PRRD to update building bylaw, seeks public input through survey

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is looking to update its building bylaw and is asking the public to provide input by participating in a survey. 

According to the PRRD’s website, the bylaw, which was adopted in 2014, is outdated and no longer reflects current legislation. Since it was adopted, several changes have occurred to the Building Act and the BC Building Code. 

Mandatory changes in the new bylaw, proposed to follow the Municipal Insurance Association of British Columbia, include updating the bylaw to comply with provincial legislation and a new process for final inspection and issuance of an occupancy permit. 

Additional changes may include allowing a process for alternate construction methods and creating separate processes for residential and commercial building permit applications. 

Updates to enforcement processes, fees and charges, and mandatory building permit areas may occur as well. 

The current bylaw outlines mandatory building permit areas around Fort St. John, Taylor, Dawson Creek, Pouce Coupe, Chetwynd, Moberly Lake and Swan Lake.

Residents living within mandatory building permit areas must apply for a building permit before new construction or certain renovations. 

Maps of mandatory building areas can be found here.

The survey opened on October 5th and will remain open until November 30th. 

Residents looking to provide feedback on a new building bylaw can find the survey here.

Following the survey, PRRD staff will work on drafting the bylaw and will present it to the regional board for consideration.

The draft bylaw will be available for public and stakeholder review and comment if approved. After hearing from residents and making any possible changes, the final bylaw will be presented for the board’s consideration.