ABSTRACT

Objective-based building codes are introducing flexibility and logic to the permit and approval process. But do they also bring greater liability?

Demir Delen, P.Eng., a principal with Morrison Hershfield Limited, has written a commentary on the new Building Code Statute Law Amendment Act which brought a whole new set of qualification and registration requirements for professionals designing buildings. There were also new regulated timeframes for the review of building plans, as well as numerous amendments to the Ontario Building Code.

As well, on January 1, 2007 the objective-based Ontario Building Code came into force. This edition of the code presents a totally new approach to code enforcement based on performance objectives. Its format and application are completely different to all previous editions.

The objective-based National Building Code of Canada and the National Fire Code of Canada have been used since late 2005. Gradually other provincial codes are coming on board, as is now the case in Ontario. Although Ontario's objective-based code has only been in force for a few months, we have gained some experience from the National Building Code of Canada to be able to see and consider some of the larger impacts that it could have.