
install, maintain, repair or replace a mechanical system in the City of Winnipeg without a
Mechanical Contractor's Licence issued under this section and, in particular, no individual,
partnership, firm, corporation or government department may:
(a)
perform any work on HVAC systems or mechanical hazardous
process systems to which this or any other by-law applies without a
Mechanical Contractor's Licence "M1";
(b)
perform any work on fire protection systems to which this or any
other by-law applies without a Mechanical Contractor's Licence "M2";
By-law No. 4555/87
50
(c)
perform any work on cooking equipment ventilation systems and fire
protection systems for cooking equipment ventilation systems and
equipment to which this or any other by-law applies without a
Mechanical Contractor's Licence "M3"; or;
amended 119/2017
(d)
act as Prime Mechanical Contractor in respect of work described in
clauses (a) or (b) without a valid Mechanical Contractor's Licence "M-
Prime", unless they hold a valid Mechanical Contractor's Licence
"M1" or Mechanical Contractor's Licence "M2", as the case may be.
added 119/2017
QUALIFICATIONS OF MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR'S LICENCE HOLDER
added 27/2026
17.10.2(1)
A Mechanical Contractor's Licence may only be issued to an individual, partnership,
firm, corporation or government department if the individual or the partner, employee or official
applying on behalf of the partnership, firm, corporation or government department:
amended 119/2017
(a)
holds journeyman certification; or
amended 119/2017
(b)
is a factory-trained and factory-certified installer
amended 119/2017
in the field in respect of which the Mechanical Contractor's Licence is being sought.
added 119/2017
17.10.2(2)
Notwithstanding subsection (1), a Mechanical Contractor's Licence "M-Prime" may
be issued to an individual, or to the partner, employee or official applying on behalf
of the partnership, firm, corporation or government department, who does not meet
the requirements of subsection (1) if the individual, partnership, firm, corporation or
government department acts as Prime Mechanical Contractor in respect of work
described in clauses 17.10.1(a) or 17.10.1(b).
added 119/2017
APPLICATION FOR MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR'S LICENCE
added 27/2026
17.10.3(1)
An application for a Mechanical Contractor's Licence must contain the following
information:
(a)
the name and business address of the applicant; and
(b)
where the applicant is not an individual, the names and addresses
of:
By-law No. 4555/87
51
(i)
the partners in a partnership;
(ii)
the officers of a corporation and their titles;
(iii)
the head of a government department and his or her title.
(2)
An application for a Mechanical Contractor's Licence must be accompanied by a
licence fee as specified in the Planning, Development and Building Fees By-law.
amended 119/2017
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR'S LICENCE
amended 27/2026
17.10.4(1)
A Mechanical Contractor's Licence is not transferable. Where the individual who
applied for a Mechanical Contractor's Licence on behalf of partnership, firm, corporation or
government department is no longer employed by or acting on behalf of the partnership, firm,
corporation or government department, the licence expires.
amended 119/2017
(2)
A Mechanical Contractor's Licence may be issued for a one-year term and shall
expire on the date indicated on the licence.
amended 119/2017; 27/2026
(3)
A Mechanical Contractor's Licence is renewable.
(4)
A Mechanical Contractor's Licence is conditional upon the licence holder providing
immediate notification to the designated employee of any of the following:
(a)
a change in business address or location;
(b)
the dissolution of the partnership, firm or corporation;
(c)
a change of the name of the partnership, firm, corporation or
government department;
(d)
a change in the individuals holding corporate offices.
SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION OF MECHANICAL CONTRACTOR'S LICENCE
amended 27/2026
17.10.5(1)
Where the designated employee concludes that the holder of a Mechanical
Contractor's Licence has violated any of the relevant provisions of this or another by-law or Code,
he or she may suspend the licence for a period of up to 12 months or revoke the licence
permanently.
By-law No. 4555/87
52
(2)
Prior to suspending or revoking a Mechanical Contractor's Licence, the designated
employee must provide the licence holder an opportunity to be heard.
REVIEW COMMITTEE
17.10.6(1)
A review committee is hereby established, which consists of
(a)
the Designated Employee;
(b)
a City of Winnipeg employee or other individual appointed by the
Designated Employee; and
(c)
a divisional employee as determined by the Manager of Building
Inspections
amended 119/2017; 27/2026
(2)
The Review Committee is empowered to determine whether an applicant's
qualifications, as set out in subsection 17.10.2, are relevant to the field for which a
licence is being sought.
SECTION 18
ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMISSION
18.1.1 The Winnipeg Building Commission is hereby established.
amended 8162/2002
MEMBERSHIP
18.2.1 (1)
The Building Commission shall consist of nine (9) members, who are qualified by
experience and training to consider matters pertaining to building design and
construction.
amended 6199/93
(2)
The following members, shall have at least ten years experience in his occupation
and shall be in active practice during the term of his appointment:
(a)
two (2) members of the Association of Professional Engineers of the
Province of Manitoba of which one (1) shall be a Civil or Structural
Engineer and the other a Mechanical or a Fire Protection Engineer;
amended 54/2012
(b)
two (2) members of the Manitoba Association of Architects;
amended 54/2012
By-law No. 4555/87
53
(c)
one (1) active member of the Winnipeg Construction Association;
(d)
one (1) active member of the Manitoba Home Builders Association;
amended 6199/93
(e)
one (1) senior Fire Officer of The City of Winnipeg, Fire Department;
(f)
repealed 54/2012
(g)
two members at large with expertise in the application of the Codes
or the Electrical Code.
added 6199/93; amended 54/2012
(3)
The members appointed in Sentence 18.2.1(2) aforesaid, shall appoint by majority
vote a chairman and deputy chairman.
(4)
The term of each member appointed in Sentence 18.2.1(2) aforesaid shall be for a
period of three (3) years measured from the date of appointment.
SECRETARY OF BUILDING COMMISSION
18.3.1 (1)
An employee of the City shall serve as secretary of the Commission but shall not
have the right to vote at meetings of the Commission.
amended 8162/2002
(2)
The secretary shall be custodian of the records, conduct correspondence and be
responsible for clerical work of the Commission and be present at all meetings and
shall present all relevant information on matters presented to the Commission.
AUTHORITY
18.4.1 The Commission is hereby authorized:
(a)
upon application by any person or on its own initiative, to modify or vary
requirements of this or another by-law that applies to the construction of a
building where the Commission considers it advisable and expedient because
of the proposed use of new methods or materials;
(b)
where this or another by-law requires an alteration to be made to, or
equipment to be installed in, an existing building, upon application by any
person or on its own initiative, to decide, subject to The Buildings Act,
whether the alteration must be made or the equipment installed;
amended 54/2012; 27/2026
By-law No. 4555/87
54
(c)
to provide advice to City employees, committees of Council and Council on
matters relating to this by-law; and
amended 8162/2002, 54/2012
(d)
upon application by anyone directly affected by a pending order or decision of a
designated employee with respect to the application of the Codes and the Electrical
Code to construction, including decisions about whether a proposed design,
construction technique or construction material constitutes an appropriate
alternative solution to the prescriptive requirements of the Codes and decisions
about deviations to the Electrical Code, to provide advice and recommendations to a
designated employee prior to the order or decision being made.
added 54/2012
RULES OF PROCEDURE
18.5.1 (1)
Except as covered in Sentence (3), the Building Commission shall hold regular
meetings at such time as may be fixed by a resolution of the Commission.
(2)
One week prior to a regular meeting and/or hearing, the secretary of the Building
Commission shall send by mail to each member of the Commission a copy of the
minutes of the previous meeting and/or hearing and a copy of the agenda for the
forthcoming meeting and/or hearing.
(3)
In the event that there are no items on the agenda for the said forthcoming
meeting and/or hearing, it shall be cancelled for that month.
18.5.2 (1)
Any person wishing to apply to have the Building Commission consider a matter
shall advise the secretary of the Commission in writing, clearly stating his request,
and the secretary shall advise the person applying, of the day and time set for the
meeting and/or hearing so that he or his representative may attend.
(2)
The secretary shall include all such applications on the agenda for the consideration
of the Commission, but any applications received by the secretary after the agenda
has been mailed to the embers of the Commission shall be included on the agenda
for the next month's meeting and/or hearing.
18.5.3 (1)
The meeting and/or hearing of the Building Commission shall be called to order only
when a quorum of four (4) Commission members are present.
(2)
The decision of a majority of the Commission members voting on any item on the
agenda shall constitute the decision of the Building Commission.
(3)
In the case of a tie vote the Chairman shall cast the deciding vote.
By-law No. 4555/87
55
(4)
Decisions of the Commission shall be served in accordance with The City of
Winnipeg Charter.
amended 8162/2002
18.5.4 The order of business for a meeting and/or hearing shall be as follows:
(a)
call to order;
(b)
hearing of delegations;
(c)
reading of minutes of previous meeting and/or hearing;
(d)
discussing business arising out of the minutes;
(e)
discussing unfinished business;
(f)
discussing new business; and
(g)
adjournment.
18.5.5 (1)
A member of the Building Commission must declare that he or she is in a conflict
of interest and must not take part in the deliberations of the Commission with
respect to a matter brought to the Commission under Sentence 18.4.1 if he or
she
(a)
has a personal, financial or professional interest in the matter;
(b)
is employed by or holds a position in a professional firm or company
whose interests are directly involved in the matter.
added 54/2012
(2)
Notwithstanding item (1), a member of the Building Commission is not in a
conflict of interest solely by reason of the fact that he or she has a personal,
financial or professional interest in, or is employed by or holds a position in a
professional firm or company whose interests are directly involved in, one or
more other buildings or construction projects in which matters similar to the
matter being brought to the Commission have arisen or may arise. However, a
member of the Building Commission in this position must declare that this is the
case before taking part in the deliberations of the Commission with respect to
the matter.
added 54/2012
By-law No. 4555/87
56
APPEAL
18.6.1 An appeal from a decision of the Winnipeg Building Commission may be made to the
Designated Committee in accordance with The City of Winnipeg Charter.
amended 8162/2002; 108/2017
18.6.2
repealed 8162/2002
REMUNERATION
18.7.1 All members of the Commission except those appointed under Paragraph (e) of Sentence
18.2.1(2) and Sentence 18.2.1(3) aforesaid, will be paid such fee as Council may, from time to
time, prescribe for each meeting attended.
SECTION 19
STORAGE AND HANDLING OF FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS
19.1
Subject to the provisions of this By-law, every person must comply with the Fire Prevention
By-law and the Manitoba Fire Code in storing and handling flammable and combustible liquids.
amended 150/2004
19.2
No person may install or remove a storage tank containing or constructed to contain
flammable or combustible liquids in a site above-ground, below-ground or inside buildings without
first obtaining the consent of the Chief of the Fire Paramedic Service and a building permit for this
purpose.
amended 150/2004
SECTION 20
SIGNS AND ANTENNA STRUCTURES
GENERAL
20.1.1 (1)
Signs encroaching on or over public property shall also comply with the
Encroachment By-law.
(2)
Signs shall also comply with the applicable Zoning By-law.
By-law No. 4555/87
57
20.1.2 (1)
Unless special permission is obtained from the appropriate authority having
jurisdiction for lesser clearances, all sign and antenna structures, including
accessories, shall have the following clearances from electrical power lines:
(a)
0 to 750 volts
(i) horizontally ............................................................... 600 mm
(ii) vertically ......................................................................... 1m
(b)
750 to 22,000 volts
(i) horizontally .................................................................. 1.2 m
(ii) vertically ..................................................................... 3.0 m
(c)
22,000 to 50,000 volts
(i) horizontally .................................................................. 2.0 m
(ii) vertically ..................................................................... 4.0 m
(2)
The minimum clearances listed in Sentence (1) apply under conditions of maximum
sag and maximum swing of the conductor for vertical and horizontal clearances
respectively.
(3)
A clearance of at least 1 m shall be maintained between poles and other fixtures
lawfully erected and any part of a sign or antenna structure and its accessories.
(4)
No sign or antenna structure shall be erected, constructed or maintained in any
manner which will obstruct any fire escape or any window or door or opening used
as a required means of egress or so as to prevent free passage from a roof to any
other part thereof. No sign or antenna structure shall be attached in any form,
shape or manner to a fire escape, nor be placed in such manner as to interfere with
any opening for required light or ventilation.
20.1.3 (1)
All signs and antenna structures, including supports, shall be kept in proper repair
and appearance and in the case of electric signs, the lamps and other electrical
apparatus connected thereto shall be maintained in efficient operative condition.
(2)
No owner or agent shall maintain a sign or antenna structure heretofore erected
unless the same be supported in an adequate manner by supports, braces, and
guys of suitable size and strength, and properly fastened.
amended 54/2012
(3)
No owner or agent shall maintain or permit any sign to be maintained including any
guys, stay or attachment connected therewith which interferes with any light,
power, telephone, telegraph or transit pole or wire or any fire escape or any
apparatus or appliance connected therewith.
amended 54/2012
By-law No. 4555/87
58
20.1.4 (1)
All existing signs and antenna structures which are in safe condition as fare as fire
safety, structural and location requirements are concerned may be maintained, but
no such sign or antenna structure when once removed shall be replaced either on
the same building or elsewhere without complying in all respects with the provisions
of this By-law and the Code.
(2)
Any existing sign or antenna structure which is unsafe from the standpoint of fire
safety, structural safety or location may be ordered to be made safe or removed.
20.1.5 (1)
No sign or antenna structure shall hereafter be structurally altered, rebuilt,
enlarged, extended or re-located except in conformity with the provisions of this By-
law.
(2)
The changing of removable parts of signs that are designed for changes, or the
repainting of display matter shall not be deemed to be alterations within the
meaning of this section, although such work shall comply with the applicable Zoning
By-law.
(3)
The designated employee may refuse to issue a sign permit if, in his opinion, the
sign may interfere or otherwise obstruct traffic lights, or in any way interfere with
visibility from the street.
amended 108/2017
CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN
20.2.1 All signs and antenna structures shall be designed and constructed as herein provided and
in accordance with Part 4, of the Code to resist live and dead loads. All bracing systems shall be
designed and constructed to transfer lateral forces to the foundations. For signs and antenna
structures on buildings, the load shall be transmitted through the structural frame of the building to
the ground in such manner as not to over-stress any of the elements thereof.
20.2.2 Where signs and supports are not under design of a Professional Engineer, the supporting
cable and turnbuckles, when used, shall meet the minimum requirements of Tables 20.2.2.A and
20.2.2B herein. The number of supports and fittings shall be dependent on the size, shape,
projection and loads of the sign and the various loads acting on same.
20.2.3 All signs and antenna structures and any of their supporting structures shall be fastened
with non-corrosive fasteners or otherwise have the fastening devices protected form corrosion.
20.2.4 Every sign, hereinafter erected shall be plainly marked with the name of the contractor or
erector, size and weight, voltage and wattage and said information must be readily visible after its
erection.
By-law No. 4555/87
59
20.2.5 Accepted combustible plastics may be used in the construction of signs where, in this By-
law, it requires noncombustible material, providing the combustible plastic materials conform to
CSA Standard C 22.2 No. 207 - Portable and Stationary Electric Signs and Displays. All electrical
signs shall be constructed in conformance with the Winnipeg Electrical By-law.
amended 6595/95
TABLE 20.2.2.A
Forming Part of Article 20.2.2
GALVANIZED 7 STEEL WIRE STRAND CABLE
Nominal Strand
Breaking Strength
inches
mm
lbs.
N
3/16
4.76
1/4
6.35
9/32
7.14
5/16
7.94
3/8
9.53
1,100
4893
1,800
8006
2,350
10453
3,100
13789
3,750
16680
Column 1
Column 2
TABLE 20.2.2
Forming Part of Article 20.2.2
TURNBUCKLES
Drop Forged-Galvanized
Diameter of Screw
Breaking Strength
Eyes and Shackles
inches
mm
lbs.
N
1/4
6.35
5/16
7.94
3/8
9.53
1,600
7117
2,700
12009
4,000
17792
Column 1
Column 2
Free-Standing Signs and Antenna Structures
20.3.1 All free-standing signs and antenna structures shall be constructed of noncombustible
materials throughout except that
(a)
signs not exceeding 4.6 m above the surface of the ground at any point may
be constructed of combustible material; and
By-law No. 4555/87
60
(b)
signs not exceeding 7.6 m above the ground at any point shall be
constructed with noncombustible columns and braces and supports, and
may have the display area including backing of combustible materials.
20.3.2 All free-standing signs and antenna structures exceeding 7.6 m in height above the adjacent
finished ground shall be structurally designed by a Professional Engineer.
20.3.3 The foundation of all free-standing signs and antenna structures exceeding 4.6 m in height
shall be of concrete.
20.3.4 The minimum clearances of free-standing signs and antenna structures shall be as follows:
(a)
no portion of any free-standing sign or antenna structure shall hereafter be
erected within 1200 mm of any property line or from a wood frame building
which is on the same property, unless such sign is constructed entirely of
noncombustible materials except for the display area and backing of a sign;
(b)
no portion of any free-standing sign or antenna structure with structural
members of combustible materials shall hereafter be erected within a
distance equivalent to the height of the structure from any property line
abutting a street;
(c)
there shall be a clearance of at least 1200 mm between any portion of a
free-standing sign or antenna structure in front of any required opening in
the exterior wall face of a building erected on the same property; and
(d)
projections associated with free-standing signs or antenna structures such
as guys, stays and other attachments such as reflectors used to illuminate
shall not be permitted less than 2.6 m above the surface of the ground at
any point except that with regard to antenna structures, guys and stays may
be permitted less than 2.6 m above the surface ground if:
(i)
the antenna structure is located in a rear yard of a private residential
property and
(ii)
the guys are provided with shields acceptable to the designated
employee or located so they do not pose a hazard.
amended 108/2017
ROOF SIGNS AND ROOF AND WALL MOUNTED ANTENNA STRUCTURES
20.4.1 All roof signs, including uprights, supports and braces and display area shall be of
noncombustible construction, except
(a)
that accepted combustible plastics may be used as facing materials and as
letters and decorations; and
By-law No. 4555/87
61
(b)
that the display area and moulding may be of combustible materials
provided such sign
(i)
is less than 7.6 m in height measured from the roof surface, and
(ii)
is less than 37 m2 on any one side.
20.4.2 All roof and wall mounted antenna structures, including uprights, supports and braces and
display area shall be of non-combustible construction, unless the building on which the antenna is
located is permitted to be of combustible construction.
20.4.3 All roof signs and roof and wall-mounted antenna structures shall be structurally designed
by a Professional Engineer when exceeding either 110 kg in weight or 10 m2 in area on any one
side.
20.4.4 Clearance and access about roof signs shall be as herein provided
(a)
passage clear of all obstructions, except for necessary horizontal supports
not more than 600 mm from the roof surface, shall be left under or around
and immediately adjacent to all roof signs exceeding 900 mm above the roof
surface. Such passage shall be not less than 900 mm wide by 2 m high and
shall be at parapet or roof level;
(b)
there shall be one such passage or access opening as follows:
(i)
for each roof sign upon a building,
(ii)
for every 15 m of horizontal roof sign extension, and
(iii)
within 6 m of walls and parapets when roof signs are located at an
angle of 45 degrees or greater to a face of the building;
(c)
there shall be a clearance of at least 1200 mm between any portion of the
roof sign and any opening in the exterior wall face or roof of the building on
which it is erected; and
(d)
no portion of any roof sign shall be erected within 1200 mm of any wood
frame wall extending above the roof line of the same building unless such
sign is constructed entirely of noncombustible material, and the proper
clearances are maintained.
20.4.5 In no case shall a roof sign or any part thereof including any supports and braces project
beyond the exterior surface of the exterior wall of the building to which it is attached.
By-law No. 4555/87
62
FACIA SIGNS
20.5.1 All facia signs shall be constructed of noncombustible materials throughout when such signs
(a)
exceed 37 m2 on walls required to be of noncombustible construction or
required to have noncombustible cladding;
(b)
are located more than 7.6 m above grade; or
(c)
are located within 600 mm of any window, fire escape or exit above the
second storey floor line.
20.5.2 No facia sign shall be permitted to be supported by an unbraced parapet wall unless the
structural stability of the parapet wall is adequate.
20.5.3 Facia signs may project above the top of the roof or parapet wall immediately adjacent
thereto a distance not exceeding 900 mm provided that the means of egress to and egress from
the said roof are adequate, and that the structural stability of the parapet wall is adequate.
20.5.4 Projections associated with facia signs such as guys, stays and other attachments such as
reflectors used to illuminate, shall not be permitted less than 2.6 m above the surface of the
ground at any point.
20.5.5 Facia signs shall be securely attached to the building or structure by means of metal
anchors, bolts or expansion screws. Such signs shall not be fastened by nails or staples to wooden
blocks or nailing strips built into masonry.
PROJECTING SIGNS
20.6.1 All projecting signs including frames, braces and supports shall be constructed of
noncombustible materials except that:
(a)
accepted combustible plastics (see Article 20.2.5. aforesaid) may be used as
facing materials, letters and decorations; and
(b)
non-structural members of signs not exceeding 2 m2 in area may be of
wood, metal, accepted plastics or combination thereof.
20.6.2 Covers of the service opening shall be securely fastened by chains and/or hinges.
20.6.3 Projecting signs shall not be attached or fastened in any manner to parapet walls unless
designed by a Professional Engineer.
20.6.4 Projecting signs weighing more than 110 kg. shall be structurally designed by a Professional
Engineer.
By-law No. 4555/87
63
20.6.5 Projecting signs shall be adequately supported by cables, rods, chains or other approved
method. In all cases, each projecting sign weighing more than 22 kg shall have at least one
accepted fastener passing entirely through the wall or roof of the building to which it is attached.
20.6.6 The "A" frames or other similar methods of support used in the construction of
projecting signs shall not exceed 1.8 m in overall height above an exterior wall
20.6.7 Unless otherwise accepted by the designated employee each cable, rod, chain or
equivalent shall have a reputed breaking strength as specified in Table 20.6.7. herein
amended 108/2017
20.6.7 Projecting signs shall be at least 2.5 m above grade.
TABLE 20.6.7.A
Forming Part of Article 20.6.7
BREAKING STRENGTH OF CABLE, ROD, CHAIN, ETC.
FOR VARIOUS WEIGHTS OF SIGNS
Weight of Signs
Projection of Signs
Breaking Strength
lbs.
Kg
Ft.
mm
lbs.
N
50 max.
50 max.
Over 50
but less
than 100
Over 100
but less
than 250
Over 250
but less
than 400
Over 400
22.7 max.
22.7 max.
Over 22.7
but less
than 45.4
Over 45.4
but less
than 113.6
Over 113.6
but less
than 181.8
Over 181.8
2 max.
Over 2
Over 2
Over 2
Over 2
Over 2
600 max.
Over 600
Over 600
Over 600
Over 600
Over 600
600
1250
2000
2500
3500
Design
required
2669
5560
8896
11120
15568
Design
required
Column 1
2
3
By-law No. 4555/87
64
AWNING AND SUN VISOR SIGNS
20.7.1 (1)
No sign shall be attached in any.3 manner to an awning or sun visor unless:
(a)
the awning or sun visor is constructed entirely of noncombustible
materials, and
(b)
a Professional Engineer certifies that the awning or sun visor, and
the supporting structure, are capable of supporting the sign.
(2)
Signs permitted in accordance with Sentence (1) aforesaid, shall comply with the
regulations for marquee or canopy signs.
HOARDING SIGNS
20.8.1 No sign shall be placed on any hoarding except those referred to in paragraphs (d), (f) and
(g) in Sentence 14.7.1(2) aforesaid.
MARQUEE AND CANOPY SIGNS
20.9.1 If any sign other than a projecting sign (as provided in this By-law) is attached to the roof
of a marquee or canopy, placed flat against the face or edge of the marquee or canopy or erected
over or under a marquee or canopy, such sign shall be constructed in compliance with the following
provisions:
(a)
The sign construction shall be of noncombustible materials throughout
except that the construction may be equivalent to what is required for the
marquee or canopy construction;
(b)
The lowest part of any sign attached to the face or edge or under a
marquee or canopy shall be not less than 2.6 m above grade; and
(c)
No sign attached to a marquee or canopy shall project beyond the face or
edges more than 400 mm horizontally.
COMBINATION SIGNS
20.10.1 Any combination sign, not specifically allowed by this By-law, may be permitted provided
that the construction of the whole sign complies with the most restrictive provisions of the type of
sign so combined.
By-law No. 4555/87
65
MOBILE ADVERTISING SIGNS
20.11.1 Every mobile advertising sign shall be constructed to the satisfaction of the designated
employee, shall be designed to resist overturning due to wind loading utilizing a 1 in 10 year return
period wind velocity with a 1.25 safety factor, and shall be approved by either the Canadian
Standards Association or the Manitoba Department of Labour.
amended 108/2017
20.11.2 The designated employee may issue an identification label which shall be affixed to a
mobile advertising sign.
amended 108/2017
SECTION 21
MARQUEES, CANOPIES, AWNINGS AND SUN VISORS
21.1
21.1.1 Except as permitted in Article 21.2.1. herein, all marquees, canopies, awnings and sun
visors shall be constructed of non-combustible materials except where they are attached to an
exterior wall of a building permitted to be of combustible construction and are located not more
than two (2) storeys above grade.
21.1.2 All marquees, canopies, awnings and sun visors shall be designed to sustain the dead and
live loads that may be imposed thereon.
21.1.3 The roof of all marquees, canopies and awnings shall be drained in an acceptable manner
(see the Manitoba Plumbing Code).
21.1.4 The minimum headroom of a marquee, canopy, awning or sun visor over an entrance or
sidewalk shall be 2 m.
21.2
21.2.1 Combustible textile coverings may be used on canopies and awnings provided they are
located not more than two (2) storeys above grade and provided the material is flame-resistant.
21.2.2 Flame-resistance shall be determined in accordance with NFPA Standard No. 701 "Standard
Methods of Fire Tests for Flame-Resistant Textiles and Films."
21.2.3 The framing of canopies and awnings having combustible textile coverings shall be
constructed of non-combustible material.
21.3 No electrical wiring, equipment or apparatus shall be attached to or incorporated in a canopy
or awning covered with combustible textiles that require periodic flameproofing.
By-law No. 4555/87
66
21.4 Marquees, canopies, awnings or sun visors encroaching on or over public property (sidewalks,
streets, etc.) shall comply with the Encroachment By-law.
SECTION 22
METAL CLADDING
22.1 Unless otherwise accepted by the designated employee, metal cladding used on buildings
shall be of the factory-finished type.
amended 108/2017
SECTION 23
SUBSURFACE DRAINAGE
GENERAL
23.1.1 Where buildings are provided with a subsurface drainage system, the system shall be
constructed so that the drainage is directed to a sump pit equipped with a pump and discharged to
the outside of the building in conformance with the Manitoba Building Code, the Manitoba Plumbing
Code and all applicable by-laws.
amended 5436/90; 110/2024; 27/2026
23.1.2
added 5436/90; repealed 110/2024
SUMP PUMPS
23.2.1
repealed 110/2024
23.2.2
repealed 110/2024
SUMP PITS
23.3.1
repealed 110/2024
DISCHARGE
23.4.1
repealed 110/2024
By-law No. 4555/87
67
23.4.2 (1)
repealed 110/2024
23.4.3
repealed 110/2024
23.4.4
added 5436/90; repealed 110/2024
FLOOR DRAINS
23.5.1
added 5436/90; repealed 110/2024
SECTION 24
ROOF AND SURFACE DRAINAGE
24.1
Unless otherwise accepted by the designated employee, all residential buildings
connected to a public sewer shall be provided with eavestroughing and downspout
mechanisms.
amended 108/2017
24.2
Where downspouts are provided and are not connected to a sewer, provision shall be made
to prevent soil erosion, and extensions or splash pads shall be provided to carry the rain water a
minimum of 1.3 metres from the building.
24.3
Unless otherwise accepted by the designated employee, roof drainage or surface drainage
shall not be discharged on public sidewalks, stairs or neighbouring property and shall be conveyed
so as not to cause dampness in the walls, ceilings, or floors at any portion of the building itself or
any adjacent building.
amended 108/2017
Section 24.4: Private Pools
added 110/2024
Scope
24.4.1 This section applies to private pools.
Design
24.4.2 The structural design for a private pool that is an in-ground swimming pool must bear
the seal of a professional engineer competent and qualified in the structural designing of in-
ground swimming pools.
By-law No. 4555/87
68
Enclosures
24.4.3 A private pool that is located outdoors must be enclosed with a fence, or other suitable
barrier, constructed in accordance with the following requirements:
(a)
the fence or barrier must have a minimum height of 1.5m;
(b)
there must be no openings in the fence or barrier, other than a door to a
building or a gate as described in clause (d);
(c)
it must be constructed so as to prevent a person from crawling under the fence
or barrier and any gate in the fence or barrier;
(d)
any gate in the fence or barrier must be
(i)
self-closing;
(ii)
at least 1.5m in height; and
(iii)
equipped with a lockable latch so as to prevent unauthorized entry;
(e)
where the fence or barrier, or any gate, is chain-link style, the outside
surface of the fence or barrier, and any gate, must be at least No. 11
gauge; and
(f)
where the fence or barrier, or any gate, is not chain-link style, the outside
surface of the fence or barrier, and any gate, must be smooth so as to
not provide hand, foot or toe holds.
24.4.4 Where the designated employee determines that the fence or barrier, or any gate,
required under this section contains any feature that the designated employee deems
undesirable or unsuitable, the designated employee is authorized to order the owner to correct
the situation.
Hot Tub and Swim Spa Covers
24.4.5 Despite 24.4.5 and 24.4.6, where a private pool is an outdoor hot tub or swim spa, a
fence or barrier and a gate, are not required if the hot tub or swim spa is equipped with a
cover, provided that:
(a)
the cover has the structural strength to support the weight of a person
walking across the top of the cover when it is in the closed position; and
(b)
the cover is locked in the closed position so as to prevent access to the
water by unauthorized persons at all times when the hot tub or swim spa
is not in use.
By-law No. 4555/87
69
SECTION 25
OFFENCES AND PENALTIES
amended 8162/2002; 61/2017
25.1
A failure to comply with any of the following constitutes a contravention of this By-law:
amended 61/2017
(a)
any provision of this By-law;
amended 61/2017
(b)
an order or decision of a designated employee made pursuant to an
authority granted by this By-law;
amended 61/2017
(c)
a decision of the Winnipeg Building Commission;
amended 8162/2002; 61/2017
(d)
the standards and requirements set out in the Code;
added 61/2017
(e)
an Order issued by a justice as part of a sentence for a contravention of this
By-law.
added 61/2017
25.2 Subject to the Municipal By-law Enforcement Act (MBEA) Enabling By-law, a person who
contravenes a provision of this By-law that is referred to in Schedule A of the Municipal By-law
Enforcement Act (MBEA) Enabling By-law must pay the administrative penalty for that
contravention set out in that Schedule. If an Early Payment Discount amount is set out for a
provision in that schedule, a person who is issued a penalty notice for a contravention of that
provision may, within 14 days after the penalty notice has been issued, voluntarily pay to The City
of Winnipeg the applicable Early Payment Discount amount and will thereafter not be prosecuted
for the contravention.
added 61/2017
25.3 If a provision of this By-law is not included in Schedule A to the Municipal By-law Enforcement
Act (MBEA) Enabling By-law, a contravention of that provision is subject to a minimum fine of $500.
added 61/2017
SECTION 26
REPEAL
26.
Subject to section 27 herein, By-law No. 3199/82 of The City of Winnipeg and amendments
thereto, is hereby repealed.
By-law No. 4555/87
70
SECTION 27
EFFECTIVE DATE
27.1
Except for section 23, all sections and Appendix A of this By-law shall come into force on the
date of its passing.
27.2
Appendix A, B and C of By-law 3199/82 shall apply mutatis mutandis to this By-law for a
period of 120 days from the date that this By-law comes in effect.
27.3
Section 23 of this By-law shall come into effect on the 121st day from the date that this By-
law comes into effect.
DONE AND PASSED in Council assembled, this 6th day of May, 1987.
1
See sections 180-181 and sections 183-188 of The City of Winnipeg Charter for information
about some of the key powers given to designated employees.
2
See sections 180 to 184 and sections 116 and 117 of The City of Winnipeg Charter for
information about the powers given to designated employees to issue compliance orders and how
they must be served.
3
See sections 116 and 117 of The City of Winnipeg Charter for information about how to
serve orders, decisions and other documents.
4
See sections 189 and 121 of The City of Winnipeg Charter for information about appeals,
including information about the time limit for appeals and how appeals are to be filed.
By-law No. 4555/87
71
APPENDIX A
TO BY-LAW NO. 4555/87
repealed 27/2026