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Questions and Answers
What is the primary objective of the National Fire Code?
What type of buildings does the National Farm Building Code specifically address?
What does the Illustrated User’s Guide – NBC 2015 focus on?
Which body issues the National Building Code in Canada?
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What must the client submit as part of the building permit and inspection process?
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What is the primary purpose of a Building Code?
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Who is considered a constructor according to the definitions provided?
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What does a Stop Work Order entail?
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Which of the following entities is NOT typically considered an Authority Having Jurisdiction?
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What is the role of architects concerning building regulations?
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What is a key reason for early consultation with architects regarding building permits?
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What should architects include as part of a building permit application?
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What is the purpose of compartmentalization in a building design?
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Which of the following is NOT listed as a requirement impacting building design?
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Why is it advisable to hold meetings with local authorities during the design process?
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What aspect of building design involves consideration for persons with disabilities?
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Which document is mandatory for Ontario architects to include in a building permit application?
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What requirement might significantly affect the plans of a building project?
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What could be a potential consequence of submitting the building permit application late?
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What is an important factor in the design of stairways within buildings?
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Study Notes
Definitions
- Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ): A governing entity with the authority to regulate construction projects, focusing on aspects like safety, health, and manufacturing/installation standards, as per the National Building Code 2015.
- Building Code: A set of regulations outlining minimum standards for the design and construction of buildings, ensuring public health, safety, and welfare.
- Constructor: A person or entity contracted by the owner to carry out a construction project, including owners who hire multiple contractors for the same project or undertake parts of the project themselves.
- Permit: Authorization granted by an AHJ permitting specific work or activities, such as construction.
- Stop Work Order: An order issued by an AHJ to halt construction activity, usually due to safety or code violations.
Architect’s Duty to the Public
- The architect's responsibility to the public is fulfilled, in part, by adherence to building regulations.
- Every project faces a complex web of regulations, encompassing statutes, codes, standards, and by-laws.
- Multiple levels of government (municipal, provincial, federal), as well as First Nations, regional, and metropolitan governments, may regulate construction projects.
- Government requirements differ depending on project specifics.
National Codes
- The National Fire Code prioritizes life safety and includes measures for property protection to prevent large-scale fires.
- The National Plumbing Code covers design and installation of plumbing systems within buildings.
- The National Farm Building Code addresses the specific requirements for farm buildings with limited human occupation.
- The Illustrated User’s Guide – NBC 2015 provides guidance on the specific requirements of the National Building Code applicable to single-family, semi-detached, and row homes.
- The National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings sets standards for energy-efficient construction practices.
- These codes are considered model documents and must be formally adopted at the provincial level to become legally binding.
National Building Code (NBC)
- The Canadian Commission on Buildings and Fire Codes (CCBFC) publishes the NBC, developed by various technical committees and facilitated by the National Research Council of Canada.
- The NBC is transitioning from prescriptive requirements to more objective-based standards.
Building Permit and Inspection Process
- The client or their representative (often the architect) submits an "Application to Build" to local building officials.
- The application must typically be verified by a statutory declaration.
- These documents are reviewed for adherence to municipal bylaws, regulations, and the building code by local officials and other relevant departments (fire, planning, health, forestry, and public works).
- Upon approval, a building permit is issued, with any non-compliant items communicated to the applicant.
- During construction, municipal building officials regularly inspect the process to ensure compliance with the approved plans and building codes.
Architectural Design Considerations
- The design must account for various requirements beyond structural considerations, such as:
- Window openings
- Means of egress
- Stairway design and enclosures
- Floor openings
- Fire safety compartmentalization
- Accessibility for individuals with disabilities
- Travel distance to exits.
Early Consultation
- Engaging with building officials early on is encouraged to clarify zoning bylaws and building code requirements prior to developing construction documents.
- A series of meetings with the AHJ is advisable for larger projects, with meeting minutes documented and circulated.
- These consultations can foster collaboration, streamline communication, and resolve potential interpretation discrepancies, leading to a decrease in costly delays from revisions.
- Early consultation allows architects to identify additional approvals needed from other government bodies to secure the building permit.
- The AHJ becomes familiar with the application, potentially expediting the approval process.
Building Code Analysis
- A detailed schedule or building code analysis, often part of the construction documents, is considered good practice when applying for a building permit.
- Architects in Ontario must adhere to this requirement, including a mandatory building code matrix with every building permit application.
Building Permit Application Timing
- Architect should submit the signed building permit application and fee before or during the bidding process to allow time for department review before the construction contract award.
- This proactive approach can minimize potential delays and enable adjustments to plans before the contract is finalized.
Architect-Contractor Relationships
- The architect should foster professional relationships with building officials and adeptly handle any conflicts in code interpretation.
- It's essential to be aware of and maintain compliance with the construction safety act and its regulations, as it applies to both architects and their employees.
Approvals from Other Authorities
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Planning:
- Planing department: For architectural and site control, consultation, and zoning bylaw interpretation.
- Committee of Adjustment, Planning Board, or Committee of Variance: For minor variance requests.
- Planning Board, Committee, or Advisory Planning Commission: For initial approvals.
- Municipal Council: For approvals like development permit, re-zoning, and special agreements.
- Provincial Municipal Board: For contentious council decisions.
- Design Panel, Control Architect: For specific design review.
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Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC): Early consultation is recommended for multi-unit residential projects involving CMHC financing.
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Roads and Highways:
- Provincial Highways Authority: Early consultation required for projects directly impacting major highways outside metropolitan areas.
- Provincial, County, Metropolitan, Regional Planning and Traffic Authorities and Roads Departments: Early engagement for approval of entrances, exits, and grades.
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Environment, Conservation Authorities, and Water Resources:
- Consult for projects located near or encompassing floodplains, water courses, streams, and low-lying areas or ravines.
- Consult for approval of both land use and sewage systems for projects lacking access to municipal sewage, such as cottages or resort hotels.
- Consult regarding the environmental impact of previous or planned site use.
- Consult if the site has contaminated soil.
Contractor-Authority Relationship
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The AHJ typically engages with the contractor or construction manager after the building permit is issued.
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Construction cannot lawfully commence without the permit, so permit delays can lead to significant costs due to idle labor and equipment.
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The contractor is often responsible for:
- Obtaining a permit for hoarding or covered way construction for public safety during construction.
- Designing shoring for excavations and temporary structures like scaffolding or guards.
- Obtaining separate approvals for demolition or sewer connections.
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During construction, maintaining the approved building permit documents on-site for easy access by the building official is essential.
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Any deviations from the building plans require consent from both the AHJ and the architect, and the architect must inform the authorities of changes.
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Prior to providing instructions or change orders to the contractor, the architect should discuss significant changes with the AHJ to avoid potential issues.
Construction Safety
- The contractor or construction manager, as the “constructor,” has a legal responsibility to strictly uphold relevant construction safety acts and regulations.
- The owner may be considered the "constructor" in certain jurisdictions if they are directly involved in construction or have hired multiple contractors.
- Safety officials regularly inspect construction sites and can issue compliance or stop work orders if violations are identified.
- The architect and their employees are also subject to construction safety act and regulations.
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Description
Test your knowledge on important concepts related to building codes and the roles of authorities in construction. This quiz covers definitions, responsibilities, and regulations as outlined in the National Building Code 2015. Perfect for students in architecture or construction management.
