Levels of Service

The amount and type of building construction activity that occurs within the area of a local authority's jurisdiction will suggest a suitable level of administration and enforcement services. Suitable levels of service can range from full service (enacting a building bylaw, appointing a building official, requiring submission of plans and drawings, issuing building permits, inspecting construction, issuing orders, and initiating prosecution for contraventions) to no service, depending on the answers to the following:

• How much building construction activity occurs?
• How much of this activity falls under the UBAS Act and regulations?
• What type of buildings are being constructed (residential, assembly, industrial, care and detention, business and personal services, mercantile, commercial farm buildings)?
• What level of service can the local authority reasonably provide to the community?
• Will limiting services jeopardize the health, safety and welfare of people in the community?
• What is a reasonable position of risk management with respect to potential liability?

 

The local authority should obtain legal advice to help in this needs analysis and development of an appropriate solution before making a decision. The decision should then be set out in a resolution, policy directive, or any other appropriate format.