The biggest hurdles I've…

The biggest hurdles I've experienced with the enforcement of the building code are:

1. Plans Examiners applying the OBC based on what was input in to their system versus information on the drawings. When it is demonstrated that what was input in the system is incorrect, Examiners insist on continuing to apply the system versus read and interpret the drawings. This has happened at the City of Toronto, where Part 3 was applied to Part 9 building, leading to costly delays. Quit frankly, Plans Examiners that cannot tell the difference between Part 3 and Part 9 buildings at a minimum should not be permitted to review drawings.

2. Plans Examiners provide comments without referencing the OBC, ie requiring Building Code Matrix especially for Part 9 buildings. Toronto does not list this as a requirement, nor do they provide a template. Instead they are making the OAA provided and copyrighted Matrix a requirement. This occurs in Toronto.

3. Municipalities take up to 10 days to pre-screen applications for completeness. If something needs to be added, the City resets the pre-screen process, meaning a max 20 days of pre-screen can occur prior to a Plans Examiner reviewing. City of Mississauga enforces this approach which creates costly delays.

4. Municipalities apply Zoning by-laws review to all submissions, essentially as a catchall loop hole to circumvent the OBC mandated review times, effectively rendering the mandated review times irrelevant. Zoning reviews have no mandated review times, therefore Permits are withheld at this stage, even for applications that have no impact to Zoning.

5. If Plans Examiners make an error in their review, ie apply the wrong code sections (part 3 vs Part 9) there is no ramification nor compensation for lost time and Client money.

6. Overall, it doesn't make any sense that Municipal by-laws can supersede Provincial (OBC) law.