On July 25, 2003 the Building Code Statute Law Amendment Act, 2002 (Bill 124) was proclaimed and Ontario Regulation 305/03 was filed to implement the Province's building regulatory reforms.
Certain provisions of the Building Code Statute Law Amendment Act, 2002 will come into force on September 1, 2003, with most other provisions coming into force on July 1, 2005. This reflects the stated commitment of the government to proceed with the implementation of this legislation.
In moving forward with the changes, the government is responding to long-standing concerns. The implementation of the legislation will streamline the approvals process, increase the safety and quality of building construction in Ontario and create a more transparent regulatory environment for the construction industry.
The amendments to the Building Code Act, 1992 and the Building Code will take effect in two steps. On September 1, 2003 certain provisions will come into force. These include provisions that will allow building officials and other building practitioners to take examinations related to Building Code knowledge, provide for a smooth transition for on-site sewage inspectors and installers who are already required under the Building Code Act, 1992 to have qualifications, and provide for certain “housekeeping” changes.
Most provisions of Bill 124, however, will take effect July 1, 2005, including:
- Mandatory qualifications for building officials;
- Mandatory registration for certain classes of designers and RCAs, including mandatory qualifications and professional indemnity insurance;
- The use of a common building permit application form;
- Time frames within which decisions must be made on issuing a building permit;
- Stages of construction when a building must be inspected;
- Authority to allow municipalities to appoint Registered Code Agencies (RCAs), or to allow certain building permit applicants to appoint their own RCA;
- New rules governing building permit fees to enhance transparency; and
- An expedited route to the Ontario Municipal Board in the case of site plan disputes.
Return to this site for further information on this initiative, and to stay informed about the ongoing implementation of these reforms.
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