Building Permits & Inspections
Building Permits & Code Enforcement
This section covers the roles, responsibilities, and enforcement powers municipalities have under the Uniform Building and Accessibility Standards (UBAS) Act.
Who is responsible for compliance?
The property owner is ultimately responsible for ensuring their building complies with the National Building Code, as defined in the UBAS Act.
Why is the municipality involved?
Municipalities are responsible for enforcing the building code because of the principle of “duty of care” — the legal expectation that local governments protect the safety of people who live, work, or travel in their area.
Why have a building bylaw?
A municipality must have an approved building bylaw to:
- Control construction within its boundaries
- Issue building permits
- Collect permit fees
- Conduct inspections
- Without a bylaw, the municipality cannot legally regulate building activity
Can bylaws become outdated?
Yes. Any building bylaw passed before June 6, 1988 (when the UBAS Act came into effect) should be updated.
All new or amended bylaws must be submitted to the province for ministerial approval.
Is approval difficult?
No, the process is straightforward:
- Submit two certified true copies of the adopted bylaw to the Building Standards and Licensing Branch.
- You may also submit drafts for feedback before final adoption.
- Processing time is typically about 30 days.
Can municipalities enforce against unsafe or dilapidated buildings?
Yes. Under the UBAS Act, building officials can issue formal orders to property owners to address buildings in a ruinous or dilapidated state.