A building bylaw gives the local government authority to regulate construction within the city in alignment with the BC Building Code and BC Plumbing Code.

A building bylaw allows building department operations to regulate and administer standards concerning the design, construction, and/or occupancy of new buildings and structures, and alteration (including a change of use), demolition, and relocation of existing structures, ultimately ensuring a minimum level of life safety standards and a level playing field for all within the construction industry.

Overall, a building bylaw plays a crucial role in ensuring our built environment’s safety, functionality, and aesthetics. It protects residents, guides developers, and helps maintain an orderly and sustainable community.

Kamloops’ existing building bylaw (Bylaw No.11-80) was adopted in 2006. Minor amendments since then include changes to accommodate the implementation of the BC Energy Step Code in 2021.

However, since 2006, there have been significant changes to the BC Building Code and BC Plumbing Code, building methods and materials, and other regulations, such as BC’s Building Act.

Given the evolution of codes and industry trends, staff identified that the existing bylaw does not address new legislation, making it increasingly inflexible to address and respond to changes in the building industry. An outdated bylaw could also expose the City to liability.

The new building bylaw will be the cornerstone of modernizing the building permit process, allowing for greater innovation and flexibility within the construction industry.

The Building Act brings greater consistency to the technical building requirements in force across BC. Under the act, the Province has primary authority to set technical building requirements, and local governments can set additional requirements. The Building Act also introduces standard qualification requirements for building officials.

Learn more about the BC Building Act here.

The new building bylaw will be modelled after the Municipal Insurance Association of British Columbia model core building bylaw, which many communities across BC have adopted.

Changes within the new bylaw are intended to clarify and clearly communicate building permit requirements and conditions, enhance enforcement tools and permitting options to mitigate adverse construction impacts, and allow for better alignment with other civic bylaws.

The new bylaw features:

• new formatting to make it easier to read in more straightforward language
• more explicit expectations of owners, agents, professionals, designers, and tradespeople
• a more detailed outline for permit application, inspection, and occupancy processes
• enhanced consistency to improve customer service and reduce liability exposure to the City

Staff will also propose separating the permit fees schedule from the building bylaw and incorporating it into a single fees and charges bylaw to list all development costs.

The following areas within the existing bylaw have been modified:

• authority of Building Officials and when permits are required
• requirements related to improvements to existing buildings
• requirements for when registered professionals are required and what their responsibilities are, for example, requiring geotechnical and structural engineers for Part 9 simple buildings
• permit application requirements for simple and complex projects
• demolition, plumbing, and mechanical permits
• permit expirations, extensions, and securities
• maintenance requirements for swimming pools
• requirements related to retaining walls
• occupancy and phased occupancy requirements
• moving or relocating an existing home or manufactured home
• defined terms

Staff have proposed including the following major changes to address unique challenges within the community:

• fire department access route design
• firefighting water supply
• Certified Professional program
• geotechnical and structural requirements

Fire department access route design and firefighting water supply are being proposed in relation to the increased challenges created by higher-density infill development.

Like with any change, there will be a period of adjustment for the building industry, which may add additional consultation and review times to some permit projects.

However, over time, the bylaw’s new structure will improve the permit process efficiency for those willing and able to adjust to the new processes outlined in the bylaw.

Currently, no significant changes are proposed to the permit fee structure. However, additional costs may arise in the involvement of registered professionals for some project types like retaining walls and more complex housing projects.

Building projects with permits in place or application submissions deemed complete before the adoption of the new bylaw will remain under the current bylaw (Bylaw No. 11-80) and permit requirements.

Applications received before the adoption of the new bylaw must be deemed complete to be accepted under the current bylaw.

If a building permit expires within the specified time and is not renewed, the continuation of the works will be required to meet the new bylaw. Please refer to your building permit condition letter and section 615 of Bylaw No.11-80.

In general, existing buildings are not required to upgrade to current codes and standards unless significant renovations or a change in use are proposed. The new Building Bylaw will better outline what projects require upgrades to meet the current BC Building Code standards.

Under the new bylaw, accessory buildings with occupancy or services, such as electrical and or plumbing, will require a permit. Also, landscaping that involves recontouring land (cutting and filling) may now need a retaining wall permit and review by a registered professional.

Minor projects like painting, installing new flooring, or small-scale landscaping typically do not require a building permit.

Staff presented the proposed new bylaw and highlighted the key changes from the previous bylaw at the January 14, 2025, regular Council meeting. The new bylaw has been carefully drafted to meet provincial standards and codes, provide consistent and efficient permit processing, and address unique local building challenges.

Since much of the bylaw is an extension of provincial standards, engagement with the building industry and the public is focused on informing and educating builders/developers and residents of the changes and guiding them through adjusting to new requirements or processes.

City Building staff will meet with key Canadian Home Builders Association members for a workshop.

All builders, developers, contractors, trades, suppliers, and residents considering renovations are encouraged to learn more through reading resources on the City’s Let’s Talk page. A question tool (for any questions and answers not already laid out in the FAQs) will be open on the Let’s Talk page January 15–31, 2025. An informal information session is planned for Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 5:30–7:30 pm in the Sports Centre Lounge at McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre.

After the engagement period closes on January 31, 2025, staff will review and compile feedback and consider it where applicable.

The new bylaw will introduce the allowance of a specialized professional (engineer or architect) to oversee the design and construction of complex buildings.

The Province administers the Certified Professional program and will allow an alternative permit process to expedite the review and building permit issuance. The Certified Professional program process may also improve staged permitting and staged construction, which can be attractive to fast-track projects.

This streamlined permitting process will also reduce liability exposure for the City if construction deficiencies result in claims.

Learn more about the Certified Professional program here.