The issues identified by the…

The issues identified by the stakeholder group have not been properly researched and validated. The issues raised are not relevant to all municipalities. Many of the concerns identified can be addressed by systems that are already in place such as OBOA continuing education, the use of RCA's, the current examination system ect. The root of the problem lies with stakeholders who apply for permits that do not understand the system. Completed building permit applications are bound by legislated timelines. The problem is that the stakeholder does not understand where the delays originate. There are a magnitude of applicable laws to be met prior to deeming an application complete. Many applications are held up waiting for planning approvals, studies, and other applicable acts and organizational approvals. The focus here should be on Educating the stakeholders and end users and the impending shortage of qualified inspectors in the work place. Attention needs to be directed to promoting the industry understanding the process and training inspectors to do the job. Creating a separate agency to perform the function of departments already established, is logistically confusing, a duplicate of services and it will create a greater void in the available manpower. This will complicate the enforcement of the building code and further strain municipalities.
CET, CBCO
Deputy Chief Building Official