Whereas local governments face building bylaw enforcement challenges, particularly in low density rural areas; And whereas Technical Safety BC regularly issue electrical, gas and other permits for installations in buildings which are in contravention of local government building bylaws: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM lobby the provincial government to require Technical Safety BC to confirm that necessary building permits have been issued prior to the issuance of installation permits.
Ministry of Housing Government appreciates the importance of building and safety permitting to ensure the safe construction, maintenance, operation, and renovation of buildings. The cooperation and coordination of authorities having jurisdiction is essential so that safety and compliance can be inspected. Making it simple for building owners, developers, and builders to obtain necessary permits to do their work is also important to support the delivery of homes for people. While building permits are not always required and it is not always feasible to verify the issuance of building permits, the province has and will continue to encourage Technical Safety BC and local governments to share data to support effective administration. Cooperation and coordination between Technical Safety BC and local governments is a way to ensure information about work being done under permits is shared. This way, unpermitted work can be identified and followed up to ensure compliance. Local governments are encouraged to work with Technical Safety BC to discuss data sharing that may support their work.