Peace River Regional District to update building bylaw

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. – The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is looking to update its 2014 building bylaw to modern standards.

According to a release by the PRRD, “Bylaw 2131” is almost 10 years outdated and no longer reflects current legislation. 

Since 2014, there have been several changes to the Building Act and the BC Building Code, both of which are set by the B.C. government.

PRRD’s building bylaw is required to comply with both provincial codes. However, the current bylaw is no longer in compliance with either piece of legislation. 

Fort St. John, Taylor, Dawson Creek, Pouce Coupe, Chetwynd, Moberly Lake and Swan Lake are all in the mandatory building permit areas that the bylaw states. 

The mandatory changes to the bylaw are an update to comply with provincial legislation and a new process for final inspection and issuance of occupancy permits. 

Additional changes could include a process for alternate prescriptive construction methods or a performance based Step Code, which measures compliance based on energy and airtightness targets in buildings. It is also possible that separate processes for residential and commercial building permit applications will be included, along with an update to enforcement processes, fees and charges, and an update for mandatory building permit areas. 

The process will begin on October 5th when staff present a draft of the work plan to the regional board at the committee of the whole meeting. 

A public survey for residents of the PRRD will also be available from October 5th to November 30th for suggestions on the new building bylaw.

More infrmation about the survey to the public and the building bylaw can be found on the PRRD’s website.