Project Overview
We're updating the Building Bylaw
The City of Fort St. John is updating the current Building Bylaw to reflect changes required due to technical change in development and provincial building regulations.
Why is this update needed?
Due to technological advances in building, changes to the BC Building Code, and the introduction of Step Code, it was time to complete a thorough review of the bylaw to bring everything up to date including new format, definitions and amended schedules.
What changes can you expect to see in the draft bylaw?
- Updated regulations to align with BC Building Code changes
- Updated definitions, removal of antiquated language
- Modernization of the format of the bylaw, so as to make it easier to read and understand
- Revised schedules to support in the administration of the bylaw
- Proposed building permit fee increase from $5.00 per $1000.00 of construction value to $6.00 per $1000.00 of construction value
Engagement Snapshot
On May 15, a Public Open House was held to discuss the draft Building Bylaw. Staff used the public feedback received to inform updates to the draft bylaw.
June 10, 2024 the draft Building Bylaw 2589, 2024 was presented to Council at the Committee of the Whole for discussion.
After receiving direction from Council, staff updated the draft bylaw again, and at a City Council meeting on July 8, Council repealed the old bylaw and replaced it with the Building Bylaw No. 2594, 2024
Here is what changed:
- Building Bylaw No. 2589, 2024 has been reformatted for clarity and ease of use for both administration and the public.
- Staff removed all administrative forms from the bylaw, as they are intended to be independent of the bylaw itself.
- A fee increase from $5.00 to $6.00 dollars per $1000.00 of construction value was approved to help cover the costs of enforcing the Building Bylaw and other associated regulations within City limits.
- All regulations that are governed by other bylaws, such as Zoning and Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw, have been removed and/or replaced with references to those bylaws as required.
- There is now consistent interpretation and implementation of the bylaw and it avoid conflicts with other municipal and/or provincial regulation.
Engagement Snapshot
