Building Inspection / What's New

 

BC Energy Step Code Step Code.jpg

The Regional District has adopted the BC Energy Step Code which came into effect April 1, 2022. The Step Code is a provincial regulation that local governments may use to require a level of energy efficiency in new construction that goes above and beyond the requirements of the soon-to-be updated BC Building Code.

BC Energy Step Code Bulletin

New Building Bylaw No.3239, 2021

Effective January 1, 2022 the Regional District implemented a new Building Bylaw No. 3239. Notable changes include a $100 application fee with every application, a security deposit with issued building permits that will be refunded within 30 days of final inspection approval, and changes to permit extensions time lines and fees.  

What does this mean for me ?

Based on 2 storey Home (approx. 1000 sqft) with a value of $350,000 Current RDFFG Bylaw New Bylaw No. 3239   Based on Garage (approx. 576 sqft) with a value of $29,000. Current RDFFG Bylaw  New Bylaw No.3239
Application Fee None $100 Application Fee None $100
Building Permit Fee $1564 $2070 Building Permit Fee $232 $174
Security Deposit None $1000 Security Deposit None $250
Total Fees for issuance $1564 $3170 Total Fees for issuance $232 $524


Building Bylaw Bulletin.pdf

View the Building Bylaw.

Electronic Inspections

October 1, 2021 All Building Permits and applications are now processed and approved through the City Reporter software system. This means email notifications are sent out when a permit is ready for pick up and when inspections are completed. Inspections, pictures and details will also be sent directly to the homeowner and/or contractor. 

Electronic Inspections Bulletin.pdf

Secondary Suites

March 1, 2021 Dwellings that contain Secondary Suites must have Fire Separation between the individual units. This fire separation must be noted on plans when applying for a building permit and include:

  • wall and ceiling details with fire separation and sound rating (showing the variation used)
  • details and location of smoke and CO detectors
  • mechanical details

Building_Inspection_Bulletin_Secondary_Suites.pdf

Contaminated Site Identification

On February 1, 2021, several significant amendments to the Environmental Management Act, SBC 2003, c 53 (the “Act”) came into force and which resulted in a substantial overhaul of the Contaminated Sites Regulation, BC Reg 375/96 (the “CSR”). These changes reflect the efforts of the Province to streamline and clarify the process for addressing contaminated sites while addressing purported weaknesses within the previous regime through a mandatory investigation process for contaminated sites. 

With these amendments come a number of changes to the Act and applicable regulations that will impact application for subdivision, zoning, or a development or building permit with the Regional District.

Visit the Province of BC website for more information.

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/site-remediation/site-identification