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Introduction to the Building Regulatory System

Course Outline and Learning Outcomes:

Module 1: Introduction to the Building Regulatory System
In this module you will learn why there is a building regulatory system, the major acts and regulations that affect the building industry, and the roles and responsibilities of each level of government.
Learning Outcomes;
At the end of this module, you should be able to: Read More

  1. Describe the purpose and objectives of the building regulatory system in BC.
  2. Identify the major acts and regulations that relate to the job function of Building Officials:
    • Building Act and Building Act General Regulation
    • Building Codes
    • Safety Standards Act, regulations, and safety standards
    • Local Government Act
    • Community Charter
  3. Describe how Vancouver is unique in the building regulatory system.
  4. Identify the roles and responsibilities within the building regulatory system of each level of government.
Module 2: Building Codes
In this module you will learn about how building codes are created in Canada and in British Columbia, and the applicability of these in the Province. You will learn about BC’s unique energy step code. You will learn about the code change cycle, where to access the codes, how to learn about the codes, and mid-cycle code revisions.
Learning Outcomes;
At the end of this module, you should be able to: Read More

  1. Explain the differences between the national and British Columbia building codes.
  2. Describe the five objectives of the BC Building Codes.
  3. Describe the parts of the British Columbia building codes, and distinguish between building codes, plumbing codes and fire codes.
  4. Differentiate between Part 9 and Part 3 of the building code.
  5. Describe the energy step code.
Module 3: How Bylaws and Codes are Enforced
In this module you will learn more about the roles and responsibilities of local governments, and how municipalities and regional districts differ, and the various ways that B.C.’s Indigenous communities regulate building and construction. You will learn about the two most important bylaws in a local government’s regulatory system: the Building Bylaw and the Zoning Bylaw.
Learning Outcomes;
At the end of this module, you should be able to: Read More

  1. Differentiate between regional districts, municipalities and Indigenous communities.
  2. Describe a generic Building Bylaw and explain the importance of the MIA model bylaw.
  3. Describe the importance of the Zoning Bylaw.
Module 4: Life Cycle of a Building Permit
In this module you learn about the generic pathway a building permit might travel through the local government’s permitting system in order for to receive the proper permissions for construction or renovation to begin. You will learn about the other bylaws that affect what and how buildings or alterations are approved.
Learning Outcomes;
At the end of this module, you should be able to: Read More

  1. Describe the major requirements for an application.
  2. Describe the generic pathway of a permitting process.
  3. Describe the major types of bylaws and other rules affecting building permits: covenants, notices on title, easements and rights of way, New Homes Registry, development permits and variances. Also, any physical or spatial encumbrances such as slope stability, geotechnical hazards and other considerations, environmentally sensitive areas and flood plains, presence of asbestos or other triggers for WorkSafe BC clearance letters Explain the impacts of the following on permitting: covenants, slopes, geotechnical considerations, environmentally sensitive areas, title notices, building services, easements and right of ways
Module 5: Working as a Building or Plumbing Official
In this module you will learn about the qualification program for building officials, how there is a regulation that defines a scope of work for the various classes of building officials, and will begin to define the tasks that a building official will perform when doing his or her work for local authority
Learning Outcomes;
At the end of this module, you should be able to: Read More

  1. Define the roles and responsibilities of being an official.
  2. Describe and differentiate between the classes and their scope of work.
  3. Explain how an official works with others in the building regulatory system.
Module 6: Plan Examination and Permitting
In this module you will learn in greater detail about the initial stages of a building or plumbing official’s work, including plan checking and the permitting process.
Learning Outcomes;
At the end of this module, you should be able to: Read More

  1. Describe what a building or plumbing official should look for when doing a plan check.
  2. Differentiate between a plan review and professional reliance.
  3. Describe local bylaws that could impact the issuing of a permit (links to module 4).
  4. Describe the importance of report writing skills.
Module 7: Site Visits and Occupancy Permit
In this module you will learn in greater detail about the later stages of a building or plumbing official’s work, including mid-construction and issuing occupancy permits.
Learning Outcomes;
At the end of this module, you should be able to: Read More

  1. Understand the differences between site visits for inspection or monitoring purposes, and issuing occupancy permits. Understand when they might be called for.
  2. Understand that municipalities policies around site visits vary.
  3. Understand the effect that professional reliance can have on site visits and licenses.
  4. Understand how job-site safety can impact an official.
  5. Describe the importance of report writing and photographic recordings.
  6. Describe the legal importance of occupancy permits.
  7. Describe what happens in a municipality that does not issue occupancy permits.
Module 8: Advanced Methods of Code Enforcement
In this module you will learn about the more advanced methods to interpret and enforce the building code. This will include the use of Letters of Assurance and alternative solutions, and how and when both of those can be used. You will also learn about the mechanisms that exist to help during code interpretation.
Learning Outcomes;
At the end of this module, you should be able to: Read More

  1. Describe letters of assurance and properly identify how, when and by whom they are to be used.
  2. Describe alternative solutions, and define when and how they are used.
  3. Explain the differences between the mechanisms for code interpretation.
Module 9: Legal and Ethical Considerations for Building Officials
In this module you will learn about the code of ethics and code of professional standards for building officials, as well as the legal term duty of care. You will learn about the importance of certain practices and how these are essential to protecting the building’s future occupants, the structure itself, the building official, and the local government.
Learning Outcomes;
At the end of this module, you should be able to: Read More

  1. Describe the BOABC’s Code of Ethics and Code of Professional Standards.
  2. Define the legal term ‘duty of care’.
  3. Describe practices of the building official job function that relate to that duty of care.
  4. Define conflicts of interest.
Module 10: Insurance and Liability
In this module you will learn about the basics of insurance and liability as they relate to the building industry. This will cover requirements for owners, builders, building officials, local governments, and architects and engineers. The New Home Warranty program will also be covered.
Learning Outcomes;
At the end of this module, you should be able to: Read More

  1. Describe how insurance and liability affects the various persons or roles in the building regulatory system.
  2. Describe ‘joint and several liability’.
  3. Describe the new home warranty program.
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