Administration sections in the proposed bylaw clearly communicate building permit requirements and conditions for all users.

The proposed bylaw:

• defines roles and responsibilities in the permit process
• enhances enforcement tools
• streamlines permitting processes
• provides better alignment with other RMOW bylaws, construction practices, the Building Act and the BC Building and Plumbing Codes

Authority to regulate

The local government’s authority to regulate construction now includes:

• wording related to conserving energy or water and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• a requirement for the municipality to retain certified building officials, as outlined in the Building Act

Expanded definitions and clearly defined roles and responsibilities

Terms are more clearly defined, aligning with BC Building Code terminology to improve understanding and enforcement.

Bylaw purpose

The municipality’s responsibilities are clearly stated, emphasizing that the RMOW does not warranty building design or workmanship.

Scope and exemptions

Scope and exemptions have expanded to clarify when permits are required or exempted.

The proposed bylaw recognizes that many older buildings do not comply with current standards due to age or unpermitted alterations.

To mitigate risks associated with non-compliance, the bylaw states the following:

• New construction on existing buildings must comply with current codes in areas directly impacted by the addition or renovation.
• Buildings undergoing a change of use (such as from office to residential) may require substantial upgrades to comply with the Building Code compliance and follow municipal land use (zoning) regulations.
• Unauthorized renovations must either be corrected or removed to meet current standards.

These provisions enhance clarity for building officials and owners, reducing delays, frustration, and added project costs.

The proposed bylaw outlines new or modified permit types and requirements for various structures and mechanical and life safety systems.

Key changes include the following:

• Improved application standards
  • Higher-quality submissions are now mandatory to streamline the permit review process.
• Overall permit process
  • The permit process and requirements have been expanded to ensure a clear understanding of what is required at each project stage, including applications, permit issuance, on-site works, and permit completion or occupancy approvals.
• New and expanded permits
  • Permit types have been formalized or added to address items such as fire alarm installation and replacement, commercial kitchen mechanical systems, storage racking, tiered retaining walls, heat pump installations and solar installations.

The Municipal Insurance Association of British Columbia model core bylaw includes a section related to all general contractors and trades to ensure compliance with municipal regulations and mitigate potential damage to municipal property.

While this adds another level of administration, it is a best practice incorporated by other municipalities to provide a fair and consistent approach to dealing with on-site construction issues.

Changes include the following:

• Expansion and clarification of when permits are required
• Requirements for requesting inspections
• Requirements to notify the municipality of changes to the project or ownership

• Guidelines for receiving occupancy approvals
• Guidelines for closing out permit files*

*This also relates to business licences (for example, for tourist accommodation properties). It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that they complete their permit file and receive a file closure notification. The RMOW does not issue business licences for properties with open, expired, or non-compliant permit files.

The proposed bylaw clarifies offences and establishes a transparent, consistent enforcement process for non-compliant construction through the following provisions:

• Clear guidelines for addressing offences, such as starting work without a permit and unauthorized occupancy
• Authority to impose no-occupancy orders for buildings deemed unsafe or lacking essential services
• Timeline for permit completion and requirements for closing permit files or applying for a new permit when a permit expires*
• Increasing fines and penalties in line with other municipalities to improve compliance, reduce staff time spent on enforcement, and promote fairness within the construction industry

* This also relates to business licences (for example, for tourist accommodation properties). It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that they complete their permit file and receive a file closure notification. The RMOW does not issue business licences for properties with open, expired, or non-compliant permit files.

Powers of a Building Official

The proposed bylaw includes the following changes:

• Referring to the Chief Building Official and Building Inspectors as Building Officials to provide consistency with the Building Act
• Clarifying the right to enter onto a property and into a building to determine compliance with the bylaw
• Clarifying conditions for refusing or revoking a permit