The RMOW is considering implementing a Certified Professional Program for Part 3 (complex) buildings. .

If the property owner chooses to use this program, it may expedite the building permit process for new or complete upgrades to complex buildings or allow for staged permitting and staged construction.

The program does not apply to Part 9 (simple) buildings like single family homes or duplexes, which account for most of the building permits and inspections in Whistler.

Under the program, a Certified Professional (CP), who is an architect or professional engineer, provides professional assurance for compliance with Part 3 of the BC Building Code and administrative functions of permit application.

Certified Professional's role

A Certified Professional (CP):

• Applies for the building permit on behalf of their client
• review compliance with Part 3 of the BC Building Code, including site review
• Creates code compliance drawings and reports

Certified Professionals don’t replace Registered Professionals (registered architects or engineers) involved in a construction project. Registered Professionals are still required to do conventional field review for any Part 3 buildings.

Certified Professionals are not responsible for municipal bylaws, except as an administrative function. For example, a property owner could ask their Certified Professional to collect and submit a sign bylaw application; however, the Certified Professional would not review the application in any way for compliance with Whistler’s sign bylaw.

The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) would still be responsible for reviewing the building permit application, reviewing for compliance to the RMOW zoning and parking bylaw, issuing the permit, and providing regular building inspections, and final occupancy for the building.

Requirements

• An architect registered with the Architectural Institute of BC or professional engineer registered with Engineers and Geoscientists BC can qualify as a Certified Professional by completing a Certified Professional course, passing an exam, and completing required upgrades.

• The Certified Professional Program is optional; if Whistler wants to use it, it needs to be included in the updated building and plumbing bylaw.
  
  

Application

• The Certified Professional program is optional and only applies to Part 3 (complex) buildings. These are complex building types. The program does not apply to Part 9 (simple) buildings like single family homes or duplexes, which account for most of the building permits and inspections in Whistler.
• The application to existing buildings is very limited; it applies only to complete upgrades, not to tenant improvement type alterations.
• Currently, there are few Certified Professionals operating in the Sea to Sky Corridor.

Program administration

The Architects Institute of BC (AIBC), regulators of architects in B.C., administers the program, including the Certified Professional course and exam. The program is endorsed by Engineering and Geoscientists of BC (EGBC).

The Architects Institute of BC (AIBC) runs the program to improve Building Code knowledge and facilitate architects and engineers to better serve the public through expediting permits.