Bylaw Coordination Program

Authorization for local authorities to enact building bylaws comes from The Uniform Building and Accessibility Standards Act. Local authorities include urban, rural, northern municipalities, regional park authorities, and the minister responsible for The Parks Act.

A building bylaw usually sets up a system of building permits for a local authority. It can also be used to adopt building standards in addition to those set by the province.

Once enacted, the building bylaw must be submitted to the Minister of Corrections Public Safety and Policing, Ministry of Social Services. The bylaw is reviewed and may be disallowed if it conflicts with the Act. To avoid this situation, local authorities are encouraged to submit draft bylaws for review before enactment. Building Standards staff will review the proposed bylaw and provide comments and suggestions to the local authority.

Local authorities are responsible for administration and enforcement of the Act and regulations. Building Standards staff are available to provide suggestions about
suitable activities that may be undertaken to meet a local authority's duty to the public.