THE PRRD IS UPDATING THE BUILDING BYLAW
What is a Building Bylaw?
Bylaw No. 2131, 2014 is a regulation under the authority of the Local Government Act and Community Charter that outlines the process for construction, alteration, repair or demolition of buildings and other structures to ensure the health, safety and protection of persons and property.
The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) administers building regulations and provides building permit and inspection services in the Mandatory Building Permit Areas.
Why does the Building Bylaw need to be updated?
The current bylaw was developed in 2014 and is no longer in compliance with provincial legislation. Under the Building Act, the PRRD’s Building Bylaw must be in compliance with the Building Act and the BC Building Code.
THE PRRD IS UPDATING THE BUILDING BYLAW
Why do we need a Building Bylaw?
The Building Bylaw provides guidance on how the PRRD receives and reviews applications for building permits, and outlines the process for inspections and when they should take place. This is important because it establishes a framework to process applications and conduct inspections efficiently.
A Building Bylaw helps to ensure that everyone follows the same rules and that buildings are constructed safely, and to code.
What is the process the PRRD will follow for the update?
Staff presented a draft work plan to the Regional Board on October 5, 2023;
Staff initialized public and stakeholder engagement on October 6, 2023;
Staff presented the draft bylaw to the Regional Board on February 8, 2024;
Staff will make the draft bylaw available for public and stakeholder review;
Staff will present the final bylaw to the Regional Board for consideration.
Open from October 6, 2023 to November 29, 2023
21 11.1% Both (resident & contractor) 3 1.6% Contractor Resident 165 87.3%
RESPONSES
MANY WE HEARD FROM WHO WE HEARD FROM Okay Hard Easy N/A 22 11 10 1 How simple did
find the Building Permit application process?
189
HOW
you
PUBLIC SURVEY OVERVIEW
PUBLIC SURVEY OVERVIEW
Open from October 6, 2023 to November 29, 2023
WHAT COMMUNITIES WE HEARD FROM
Area B consists of 18 communities including Rose Prairie and Wonowon.
Area C consists of 6 communities including Charlie Lake and Grandhaven.
Area D consists of 12 communities including Tomslake and Farmington.
Area E consists of 10 communities including Groundbirch and Lone Prairie.
44 Respondents who have applied for a Building Permit through the PRRD in the past.
Area B 47% Area C 17.5% Area D 10.6% Prefer not to answer 9.5% Area E 8.5% Other 6.9%
What do you think would make applying for a building permit easier?
WHAT WE HEARD FROM YOU
On the building permit application process
An information package explaining in plain and applicable terms the steps required by home owners to apply for a new home permit under the new step code.
A concise user friendly guide (print and online) for the requirements needed to submit an application, including obligations after getting a permit.
Apply a principle of "no surprises", to assist applicants through the process. Consider use of interactive tools that are location specific to help applicants ensure they get all they need and are aware of all requirements and costs.
WHAT WE HEARD FROM YOU
On changing application criteria and expanding the inspection area
The majority of respondents are not in favour of expanding the Mandatory Building Permit Areas.
Do you think the Mandatory Building Permit Areas should be expanded?
Would you prefer to have separate applications for commercial/industrial and residential building permits?
Are you aware that BC Building Code and Home Warranty are mandatory provincial requirements that must be followed?
Yes No Other 37 4 3
Yes No Other 132 52 5
No Yes Other 152 30 7
Can you please explain why you do not want the building permit areas to be expanded?
WHAT WE HEARD FROM YOU On not expanding Mandatory Building Permit Areas
New construction is already too expensive and all this would add is more red tape for rural citizens.
Its control that need not be gained over the farmers and ranchers in the Peace. We all want the work done right on our buildings and do not need to be delayed by paperwork.
An expansion of the building permit area would result in extensive delays in completing structures that are generally built exceeding the provincial code.
WHAT WE HEARD FROM YOU
On expanding Mandatory Building Permit Areas to the entire Regional District
Why would you like to see the Mandatory Building Permit Areas expanded to the entire Regional District?
You should have the confidence when buying a place in knowing it was built to code.
Too many buildings in the area going up without permits which could mean codes aren’t up to date and those buildings may be a hazard.
As a person who works in pipeline emergency preparedness, it would be useful to see every residence in PRRD have its own civic address and that structures are being built in alignment with BC Building Code requirements.
WHAT WE HEARD FROM YOU
On building permits impacting insurance and purchasing habits
Would a building having a permit make you more confident in purchasing/renting /leasing that building?
Have you ever experienced your mortgage provider or insurance agency requesting building permits?
I have encouraged customers to get permits even when outside of the inspection area to help with obtaining mortgages and insurance, and they have told me it has helped with the process.
Can you please share about your experience with mortgage providers or insurers requesting building permits?
No 56.6% Doesn't matter 24.3% Yes 19% No 77.8% Yes 11.6% N/A 10.6%
Is there anything else you would like to share about the Building Bylaw?
WHAT WE HEARD FROM YOU
On general thoughts about the Building Bylaw
If you are going to rent your building out then yes by all means it needs to be built to conform to safety standards.
Most rural places work hard at making their homesteads beautiful, so a case by case would be ok to help along people who cut corners.
The building permit process and subsequent inspections are really stressful. Make it easier, and be very clear what the requirements are would be helpful.
