Permit Issuers. Alberta Regulation (204/2007) v6.00

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1 Permit Issuers Alberta Regulation (204/2007) v6.00

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4 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND DISCLAIMER This learning package and any course utilizing it is intended to provide basic information relating to the proper use of the Alberta Regulation (204/2007). This learning package is not intended to be an instruction book applicable to all codes and regulations under all circumstances. This learning package does not address all current revisions and addenda to the Alberta Regulation (204/2007) and cannot anticipate what might be introduced. The Safety Codes Council emphasizes that the user must evaluate the specific situation under which the Alberta Regulation (204/2007) is being applied, local regulations, guidelines, and conditions. This learning package cannot anticipate all the variables. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the interpretation of the Alberta Regulation (204/2007), the Safety Codes Council does not claim that all information in this learning package and/or course is accurate in all respects. In case of conflict between the provisions of the Code and information provided in this learning package, the provisions of the Code shall govern. The Safety Codes Council hereby disclaims: (a) (b) any implied warranty for a particular purpose and any and all liability of every kind and nature related to this learning package and its use. The exclusive remedy of any user or purchase, and the limit of liability of the Safety Codes Council for any and all losses, injuries, or damage resulting from the use of this learning package and/or course (including claims based on contract, negligence, strict liability, other tort, or otherwise), shall be the return of the learning package and/or course and the refund of the purchase price. In no event shall the Safety Codes Council be liable for any incidental or consequential damages. SAFETY CODES COUNCIL 2009 This learning material may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the Safety Codes Council: Suite 1000, Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3S9 Toll-Free Phone in Alberta: Local Phone: Local Fax: Website: training@safetycodes.ab.ca v1.00 Published September 2009 v2.00 Second Edition December 2009 v3.00 Third Edition October 2010 v4.00 Fourth Edition May 2011 v5.00 Fifth Edition March 2013 v6.00 Sixth Edition June 2015 Note : Version 2.00 never went to print. Any changes between version 1.00 and 2.00 were released as an errata to Version Version 3.00 reflects all changes up to and including changes for 2011 delivery of this course.

5 Acknowledgements We acknowledge and thank the following individuals and organizations that have contributed to the preparation of this course: Maggie Burch Diane Camponi Chris Contenti John Descent Alex Morrison David Ramsay Jill Walker Leduc County County of Stettler Alberta Municipal Affairs Alberta Municipal Affairs Alberta Municipal Affairs Alberta Municipal Affairs Base Corp. Learning Systems

6 SYLLABUS PERMIT ISSUERS Facilitated Course Delivery Method Course is a two-part course. The first section is a self-paced, print-based correspondence course. You may work through this learning material at your own pace but must complete the course within six months. The second section of this course is a class seminar, offered both online and in-classroom. The seminar will refer to material from the correspondence section, which must be completed before attending the seminar. Required Reference Resources Along with the course materials, the following resource is provided: The Uniform Quality Management Plan. You will also need to access the following documents from Queen s Printer. They may be viewed online at no charge or downloaded for a small fee. They are also available for purchase in hard-copy. The Safety Codes Act; Permit Regulation (AR 204/2007). Access the Queen s Printer online at: Course Description This course is for non-safety Codes Officer Permit Issuers. It deals with their responsibilities under the Safety Codes Act and Permit Regulation AR 204/2007.

7 Objectives After completing this course, you should be able to: Describe the Development of the Safety System and Current Legislation; Explain the Safety Codes System; Explain Permits, Permit Types and Purposes and the Permitting System; Explain the Application Process; Provide Information to Applicants; Calculate and Explain Permit Fees and Explain Refunds; Explain Requirements for Records; Explain Refusal to Issue and Cancellation of Permits; Explain Compliance Monitoring; Explain Permit Extensions and Transfers; Prepare for a Permit Application; Complete a Permit Application; Process a Permit Application; Permit Application Outcome; Describe Good Customer Service; Deliver Good Customer Service; Answer Frequently Asked Questions; Deal with Applicant Complaints; Explain Meetings and Proper Meeting Behaviour. Course Structure Each module includes a rationale, learning outcomes, and enabling objectives to provide an overview of what you will be learning. Any prerequisites that may be required before you begin each module will be identified. To help you navigate your way through the course, under each enabling objective you will find a What to do and Where to go table. You will be directed to study the learning material, complete the self-test, and compare your answers to the answer key. When these have been completed you then proceed to the next objective. This course is divided into five Bands and 19 modules. When you have successfully completed these modules you will be ready to take the seminar. The seminar is a facilitated session where you will review and apply the concepts you covered in this course package. You may attend either a classroom or online session. After completing the seminar, you will be ready to take the exam. Evaluation To receive credit for this course you must complete a multiple-choice final examination and receive a mark of at least 80%. The length of the examination is two hours and will contain 40 multiple-choice questions. The examination is open book, which means you may take your course materials and any related documents, such as the Uniform Quality Management Plan, into

8 the exam. The exam may be written at the Safety Codes Council office or at another location under the supervision of a proctor. To receive an exam, you and the proctor must complete a Proctor Consent form and mail or fax it to the Safety Codes Council office at least one week prior to the date you wish to write the exam. The exam will be sent directly to the proctor. An online version of the exam is also available upon request.

9 PERMIT ISSUERS Course TABLE OF CONTENTS BAND A DESCRIBE ALBERTA S SAFETY SYSTEM AS ESTABLISHED BY THE SAFETY CODES ACT Module A-1... Page 1 Describe the Development of the Safety System and Current Legislation Module A-2... Page 15 Explain the Safety Codes System BAND B PERMITTING SYSTEM Module B-1... Page 71 Explain Permits and Their Purpose Module B-2... Page 91 Explain the Permit Application Module B-3... Page 99 Provide Information to Applicants Module B-4... Page 107 Explain Fees and Refunds Module B-5... Page 117 Explain Requirements for Records BAND C PERMIT PROBLEMS Module C-1... Page 127 Explain Refusal to Issue, Suspension and Cancellation of Permits Module C-2... Page 135 Explain Compliance Monitoring Module C-3... Page 143 Explain Permit Extensions and Transfers BAND D COMPLETING A PERMIT APPLICATION Module D-1... Page 151 Prepare for a Permit Application

10 Module D-2... Page 169 Complete a Permit Application Module D-3... Page 179 Process a Permit Application Module D-4... Page 189 Permit Application Outcome BAND E CUSTOMER SERVICE AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES Module E-1... Page 205 Describe Good Customer Service Module E-2... Page 213 Deliver Good Customer Service Module E-3... Page 227 Answer Frequently Asked Questions Module E-4... Page 235 Deal with Applicant Complaints Module E-5... Page 251 Explain Meetings and Proper Meeting Behaviour APPENDICES AND REFERENCES Appendix A Uniform Quality Management Plan... Page 38 Appendix B Partners Newsletter 02/04/09... Page 198 Appendix C Porcupine County Plumbing and Gas Permit Application Form.. Page 199 Appendix D Completed Application Form... Page 200 Appendix E Notice of Building Permit 2 versions... Page 201

11 NON-SAFETY CODES OFFICER PERMIT ISSUER Course Permit Issuers, Permit Regulation 204/2007 July 2009 ALBERTA REGULATION (204/2007) DESCRIBE ALBERTA S SAFETY SYSTEM AS ESTABLISHED BY THE SAFETY CODES ACT BAND A

12 DESCRIBE ALBERTA S SAFETY SYSTEM AS ESTABLISHED BY THE SAFETY CODES ACT BAND A TABLE OF CONTENTS Module A-1... Page 1 Describe the Development of the Safety System and Current Legislation Module A-2... Page 15 Explain the Safety Codes System APPENDICES AND REFERENCES Appendix A Uniform Quality Management Plan... Page 38

13 MODULE A-1 DESCRIBE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SAFETY SYSTEM AND CURRENT LEGISLATION Safety Codes Council 1

14 RATIONALE The intent of this module is to provide you with an introduction to Alberta s safety system and the laws, rules and roles of organizations that form it so you will understand how your role as a Permit Issuer functions as a part of the larger system. LEARNING OUTCOMES At the conclusion of this module, you will be able to list significant events in the development of Alberta s safety system, describe the Safety Codes Act and define the responsibilities of various stakeholders under the Act. INTRODUCTION When issuing permits, you will play a vital role in Alberta s safety system. This module will provide you with the information about that system that you will need to understand and fulfill your responsibilities in that system. ENABLING OBJECTIVES 1. List significant events that contributed to the development of a safety system covering buildings, structures and their construction in Alberta and describe the reasons for developing such a system. 2. Describe the Safety Codes Act and define the responsibilities of the following groups under the Safety Codes Act: government, owners, design, manufacturers, contractors, vendors and professionals. PREREQUISITES None. PERFORMANCE EVALUATION A minimum score of 80% is required on a final exam, which will include questions from this module. 2 Safety Codes Council

15 ACTIVITY GUIDE A-1, OBJECTIVE #1 List significant events that contributed to the development of a safety system covering buildings, structures and their construction in Alberta. WHAT TO DO 1. Study the learning material. 2. Complete Self-test #1. 3. Compare your answers with the Answer Key. 4. When you are successful, go on to the next objective. WHERE TO GO Pages 4 6 Page 7 Page 13 Page 8 Safety Codes Council 3

16 LEARNING MATERIAL THE EVOLUTION OF PUBLIC SAFETY LEGISLATION IN ALBERTA The development of a public safety system in Alberta has been a gradual process. Government involvement in this area was triggered by public demand. Most early public safety legislation simply responded to specific dangers as they arose. Later, focus shifted to the development of a more cohesive system with the ability to predict, rather than simply respond to risks to public safety. Alberta s Safety Codes Act is one of the outcomes of this process Steam Boiler Ordinance Steam power was vital to nineteenth-century industry and agriculture. As demand for steam power increased, so did boiler explosions and the consequent injuries and deaths. Public outcry for regulation of boilers lead to the proclamation of the Steam Boilers Ordinance (North West Territories) in The ordinance established the Boilers Branch, which was responsible for a system of inspection for steam boilers Electrical Inspections In 1904, municipal governments took the idea of public safety standards and inspections a step further. Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer and Lethbridge each developed an electrical inspection program Electrical Workers Protection Act As electricity became more widespread, its dangers became more apparent. The Electrical Workers Protection Act, under the jurisdiction of the Board of Public Utilities Commissioners, was enacted to establish safety precautions to protect workers from high voltage electrocution and to minimize the risk of fire Plumbing The first provincial regulations concerning plumbing were developed. They were designed to address concerns about communicable diseases spread by faulty plumbing and sewage systems. 4 Safety Codes Council

17 Late 1930s The province assumed jurisdiction over electrical inspections National Building Code The first edition of the National Building Code was published. Canada s Model Building Code was recommended for use by municipalities Electrical Installations in Oil Fields Five years after the discover of oil in Leduc, the need for wiring standards on drilling rigs and oil production facilities had become apparent. After numerous meetings with oil companies in 1948, 1949 and 1951, the regulation governing Electrical Installations in Oil Fields was adopted Gas Protection Act and Boilers and Pressure Vessels Act The Gas Protection Act was passed to provide protection to gasfitters and other related workers dealing with gas equipment and installations. The Boilers and Pressure Vessels Act was passed to apply to all pressure plants. The Act provided detailed regulations on the design, construction and installation of pressure vessels Red Book and Gas Protection Branch Regulations were adopted governing the certification of electrical workers, and the Electrical Protection Act and its regulations are published in the Red Book. This book was used as a reference tool in the electrical industry for years. A number of serious gas-related accidents resulted in the establishment of the Gas Protection Branch and the development and administration of gas codes and regulations Master Electrician The Master Electrician s certificate program was put into effect province-wide. Safety Codes Council 5

18 1974 Alberta Building Code Under the Alberta Building Code 1974, training for building inspectors was introduced for the first time, and uniformity in their practices was promoted through twice-yearly full-day technical sessions at their conferences. The Barrier-Free Design Advisory Committee was established to advise the department on building code issues related to access for persons with disabilities and to assist in the development of the Barrier-Free Design Guide General Safety Services Division Mission The General Safety Services Division defined its mission to promote public safety through programs that encourage and facilitate the acceptance of safety standards and responsibilities by industry and the general public respecting fuel gas, plumbing, buildings, elevators and fixed conveyances, fire prevention, electrical protection and fire equipment Safety Codes Council The Safety Codes Council was established as a partner in the province s safety system and delegated the responsibility to formulate and oversee the development of safety codes and standards throughout the province Safety Codes Act The Safety Codes Act came into full effect in It consolidated and replaced a number of pieces of legislation governing safety in the nine disciplines covered by Safety Services Safety System Review The Safety System Review Final Report was released to the public. Based on feedback from extensive consultations conducted in 2001 and 2002, this report became the primary long-term strategic document for the department and the Safety Codes Council in guiding the province s safety system. 6 Safety Codes Council

19 A-1, SELF-TEST #1 Compare your answers with the Answer Key at the end of this Module. 1. Why did government first become involved in public safety matters? 2. What document determines the strategy for long-term development of Alberta s safety system, and how was it developed? Safety Codes Council 7

20 ACTIVITY GUIDE A-1, OBJECTIVE #2 Describe the Safety Codes Act and define the responsibilities of the following groups under the Safety Codes Act: government, owners, design, manufacturers, contractors, vendors and professionals. WHAT TO DO 1. Study the learning material. 2. Complete Self-test #2. 3. Compare your answers with the Answer Key. 4. When you are successful, continue to module A-2. WHERE TO GO Pages 9-11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 15 8 Safety Codes Council

21 LEARNING MATERIAL THE SAFETY CODES ACT By the late 1980s, the government of Alberta began to consult with stakeholders in an effort to build a more cohesive safety system out of the many different safety acts and regulations that were current in Alberta. The Safety Codes Act was a result of this consultative process. The Act consolidated and updated seventeen different Safety Acts and regulations. It also established the Safety Codes Council as part of a system to continuously maintain and update various safety codes and oversee their implementation. The coverage and scope of the Safety Codes Act is stated in section 2: Application of Act 2(1) This Act applies to fire protection and applies to the design, manufacture, construction, installation, operation and maintenance of (a) buildings, (b) electrical systems, (c) elevating devices, (d) gas systems, (e) plumbing and private sewage disposal systems, and (f) pressure equipment. (2) The Minister may, by order, exempt any person or municipality or any thing, process or activity from any or all provisions of this Act and attach terms and conditions to the exemption. (2.1) This Act is to be applied in a manner consistent with the principles of barrier-free design and access to allow persons with physical and sensory disabilities to access and use buildings and facilities to which this Act applies. (3) An order under this section may be made to apply generally or specifically and to apply to all or a particular area of Alberta. Regulations The government of Alberta has the authority to make regulations under the Safety Codes Act. Regulations, which can refer to and require adherence to codes and other standards, also have the force of law. Permit issuers must be familiar with the Safety Codes Act, the Permit Regulation and some of the terms of the Administrative Items Regulation. The Permit Regulation is the most significant regulation to Permit Issuers. It establishes guidelines for when permits are necessary and criteria for issuing permits. It is the primary reference for Permit Issuers when determining when permits are required and the criteria for each permit. Safety Codes Council 9

22 While Permit Issuers do not need to know the terms of other codes and regulations, their requirements will affect the work of Permit Issuers. Relevant codes include, but are not limited to: Alberta Building Code; National Building Code of Canada; Canadian Electrical Code; Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code (CAN/CSA B ); National Plumbing Code of Canada; Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standard of Practice. The Alberta Building Code, for example, contains considerable information about when building permits are required or not required. When issues concerning these codes arise, Permit Issuers are expected to turn to Safety Codes Officers who have expertise in the technical areas of these codes. 10 Safety Codes Council

23 Responsibilities under the Safety Codes Act The Safety Codes Act defines the responsibilities of several groups involved in activities under its jurisdiction. Sections 4 9 and 11 state: Government 4(1) The Minister shall, in accordance with this Act, co-ordinate and encourage the safe management and control of any thing, process, activity to which this Act applies. (2) The Minister shall, in accordance with this Act, co-ordinate and encourage the principles of barrier-free design an access for any thing, process or activity to which this Act applies. Owners, care and control 5 The owner of any thing, process or activity to which this Act applies shall ensure that it meets the requirements of this Act, that the thing is maintained as required by the regulations and that when the process or activity is undertaken it is done in a safe manner. Design duties 6 A person who creates, alters, has care and control of or owns a design or offers a design for use by others shall ensure that the design complies with this Act and that it is submitted for review or registered if required by this Act, and if the design is deregistered, the person shall provide notice of its deregistration in accordance with the regulations. Manufacturers duties 7 A person who manufactures any thing or undertakes a process or activity to which this Act applies shall ensure that the thing, the process or the activity complies with this Act. Contractors duties 8 A contractor who undertakes construction, operation or maintenance of or builds or installs any thing to which this Act applies shall ensure that this Act is complied with. Vendors duties 9(1) A person who is a vendor in the ordinary course of business, other than as an employee or an agent, shall not advertise, display or offer for sale, for lease or for other disposal, or sell, lease or otherwise dispose of, any thing to which this Act applies unless that thing complies with this Act. (2) A person who sells, leases or otherwise disposes of a thing referred to in subsection (1) shall provide any warnings or instructions required by this Act. (3) No person shall advertise, display or offer for sale, for lease or for other disposal, or sell, lease or otherwise dispose of, any thing that is prohibited from being sold by the regulations. Professional Services 11 A person permitted to affix stamps or seals pursuant to the Architects Act or the Engineering, Geological and Geophysical Professions Act shall ensure that any professional service the person renders to which this Act applies, including the affixing of stamps and seals, complies with this Act. Safety Codes Council 11

24 A-1, SELF-TEST #2 Compare your answers with the Answer Key at the end of this Module. 1. Name the seven systems, devices or issues the Safety Codes Act applies to. a. b. c. d. e. f. g. 2. Which of the following should Permit Issuers use as their primary resource for determining when permits are necessary? a. Building Code b. Administrative Regulation c. Permit Regulation d. Safety Codes Act 3. According to the Safety Codes Act, who is responsible for co-ordinating and encouraging the safe management and control of any thing, process, activity to which the Act applies? a. The Minister of Municipal Affairs b. The owner of the thing, process or activity c. The designer of the thing, process or activity d. The manufacturer of the thing, process or activity 4. Describe owners responsibilities under the Safety Codes Act. 12 Safety Codes Council

25 A-1 ANSWER KEY MODULE A-1 SELF-TEST #1 1. Government became involved in public safety because of public demand. Specifically, boiler explosions triggered public demand for regulation. 2. The Safety System Review Final Report is the primary long-term strategic document for the department and the Safety Codes Council in guiding the province s safety system. It is based on feedback from extensive consultations conducted in 2001 and MODULE A-1 SELF-TEST #2 1. a. fire protection b. buildings c. electrical systems d. elevating devices e. gas systems f. plumbing and private sewage disposal systems g. pressure equipment 2. c. Permit Regulation 3. a. The Minister of Municipal Affairs 4. The owner of any thing, process or activity to which this Act applies shall ensure that it meets the requirements of this Act, that the thing is maintained as required by the regulations and that when the process or activity is undertaken it is done in a safe manner. Safety Codes Council 13

26 14 Safety Codes Council

27 MODULE A-2 EXPLAIN THE SAFETY CODES SYSTEM Safety Codes Council 15

28 RATIONALE The intent of this module is to explain the safety codes system. This will allow you to understand the importance of your role as a permit issuer. LEARNING OUTCOMES At the conclusion of this module, you will be able to explain basic elements of the safety codes system, the roles of Alberta Municipal Affairs, the Safety Codes Council and Safety Codes Officers, the distinction between accreditation and jurisdiction and the purpose and use of Quality Management Plans. INTRODUCTION As a Permit Issuer, you are expected to fill a role within the safety codes system. This module will provide you with background information about that system so you can identify your role and the specific responsibilities and requirements that pertain to it. ENABLING OBJECTIVES 1. Explain elements of the safety codes system. 2. Explain the role of: Alberta Municipal Affairs (Safety Services); the Safety Codes Council; Safety Codes Officers; o distinguish between Safety Codes Officers and non-safety Codes Officer Permit Issuers. 3. Explain accreditation and jurisdiction. 4. Explain Quality Management Plans. PREREQUISITES None. PERFORMANCE EVALUATION A minimum score of 80% is required on a final exam which will include questions from this module. 16 Safety Codes Council

29 ACTIVITY GUIDE A-2, OBJECTIVE #1 Explain elements of the safety codes system. WHAT TO DO 1. Study the learning material. 2. Complete Self-test #1. 3. Compare your answers with the Answer Key. 4. When you are successful, go on to the next objective. WHERE TO GO Pages Page 21 Page Page 22 Safety Codes Council 17

30 LEARNING MATERIAL ELEMENTS OF THE SAFETY CODES SYSTEM The Safety Codes Act does not merely establish required standards and responsibilities for maintaining them; it creates an entire system for supporting and enforcing them. The participants in this system are shown below. Figure 1 - Safety Codes System Minister of Municipal Affairs The Minister of Municipal Affairs has a responsibility to the Legislature, the Caucus, the Cabinet, and all Albertans for: appropriate public policy; providing reasonable assurance that public safety is being maintained; and administering the Act. 18 Safety Codes Council

31 Alberta Municipal Affairs Alberta Municipal Affairs has a responsibility to the Minister for: providing technical support; ensuring the delivery of safety programs is appropriate, effective and reflects government policies; maintenance of a regulatory framework; management of issues; managing the quality of the overall system; administering the Act in non-accredited areas; monitoring the delivery of safety programs. Safety Codes Council The Safety Codes Council is responsible to the Minister of Municipal Affairs for: the accreditation process; the certification and designation of powers processes; the training program; the appeals process. Together, Municipal Affairs and the Safety Codes Council are responsible for recommending appropriate codes and standards and facilitating the development of partnerships to support the safety codes system. Accredited Entities Accredited entities have responsibility for administering the safety codes system in accordance with their accreditation, the accepted Quality Management Plan, and legislation under the Act. Safety Codes Council 19

32 Safety Codes Officers Safety codes officers are responsible for conducting compliance monitoring and investigation services under the Act. They provide Albertans with a reasonable assurance of compliance with Alberta codes and standards by providing: code advice; permit issuance; plans examinations; site inspections; variances; orders; reviews of verifications of compliance; investigations. Other Groups As discussed earlier, the Safety Codes Act also sets out specific responsibilities for: owners; designers; manufacturers; contractors; vendors; other professionals. Their responsibilities can be reviewed in sections 5-9 and 11 of the Safety Codes Act. 20 Safety Codes Council

33 A-2, SELF-TEST #1 Compare your answers with the Answer Key at the end of this Module. 1. Who is responsible for administering the Safety Codes Act in unaccredited areas? a. Minister of Municipal Affairs b. Alberta Municipal Affairs c. The Safety Codes Council d. Safety Codes Officers 2. When accredited entities administer the safety codes system, which three things must they work in accordance with? a. b. c. 3. Which two entities are responsible for recommending appropriate codes and standards? a. b. 4. Who is responsible for conducting site inspections? a. Minister of Municipal Affairs b. Safety Codes Officers c. Owners d. Contractors Safety Codes Council 21

34 ACTIVITY GUIDE A-2, OBJECTIVE #2 Explain the role of Alberta Municipal Affairs (Safety Services), the Safety Codes Council and Safety Codes Officers. WHAT TO DO 1. Study the learning material. 2. Complete Self-test #2. 3. Compare your answers with the Answer Key. 4. When you are successful, go on to the next objective. WHERE TO GO Pages Pages Page Page Safety Codes Council

35 LEARNING MATERIAL ALBERTA MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS SAFETY SERVICES BRANCH The Safety Services branch of Alberta Municipal Affairs provides technical advice and program support to municipalities, corporations, inspection agencies, the Safety Codes Council, contractors, industry and the public. The branch monitors and evaluates the performance of organizations that administer the Safety Codes Act. It also co-ordinates and encourages the principles of barrier-free design and access for anything regulated by the Safety Codes Act and participates in the development of national and international codes and standards. Alberta Municipal Affairs is sometimes responsible for the local administration of the Safety Codes Act. Many municipalities are accredited to administer the Act or part of the Act themselves, but where municipalities are not accredited, Alberta Municipal Affairs is responsible for tasks such as permit issuing and providing inspections and oversight. The ministry contracts with agencies to provide the actual services, but remains responsible for administering the Safety Codes Act through the terms of the contracts. To be accredited, municipalities must submit Quality Management Plans (QMPs) to the Safety Codes Council (SCC) that detail their responsibilities under the Act. Municipal Affairs monitors accredited municipality s adherence to their QMPs on behalf of the Safety Codes Council. Alberta Municipal Affairs uses Authorization Agreements to contract with accredited agencies to provide services in unaccredited areas of the province and monitors the files of the agencies. Monitoring ensures that files are being properly maintained and that, as far as can be reasonably determined, proper procedures are being followed. The ministry also provides general support on matters relating to the Safety Codes Act. It maintains a toll-free information line providing technical advice about applying various codes and develops and distributes supporting publications. Current publications are available from the ministry s website: Alberta Municipal Affairs is also responsible for certifying private sewage installers. Any contractor applying for a private sewage disposal system permit must be certified by Alberta Municipal Affairs. Safety Codes Council 23

36 SAFETY CODES COUNCIL The second major organization in the safety codes system is the Safety Codes Council. The council is a non-government statutory organization created by the Safety Codes Act that reports to the Minister of Municipal Affairs. It includes both full-time employees and expert volunteers in all the disciplines covered by the Safety Codes Act: Amusement Rides; Barrier Free Accessibility; Boilers and Pressure Vessels; Building; Electrical; Elevators; Fire; Gas; Passenger Ropeways; Plumbing. One of the major roles of the Safety Codes Council is to review codes pertaining to certain areas of construction and make recommendations to government for updating and maintaining those codes. It also has the following five areas of responsibility: 1. Accreditation Municipalities, corporations and agencies that wish to carry out activities under the Act must be accredited. The Council requires each organization wishing to be accredited to submit a Quality Management Plan (QMP). The QMP sets out the detail about how the organization plans to deliver safety services, allowing the Council to monitor their success and provide guidance as necessary. 2. Certification/ Designations of Power Safety Codes Officers (SCOs) must be certified and designated powers to carry out their duties for accredited organizations. The Council assesses the qualifications of potential Safety Codes Officers, recommending and providing training and direction as necessary. SCO certification must be renewed every five years. Council staff is responsible for processing these applications. Qualified SCOs receive a Certificate of Competency showing their level of certification, the discipline they are certified in and their SCO number. The Safety Codes Act also allows non-safety Codes Officers to issue permits when authorized by the Safety Codes Council. Non-SCO Permit Issuers are granted Designations of Power (DoP) to issue certain permits under the authority of an accredited agency or municipality. 3. Education and Training Safety Codes Officers need training, both to become certified and to maintain their certification. Council staff update existing courses, develop new courses and code, update training, publish a course calendar, develop exams and arrange and supervise testing. 24 Safety Codes Council

37 4. Appeals Orders and written notices may be issued when the Safety Codes Act is not complied with. The recipient of an Order or written notice has the right to appeal to the Council. The Council coordinates appeals and appeal hearings. Technical Council Members from the discipline concerned hear the appeal and provide a decision. 5. Electronic Permit System (eps) The Safety Codes Council is responsible for managing and sustaining eps. The Council provides training and technical support to municipalities and agencies that use this service. SAFETY CODES OFFICERS Most Permit Issuers will find they often work with Safety Codes Officers (SCOs). Refer to sections 31 to 37 of the Safety Codes Act for a complete list of SCO responsibilities. These responsibilities include: providing advice and interpretation of codes to permit applicants, permit holders and Permit Issuers. reviewing plans and providing written reports as required by the Safety Codes Act, related regulations, codes and standards and the relevant QMP and local practices. issuing permits. issuing orders to comply when required under the Act. performing inspections and following up on code contraventions. reviewing requests for alternative solutions (variances) and supporting documentation. issuing variances in accordance with the Act. conducting investigations and issuing written reports about: o building/installation failures; o complaints; o accidents; o fires. Safety Codes Officers, like Permit Issuers, have a vital role in Alberta s safety codes system. They have a fundamental duty to uphold the Safety Codes Act and all regulations, contracts and agreements made under it. All their actions must therefore be taken in accordance with: the Safety Codes Act; relevant regulations; applicable codes; applicable Quality Management Plans; Designations of Power; o Designations of Power and terms of employment may limit the authority of Safety Codes Officers. For example, the Safety Codes Act grants Safety Codes Officers the power to issue variances. However, designations of power or terms of employment may restrict that power to only certain specialist Safety Codes Officers. certificates of competency; terms of employment. Safety Codes Council 25

38 Non-Safety Codes Officer Permit Issuers Safety Codes Officers are trained and certified in their discipline, giving them the expertise to offer advice about technical issues and interpret codes and standards. Non-SCO Permit Issuers do not have the technical training, knowledge and skills of SCOs. A Designation of Power authorizes a person to engage in certain activities under the Safety Codes Act. In the case of non-sco Permit Issuers, the Designation of Power connects them to a certain jurisdiction and allows them to issue permits under the authority of that jurisdiction. The types of permits a Permit Issuer may issue can be restricted by any of the following: the Permit Issuer s Designation of Power; the scope of accreditation of the jurisdiction they work for; the Permit Issuer s terms of employment. 26 Safety Codes Council

39 A-2, SELF-TEST #2 Compare your answers with the Answer Key at the end of this Module. 1. List six responsibilities of Alberta Municipal Affairs. a. b. c. d. e. f. 2. How do Safety Codes Officers differ from non-safety Codes Officer Permit Issuers? 3. List the Safety Codes Council s areas of responsibility. a. b. c. d. e. 4. How often must SCO certification be renewed? a. annually b. every two years c. every five years d. every ten years Safety Codes Council 27

40 ACTIVITY GUIDE A-2, OBJECTIVE #3 Explain accreditation and jurisdiction. WHAT TO DO 1. Study the learning material. 2. Complete Self-test #3. 3. Compare your answers with the Answer Key. 4. When you are successful, go on to the next objective. WHERE TO GO Pages Page 31 Page Page Safety Codes Council

41 LEARNING MATERIAL ACCREDITATION The Safety Codes Council, acting on behalf of the Minister of Municipal Affairs, can grant accreditation to various entities. Accreditation gives an entity the authority to administer the Safety Codes Act or part of Act, or to provide certain services covered by the Safety Codes Act within specific bounds. There are several types of accreditation, including: stand-alone municipal accreditation, joint accreditation; regional service commission accreditation; corporate accreditation; agency accreditation. Stand-alone municipal accreditation is one of the most common types of accreditation. An accredited municipality is delegated the obligation to administer the Safety Codes Act within the municipality. The Safety Codes Council provides some oversight. Joint accreditation is similar. It occurs when two or more municipalities join together to administer the Act within the municipalities. A regional services commission may be accredited in the same manner. Corporations can also be accredited, allowing them to administer the Act on properties owned or under the care and control of the corporation. Corporate accreditation often overlaps with other types of accreditation. When this occurs, the Minister of Municipal Affairs determines which entity retains jurisdiction. Agency accreditation is distinct from other forms of accreditation. Accredited agencies do not have the authority or obligation to administer the Safety Codes Act; accreditation simply allows them to enter into agreements to provide services to accredited municipalities, regional services commissions, corporations and Alberta Municipal Affairs. Safety Codes Council 29

42 Jurisdiction The obligation and authority to administer the Safety Codes Act is called jurisdiction. It should not be confused with accreditation. While accredited municipalities and corporations do receive jurisdiction, agencies do not. When agencies provide services to unaccredited municipalities, they are working under the jurisdiction of Alberta Municipal Affairs. When they contract with accredited municipalities, the municipalities retain jurisdiction. Some areas of the province, such as First Nations lands and national parks, fall under federal jurisdiction. Permit Issuers cannot issue permits in federal jurisdictions. These areas are exempt from the Safety Codes Act and therefore exempt from permitting requirements. Accreditation Process When applying for accreditation, municipalities must provide a Quality Management Plan (QMP). The QMP outlines the procedures the municipality will follow to administer the Safety Codes Act and the extent of the municipality s authority. It states many of the requirements that Permit Issuers must follow in their duties. Before accreditation can be granted, the Safety Codes Council must approve the QMP. If an agency is providing services to an accredited municipality, they must follow the municipality s QMP as a minimum standard. The agency s contract with the municipality may establish further requirements. In unaccredited areas of the province, agencies must sign a contract called an Authorization Agreement with Alberta Municipal Affairs to provide services. The agreement details the agency s responsibilities and contains many of the same terms as QMPs. 30 Safety Codes Council

43 A-2, SELF-TEST #3 Compare your answers with the Answer Key at the end of this Module. 1. Name five types of accreditation. a. b. c. d. e. 2. List the types of accreditation that confer jurisdiction. 3. Define jurisdiction. Safety Codes Council 31

44 ACTIVITY GUIDE A-2, OBJECTIVE #4 Explain Quality Management Plans. WHAT TO DO 1. Study the learning material. 2. Complete Self-test #4. 3. Compare your answers with the Answer Key. 4. When you are successful, continue to Band B. WHERE TO GO Pages Page 35 Pages Page Safety Codes Council

45 LEARNING MATERIAL UNIFORM QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLAN The Uniform Quality Management Plan (UQMP), included in your course material, is the preferred Quality Management Plan created by the Safety Codes Council. It is promoted as a standard, and municipalities are encouraged to adopt the terms of the UQMP. QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLANS To be accredited, a municipality must develop a Quality Management Plan (QMP) and have it approved by both the municipal council and the Safety Codes Council. QMPs must include a description of: Scope of service Among other things, this will determine which permits the municipality may issue. See page 3 of the UQMP. Documentation required for each type of permit Required documentation will vary with the type of permit. See page 10 and the appendices of the UQMP. Inspection schedules Required inspections depend on the type of work being done. See the appendices of the UQMP. A general records management and records retention policy The QMP provides general guidelines. Specific filing practices will depend on municipal policies. See page 5 of the UQMP. AGENCIES Agencies Quality Management Plans (QMPs) are submitted to the Safety Codes Council to support the agency s request for accreditation. Since the agencies have no inherent jurisdiction, their QMPs are silent on service delivery. When doing work for an accredited municipality, the agency must follow the municipality s QMP. When doing work in unaccredited municipalities, agencies must follow the terms of their Authorization Agreement with Alberta Municipal Affairs. PERMIT ISSUERS It is essential for Permit Issuers to have access to and be familiar with the terms of any Quality Management Plan (QMP) or Authorization Agreement they may work under. These agreements determine many of the specific requirements that a permit application must meet before a permit can be issued. Safety Codes Council 33

46 Quality Management Plan Activity Obtain a copy of all Quality Management Plans and, if applicable, the Authorization Agreement that you may be required to follow. Use the space below to make notes about the documentation requirements for the permits you will be issuing. If you will be using more than one QMP, take special notice of how requirements differ. After completing this activity, discuss your notes with your supervisor. 34 Safety Codes Council

47 A-2, SELF-TEST #4 Compare your answers with the Answer Key at the end of this Module. You may refer to the Uniform Quality Management Plan while you complete this self-test. 1. According to the Uniform Quality Management Plan, what happens to files when accredited agencies are involved in providing services? 2. Under the Uniform Quality Management Plan, what documentation is required and what else must be done before a building permit can be issued? 3. What site inspection(s) does the UQMP require for an electrical permit held by a homeowner when the value of work is over $500? Safety Codes Council 35

48 A-2, ANSWER KEY MODULE A-2 SELF-TEST #1 1. b. Alberta Municipal Affairs 2. a. their accreditation b. their Quality Management Plan c. legislation under the Safety Codes Act 3. a. Alberta Municipal Affairs b. Safety Codes Council 4. b. Safety Codes Officers MODULE A-2 SELF-TEST #2 1. a. provides technical advice and program support b. co-ordinates and encourages the principles of barrier-free design and access c. administers the Safety Codes Act in unaccredited municipalities d. monitors accredited municipality s adherence to their QMPs e. provides general support on matters relating to the Safety Codes Act f. certifies private sewer installers 2. SCOs have Certificates of Competency and Designations of Power, while non-sco Permit Issuers have only Designations of Power. SCOs are trained in the technical aspects of their field, while non-sco Permit Issuers do not have the same knowledge and expertise. SCOs have a much greater range of responsibilities under the Safety Codes Act than non- SCO Permit Issuers. 3. a. Accreditation b. Certification/ Designations of Power c. Education and Training d. Appeals e. Electronic Permitting System (eps) 4. c. every five years 36 Safety Codes Council

49 MODULE A-2 SELF-TEST #3 1. a. stand-alone municipal accreditation b. joint accreditation c. regional service commission accreditation d. corporate accreditation e. agency accreditation 2. a. stand-alone municipal accreditation b. joint accreditation c. regional service commission accreditation d. corporate accreditation NOTE: agency accreditation does not confer jurisdiction. 3. Jurisdiction is the authority and obligation to administer the Safety Codes Act in a certain area or situation. MODULE A-2 SELF-TEST #4 1. All files remain the property of the municipality. They must be returned to the municipality within a reasonable time or upon request. 2. See the UQMP, page 13 two sets of any construction documents required by the Alberta Building Code (ABC) any letters or schedules required by the ABC construction documents must be reviewed for code compliance and to determine whether professional involvement is required documents must have the seal and signature of a registered architect and/or professional engineer as required by the ABC 3. completed rough-in inspection final inspection Safety Codes Council 37

50 Appendix A - Uniform Quality Management Plan 38 Safety Codes Council

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80 68 Safety Codes Council

81 NON-SAFETY CODES OFFICER PERMIT ISSUER Course Permit Issuers, Permit Regulation 204/2007 July 2009 ALBERTA REGULATION (204/2007) PERMITTING SYSTEM BAND B

82 PERMITTING SYSTEM BAND B TABLE OF CONTENTS Module B-1... Page 71 Explain Permits and Their Purpose Module B-2... Page 91 Explain the Permit Application Module B-3... Page 99 Provide Information to Applicants Module B-4... Page 107 Explain Fees and Refunds Module B-5... Page 117 Explain Requirements for Records 70 Safety Codes Council

83 MODULE B-1 EXPLAIN PERMITS AND THEIR PURPOSE Safety Codes Council 71

84 RATIONALE The primary role of a Permit Issuer is to help applicants through the application process, review the applications and, if appropriate, issue a permit. As permits are a vital part of Alberta s safety code system, Permit Issuers must understand the types of permits available and the requirements for issuing each to promote compliance with the Safety Codes Act and Regulations. LEARNING OUTCOMES At the conclusion of this module you will be able to define permits in relation to the Safety Codes Act, explain the term of permits and explain why permits are issued. You will also be able to describe and differentiate between different types of permits and explain when they are required. INTRODUCTION This module is the first in a series of five modules introducing permits and the permitting system. The first module will provide an overview of safety codes permits, describe the types of permits available and when they should be issued and identify some of the varying requirements for different types of permits. ENABLING OBJECTIVES 1. Explain permits under the Safety Codes Act. 2. Explain the term of permits. 3. Explain the reasons for issuing permits. 4. Explain when each type of permit is required. 5. Explain elements of the permitting system. PREREQUISITES Module A-2 Explain the Safety Codes System PERFORMANCE EVALUATION A minimum score of 80% is required on a final exam which will include questions from this module. 72 Safety Codes Council

85 ACTIVITY GUIDE B-1, OBJECTIVE #1 Explain permits under the Safety Codes Act. WHAT TO DO 1. Study the learning material. 2. Complete Self-test #1. 3. Compare your answers with the Answer Key. 4. When you are successful, continue to the next objective. WHERE TO GO Pages Pages Pages Page 80 Safety Codes Council 73

86 LEARNING MATERIAL THE PERMITTING SYSTEM: SAFETY CODE PERMITS Permits issued under the Safety Codes Act are documents providing written permission to proceed with work that the Permit Regulation stipulates requires a permit. Safety codes permits must be issued by an authorized person and must have an identifier that is unique in the jurisdiction. An application in a form and manner satisfactory to the permit issuer must be submitted before permit can be issued. Supplemental documentation is also necessary for certain permits. In some jurisdictions, the approved application form becomes the physical permit. In others, the permit is a separate document. All permits are issued with the belief on the part of the Permit Issuer that the proposed work complies with applicable code, and that the information on the application form and all supplemental documentation is true and correct. Reasons for Issuing Permits The province of Alberta, in developing the safety codes system, had several reasons for including a permitting process. A regulated system for issuing permits: alerts responsible authority that work is being contemplated; limits who can obtain a permit; allows for a preliminary design review for Building and Private Sewage Disposal System permits; provides a record of the work; initiates the inspection process; give permission to proceed with the installation or construction when a permit is issued; ensures that the proposed work is not manifestly unsafe, though does not guarantee that work will be done safely and according to code. Permit Terms There are provisions in the Permit Regulation to deal with permits when the work is never started or where the project shows no sign of being completed. Permits expire if work is: not started within 90 days; suspended or abandoned for 120 days; suspended or abandoned for 240 days on a seasonal residence. 74 Safety Codes Council

87 Permits may also expire after a set period of time. The term of permits may be determined by the jurisdiction, and if so must be stated in the jurisdiction s Quality Management Plan or in other policy material. To find standard permit terms in your jurisdiction, consult your supervisor. In the absence of a formal policy in the jurisdiction, the provisions of the Permit Regulation apply. The Permit Regulation gives Permit Issuers the authority to extend the term of a permit. All extensions must be made in writing. In practice, Permit Issuers are more likely to be responsible for processing permit extensions than for making decisions about extending permits. In some jurisdictions, workplace policy requires decisions about permit extensions to be made by Safety Codes Officers. Also, these decisions are most often made during inspections, which must be conducted by SCOs. Annual permits are also available for the electrical, gas and plumbing disciplines. Annual permits tend to be issued to larger organizations and cover regular repair or maintenance work for a single site. They do not cover new construction, major alterations and additions. Separate permits must be obtained for each instance of this type of work. Annual permits are valid for a one-year term and are subject to renewal by the permit issuer. PERMIT TYPES Safety code permits are issued for various types of work. Permit Issuers may be involved in issuing or facilitating applications for permits listed in the Permit Regulation, including: building permits; electrical permits; fire permits; gas permits; plumbing permits; private sewage disposal system permits. Fire permits are usually issued by fire departments and will not be discussed in any detail here. If you require more information about fire permits, contact Alberta Municipal Affairs at Jurisdictions have some freedom in deciding what types of permits to issue. They may, if they choose, issue partial permits in the building discipline. Such permits often include those for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, or for fire sprinklers. There is some confusion over the definition of partial permits. Some people refer to permits with conditions or limitations as partial permits. For example, a building permit could be issued with a condition that allows construction only to ground level. Local usage might refer to such a permit as a partial permit. However, using proper terminology, it would simply be considered a permit that has a condition. Partial permits are permits in the building discipline that require specific qualifications. Safety Codes Council 75

88 Only the above permits, which are stipulated in the Permit Regulation, may be issued in these disciplines under the Safety Codes Act. Only permits named in the Safety Codes Act and related legislation can be issued as safety codes permits. Partial permits outside of the building discipline and permits relating to other aspects of the disciplines named above are not safety codes permits. For example, permits for connecting a residence to water or sewage service are not required by the Safety Codes Act and are not to be issued as or referred to as safety codes permits. Activity Does your jurisdiction use partial permits? To find out, talk to your supervisor or a building Safety Codes Officer in your jurisdiction. If you do use partial permits, make notes about them below. What permits are used? Who can apply for them, and what documentation do they need? When you have completed this section, discuss your answers with your supervisor. 76 Safety Codes Council

89 Development Permits Development permits are not safety code permits, although they are often confused with building permits. Development permits are municipally-issued permits that relate to land use and land use by-laws, not safety codes. See the table below for a comparison of development permits and safety codes permits. Development Permits Safety Codes Permits issued by Development Officers issued by Safety Codes Officers or non-safety Codes Officer Permit Issuers municipally legislated and administered provincially legislated, although they may be municipally administered requirements may vary from one municipality to the next some do not even require Development Permits ensure that plans comply with local land use bylaws requirements are similar throughout the province check that plans are compatible with applicable safety codes Table B-1 - Development Permits Permit applicants may wonder why they need both a development permit and a building permit. The answer is that the permits relate to different issues. Development permits concern the use of the land, while building permits concern the construction and use of the building itself. Some municipalities require applicants to obtain necessary development permits before they can be issued a building permit. Check with your supervisor or local policy documents to determine the position of your jurisdiction. Safety Codes Council 77

90 B-1, SELF-TEST #1 Compare your answers with the Answer Key at the end of this Module. 1. What should a building permit with a condition allowing construction only to ground level be called? a. Partial Permit b. Conditional Permit c. Restricted Permit d. Permit 2. List the six permit types covered in the Permit Regulation. a. b. c. e. f. g. 3. If work is suspended on a seasonal residence, when does the permit expire according to the Permit Regulation? a. 60 days b. 90 days c. 120 days d. 240 days 4. Explain why Safety Codes Officers are more likely to make decisions about extending the term of a permit than Permit Issuers. 78 Safety Codes Council

91 5. List the disciplines that always require a preliminary design review before a permit can be issued. Safety Codes Council 79

92 ACTIVITY GUIDE B-1, OBJECTIVE #2 Explain when each type of permit is required. WHAT TO DO 1. Study the learning material. 2. Complete Self-test #2. 3. Compare your answers with the Answer Key. 4. When you are successful, continue to the next objective. WHERE TO GO Pages Pages Pages Page Safety Codes Council

93 LEARNING MATERIAL WHEN PERMITS ARE REQUIRED The Permit Regulation is the authoritative source for determining when a permit of any type is required and who is eligible to obtain a permit. Many permit-issuing entities have handbooks and other resources designed to help guide you through the process. Great care should be taken when using these resources. They are difficult to keep up-to-date and often remain in circulation long after they have been superseded. When in doubt, always refer to the Permit Regulation and remember that printed copies of the Regulation may also be outdated. The latest version of the Permit Regulation is available on Alberta Municipal Affair s website: When issuing permits, you will often have to refer to the Permit Regulation. A copy has been included in your course material. Turn to it now and examine the sections on requirements for permits, as listed below. You will need to refer to the Regulation to answer the questions at the end of this section. Permit Regulation Updates Sometimes, policies and requirements change between versions of the Permit Regulation. These updates will be published in the Safety Codes Council newsletter, Partners. It is strongly recommended that all Permit Issuers subscribe to the newsletter, and all offices maintain a file of Partners issues containing information relevant to Permit Issuers. Subscribe to Partners on the Safety Codes Council website: Building Permits Building permits are the one area in which a jurisdiction may require safety codes permits not specifically mentioned in the Permit Regulations. If your jurisdiction uses partial permits, consult your Quality Management Plan for a description of when such permits are required. Safety Codes Council 81

94 Issuing a building permit does not mean that the planned work complies with electrical, plumbing, gas or any other safety codes. If the construction will involve other disciplines, the necessary permits must be issued separately. Building permits tend to be more complicated than other permit types. If you have any questions about the requirement for a building permit or any other permit, you should consult with a local Safety Codes Officer. FARM BUILDING EXEMPTIONS Building permits are not required for certain buildings on farms, although permits in other disciplines may be needed. Farm building exemptions are complicated, and Permit Issuers are not expected to determine when the exemption applies. A Permit Issuer s role is to recognize that exemptions might apply to farm buildings, and to ask a Safety Codes Officer in the building discipline about specific instances. Electrical Permits Electrical permits are covered in section 8 of the Permit Regulation and section D of the Permit Regulation Guidelines. Gas Permits Gas Permit requirements are addressed in Permit Regulation section 12 and Permit Regulation Guidelines section F. Plumbing Permits Plumbing permit requirements are covered in section 14 of the Permit Regulation and section G of the Guidelines. Private Sewage Disposal System Permits Private sewage disposal system permits are covered in section 15 of the Permit Regulation and section H of the Guidelines. 82 Safety Codes Council

95 B-1, SELF-TEST #2 Compare your answers with the Answer Key at the end of this Module. 1. Which of the following installations would require an electrical permit? a. communication system b. electrical installation for an elevator c. an extra low voltage, Class 2 circuit for lighting d. replacing electrical equipment with a similar unit to maintain an installation without modifying it 2. Which of the following gas system changes requires a permit? a. installing a propane tank with a water capacity of 375 l b. replacing a water heater with minor changes to the gas piping c. a gas utility moving a gas meter and changing the piping d. installing a natural gas system for a motor vehicle 3. What is the sole exception to the permit requirement for a private sewage disposal system undertaking? 4. What should you do if an applicant asks about a permit for work to be done in a farm building? a. review the requirements in the Permit Regulation b. check local policy documents c. refer the issue to a Development Officer d. refer the issue to a Safety Codes Officer Safety Codes Council 83

96 5. Why can relying on handbooks and similar material present a serious problem? 6. List the four exemptions to building permit requirements. a. b. c. d. 84 Safety Codes Council

97 ACTIVITY GUIDE B-1, OBJECTIVE #3 Explain elements of the permitting system. WHAT TO DO 1. Study the learning material. 2. Complete Self-test #3. 3. Compare your answers with the Answer Key. 4. When you are successful, continue to Module B-2. WHERE TO GO Page 86 Page 87 Pages Page 91 Safety Codes Council 85

98 LEARNING MATERIAL THE PERMITTING SYSTEM Some applicants will approach Permit Issuers knowing exactly which permits they want, while others will need you to use your knowledge of permits to help them determine what they need. Once the applicant and Permit Issuer have identified the required permits, they will follow the permitting system below. 1. The permit applicant requests a permit. 2. The Permit Issuer helps the applicant complete the application. Ensure the application form is filled out completely. Determine what additional documentation is required and ensure it is present. 3. The Permit Issuer takes the application and calculates and charges the fee. Note: In some jurisdictions, the permit fee is charged at the time of issuance rather than time of application. 4. The Permit Issuer issues the permit. or The completed application and attached documents are sent to a Safety Codes Officer for review. or If the application does not meet requirements, the Permit Issuer or SCO refuses the permit. 5. The Permit Issuer files the application and either the permit or the refusal notice. 6. If a permit is issued, Safety Codes Officers conduct inspections and follow up on deficiencies as appropriate. 86 Safety Codes Council

99 B-1, SELF-TEST #3 Compare your answers with the Answer Key at the end of this Module. 1. What two things should a Permit Issuer do while helping an applicant complete their application? a. b. Safety Codes Council 87

100 B-1, ANSWER KEY MODULE B-1 SELF-TEST #1 1. d. Permit 2. a. building permits b. electrical permits c. fire permits d. gas permits e. plumbing permits f. private sewage disposal system permits 3. d. 240 days 4. Some jurisdictions allow only Safety Codes Officers to extend permits. Additionally, permits are often extended during inspections, which are conducted by Safety Codes Officers. 5. Building Permits Private Sewage Disposal System Permits MODULE B-1 SELF-TEST #2 1. c. an extra low voltage, Class 2 circuit for lighting 2. b. replacing a water heater with minor changes to the gas piping 3. A permit is not required for the replacement of any equipment of a private sewage disposal system with units of a similar type if the replacement is made for the purpose of maintaining the system and does not modify the design of the system. (Permit Regulation 16 (2)) 4. d. refer the issue to a Safety Codes Officer 5. Handbooks and other printed material quickly become outdated. It is essential to ensure that you are using the most current and only valid version of the Permit Regulation. 6. Permit Regulation 6(3) and 6(4) 88 Safety Codes Council

101 MODULE B-1 SELF-TEST #3 1. a. Ensure the form is filled out completely. b. Determine what additional documentation is needed and ensure it is present. Safety Codes Council 89

102 90 Safety Codes Council

103 MODULE B-2 EXPLAIN THE PERMIT APPLICATION Safety Codes Council 91

104 RATIONALE Many Permit Issuers spend most of their time helping applicants through the application process. It is therefore essential that Permit Issuers be familiar with the application form and related requirements. LEARNING OUTCOMES At the conclusion of this module, you will be able to describe permit application forms and application requirements. INTRODUCTION This module is the second in a series of five modules introducing permits and the permitting system. This module will provide information about permit application forms and requirements. ENABLING OBJECTIVES 1. Explain the application form. 2. Explain application requirements. PREREQUISITES Module B-1, Explain Permits and their Purpose PERFORMANCE EVALUATION A minimum score of 80% is required on a final exam which will include questions from this module. 92 Safety Codes Council

105 ACTIVITY GUIDE B-2, OBJECTIVE #1 Explain the application form and requirements. WHAT TO DO 1. Study the learning material. 2. Complete Self-test #1. 3. Compare your answers with the Answer Key. 4. When you are successful, go on to the Module B-3. WHERE TO GO Pages Page 97 Page 98 Page 99 Safety Codes Council 93

106 LEARNING MATERIAL THE APPLICATION FORM The Safety Codes Act and Permit Regulations establish basic requirements for application forms. Specific form design and setup will vary by entity, as shown by the samples in the appendices. Regardless of appearance, all application forms must include the following information: use or proposed use of the premises; address or location of the premises; owner s name and mailing address; any information needed to determine the permit fee; description of the work the permit is for; the permit applicant s: o name; o address; o phone number; o relevant credentials; and o signature. Application forms for building permits must also list the type of occupancy of the building and the market value of the proposed work. The Permit Regulation application form requirements are a minimum. Some jurisdictions require more information on their applications. Application form specifications are often detailed in Quality Management Plans. In some jurisdictions, the completed and approved application form may become the permit, while in others a separate document is issued. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Further documentation is often required to complete a permit application. Exact requirements depend on: the Safety Codes Act and Permit Regulation; the jurisdiction s Quality Management Plan or an Authorization Agreement; the judgement of the Permit Issuer. The Act and Regulation set the absolute minimum requirements. They require an application form for electrical, plumbing and gas permits and both an application form and construction documents for building and private sewage disposal system permits. These construction documents must be reviewed by Safety Codes Officers before a permit is issued. 94 Safety Codes Council

107 Permit applications involving professionals must include a copy of the design that is stamped or sealed according to the terms of the Architects Act or Engineering, Geological and Geophysical Professions Act. Quality Management Plans and other local policies may require more documentation. For example, the Uniform Quality Management Plan requires not just a site plan but also the following information in an application for a private sewage disposal system permit: a site plan; the expected volume of sewage per day; the criteria used to determine the expected volume of sewage per day; description and details of sewage system treatment and effluent disposal component(s); details of the method(s) used to determine the soil effluent loading rate, including the results of the method(s) and who they were conducted by; and the depth to the water table if less than 2.4 m from ground surface. To be complete, an application must be submitted in a form and manner satisfactory to the permit issuer and include all the supplemental information and documentation required by the Safety Codes Act, the Permit Regulation, the jurisdiction s Quality Management Plan or Authorized Agreement, any relevant contracts with accredited municipalities and local policies. The person responsible for issuing the permit may also require further information. Reviewing Applications Permit Issuers are responsible for reviewing applications for completeness. To do this, you will need to determine the specific requirements for each type of permit at your location. Start by checking copies of any Quality Management Plan or Authorized Agreement you work under. Next, ask your supervisor and any Safety Codes Officers you work with if they know of any other requirements. Safety Codes Council 95

108 Activity When you have completed the following activities, discuss your answers with your supervisor. Also, have this activity completed and available when you attend your seminar. Your results and those of Permit Issuers working in other jurisdictions will be discussed and compared. 1. List all QMPs, Authorized Agreements and/or policy documents that affect application requirements at your location. 2. List your application requirements for building permits. 96 Safety Codes Council

109 B-2, SELF-TEST #1 Compare your answers with the Answer Key at the end of this Module. 1. If the Permit Regulation and your Quality Management Plan contain different application requirements, which should you follow? Why? 2. List the six sources of application requirements. a. b. c. d. e. f. 3. The basic requirements for building permit application forms include two items not necessary for other types of permits. What are those items? a. b. Safety Codes Council 97

110 B-2, ANSWER KEY MODULE B-2 SELF-TEST #1 1. Follow the requirements of the QMP. The Permit Regulation lists minimum documentation necessary for each permit. QMPs may outline additional requirements. 2. a. Safety Codes Act b. Permit Regulation c. Quality Management Plan d. Authorization Agreement e. Contracts with municipalities f. Local policies 3. a. type of occupancy of the building b. market value of the proposed work 98 Safety Codes Council

111 MODULE B-3 PROVIDE INFORMATION TO APPLICANTS Safety Codes Council 99

112 RATIONALE Permit Issuers are often the primary point of contact with the public. Permit Issuers need an understanding of all parts of the permit process, including those they are not personally involved with, so they can answer questions and provide information to applicants and to the general public. LEARNING OUTCOMES At the conclusion of this module, you will be able to explain the permit process, plan reviews and inspection schedules and direct people to information resources. INTRODUCTION This module is the third in a series of five modules introducing permits and the permitting system. This module will provide information about permit processes and information resources. ENABLING OBJECTIVES 1. Provide information to the public concerning permit process requirements, codes and inspection procedures. 2. Refer customers to appropriate resources (SCOs, codes, acts, forms, pamphlets). 3. Explain the site plan review, building plan review and PSDS plan review. PREREQUISITES Module B-2, Explain application forms and requirements PERFORMANCE EVALUATION A minimum score of 80% is required on a final exam which will include questions from this module. 100 Safety Codes Council

113 ACTIVITY GUIDE B-3, OBJECTIVE #1 Provide information to applicants. WHAT TO DO 1. Study the learning material. 2. Complete Self-test #1. 3. Compare your answers with the Answer Key. 4. When you are successful, go on to Module B-4. WHERE TO GO Pages Page 104 Page 105 Page 107 Safety Codes Council 101

114 LEARNING MATERIAL PROVIDING INFORMATION Permit applicants, or those thinking of applying for a permit, may have many questions about permits, the permitting process and the safety codes system as a whole. As a primary point of contact, it will often be your responsibility to answer their questions or point them to someone who can. Some questions will be easy to answer. You may be asked about your role, the application process or application requirements. Other questions may require some research. Applicants will want to know about what happens to their application after it is submitted. They may ask about plan reviews or inspection schedules. Plan Reviews Building plans, site plans and private sewage disposal system plans must be reviewed by a Safety Codes Officer (SCO) before a permit is issued. In some locations, plans from other disciplines must also be reviewed. The SCO will check the plans to see that they are essentially codecompliant. If applicants have questions about technical issues or specific codes, refer them to the SCO who will be doing the review. Inspection Schedules The permit process includes one or more inspections or verifications of compliance after the permit is issued. Inspection schedules and acceptable circumstances for accepting a verification of compliance in lieu of an inspection are usually outlined in your Quality Management Plan or Authorization Agreement, although some local procedures and practices may be recorded elsewhere. Check your QMP or Authorization Agreement to answer questions about: how many inspections are needed for a specific project; when during construction inspections occur; what your timeframe is between requests for inspections and the actual inspection. Again, technical or detailed questions should be referred to a Safety Codes Officer. Information Resources Some of the questions you will be asked will be well outside your area of expertise. Others will be general questions about the safety codes system. Often, the best thing you can do is refer applicants to other resources. 102 Safety Codes Council

115 When an applicant wants detailed information about specific codes, refer them to the codes themselves or to a Safety Codes Officer for help with interpretation. Many locations with a Permit Issuer will have pamphlets and other handouts that provide basic information and answer common questions. Other sources of information include: Alberta Municipal Affairs website - o Regulations; o tips and brochures; o guidelines for requesting changes to codes; o directions for purchasing copies of codes; Safety Codes Council website - o information about the safety codes system and permit-related processes; Municipal or agency website; o check out your website to see what s available. Activity Look around your office, check your website and speak to your supervisor. Use the space provided below to list the resources you found. Safety Codes Council 103

116 B-3, SELF-TEST #1 Compare your answers with the Answer Key at the end of this Module. 1. If an applicant asks you about how a code applies to their project, what should you do? a. Use your own experience to provide the best answer you can. b. Use your own experience and refer to the code to answer the question. c. Refer the question to a Safety Codes Officer. d. Refer the question to the Safety Codes Council. 2. Where would you direct a customer who wants to recommend changes to the Electrical Code? a. Alberta Municipal Affairs website b. Safety Codes Council website c. Minister of Municipal Affairs d. Electrical Safety Codes Officer 3. List four types of information that can be found on Alberta Municipal Affairs website. a. b. c. d. 4. Please refer to the Uniform Quality Management Plan. When will inspections occur for an annual electrical permit? a. b. 104 Safety Codes Council

117 B-3, ANSWER KEY MODULE B-3 SELF-TEST #1 1. c. Refer the question to a Safety Codes Officer. 2. a. Alberta Municipal Affairs website 3. a. text of Regulations b. tips and brochures c. guidelines for requesting changes to codes d. directions for purchasing copies of codes 4. a. mid-term b. within 60 days of permit expiry Safety Codes Council 105

118 106 Safety Codes Council

119 MODULE B-4 EXPLAIN FEES AND REFUNDS Safety Codes Council 107

120 RATIONALE Determining fees and arranging for charges is part of the permit process and a responsibility of Permit Issuers. LEARNING OUTCOMES At the conclusion of this module, you will be able to explain some common fee structures, the Safety Codes Council levy and refund policies. INTRODUCTION This module is the fourth in a series of five modules introducing permits and the permitting system. This module will provide information about fees, fee structures, the Safety Codes Council levy and refunds. ENABLING OBJECTIVES 1. Explain determination of fees including Safety Codes Council fee. 2. Explain when refunds are given. PREREQUISITES Module B-3, Provide Information to Applicants PERFORMANCE EVALUATION A minimum score of 80% is required on a final exam which will include questions from this module. 108 Safety Codes Council

121 ACTIVITY GUIDE B-4, OBJECTIVE #1 Explain fees and refunds. WHAT TO DO 1. Study the learning material. 2. Complete Self-test #1. 3. Compare your answers with the Answer Key. 4. When you are successful, go on to Module B-5. WHERE TO GO Pages Pages 114 Pages 115 Page 117 Safety Codes Council 109

122 LEARNING MATERIAL FEE STRUCTURE Each jurisdiction sets it own fee structure. In accredited municipalities, the fee structure is established by council. In unaccredited areas, Alberta Municipal Affairs sets the fee structure. Agencies must follow the fee structure set by the jurisdiction with which they are working under contract. Your supervisor will tell you what your fee structure is. Common Fee Structures Fees and fee structures vary widely across the province. Fee structures are usually based on some measure of the size or value of the proposed structure. For example, a jurisdiction might change a certain amount per square foot for a building permit. Another jurisdiction might charge a percentage of the market value of the construction. For gas permits, fees might be based on the number of outlets, the value of the work or BTUs. 110 Safety Codes Council

123 Activity Determine your fee structures and list them below. Building Permits Gas Permits Electrical Permits Plumbing Permits Private Sewage Disposal System Permits Safety Codes Council 111

124 SAFETY CODES COUNCIL LEVY The Safety Codes Council is funded by a levy on permit fees. The levy is 4% of the permit fee, with a minimum of $4.50 per permit and a maximum of $ Sample Levy Calculations EXAMPLE 1: Permit fee = $75.00 Levy = 4% of $75.00 $75.00 x (0.04) = $3.00 Since $3.00 is less than $4.50, the levy for this permit would be $4.50. The permit applicant would be charged $79.50, and $4.50 of that fee would be sent to the Safety Codes Council. EXAMPLE 2: Permit fee = $ Levy = 4% of $ $ x (0.04) = $32.00 As $32.00 is between $4.50 and $560.00, the levy would remain $ REFUND POLICIES Applicants often request refunds because: a project is cancelled; a contractor gets a permit for a job they are bidding for, but doesn t get the job; or duplicate permits are obtained, perhaps because both an owner and a contractor applied. Refund policies, like fees, are determined by each jurisdiction. Depending on your jurisdiction, your refund policy could be as simple as no refunds. Most jurisdictions do offer refunds, especially when work on the project has not begun. Full or partial refunds may be available. Partial refunds are common with large projects, when the jurisdiction has expended considerable time and effort processing the application and reviewing plans before the refund is requested. 112 Safety Codes Council

125 SCC Levy Refunds The SCC allows jurisdictions to refund the SCC levy in most cases when permit fees are refunded. The jurisdiction should refund the levy to the permit applicant, and deduct the amount of the levy from its next payment to the SCC. The SCC levy cannot be refunded or waived for certain special projects. For example, many jurisdictions reimburse all or part of building permit fees for buildings that receive Built Green, R-2000 or LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. In these cases, the full SCC levy is still due to the SCC. Safety Codes Council 113

126 B-4, SELF-TEST #1 Compare your answers with the Answer Key at the end of this Module. You may use a calculator to complete the following questions. 1. List three common reasons for refund requests. a. b. c. 2. If a permit fee is $ , what is the Safety Codes Council levy for that permit? a. $4.50 b. $35.00 c. $40.00 d. $ Assume the fee structure for plumbing permits in your jurisdiction is $20.00 per plumbing fixture. Someone applies for a permit to install a toilet, a bathtub and two sinks. What is the permit fee before the Safety Codes Council levy is added? a. $20.00 b. $40.00 c. $60.00 d. $ What are the minimum and maximum Safety Codes Council levies? min: max: 114 Safety Codes Council

127 B-4, ANSWER KEY MODULE B-4 SELF-TEST #1 1. a. a project is cancelled b. a contractor gets a permit for a job they are bidding for, but does not get the job c. there are duplicate permits. 2. c. $ d. $ min: $4.50 max: $ Safety Codes Council 115

128 116 Safety Codes Council

129 MODULE B-5 EXPLAIN REQUIREMENTS FOR RECORDS Safety Codes Council 117

130 RATIONALE Proper record-keeping is required both to comply with the Safety Codes Act and to protect the jurisdiction in the case of litigation. LEARNING OUTCOMES At the conclusion of this module, you will be able to explain document storage and retention and file ownership. INTRODUCTION This module is the last in a series of five modules introducing permits and the permitting system. This module will provide information about document retention and record ownership. ENABLING OBJECTIVES 1. Explain requirements for records. PREREQUISITES Module B-4, Explain Fees and Refunds PERFORMANCE EVALUATION A minimum score of 80% is required on a final exam which will include questions from this module. 118 Safety Codes Council

131 ACTIVITY GUIDE B-5, OBJECTIVE #1 Explain requirements for records. WHAT TO DO 1. Study the learning material. 2. Complete Self-test #1. 3. Compare your answers with the Answer Key. 4. When you are successful, go on to Band C. WHERE TO GO Pages Page 122 Page 123 Page 125 Safety Codes Council 119

132 LEARNING MATERIAL DOCUMENT RETENTION Permit documentation, including permit applications, permits, inspection reports and other documents related to the permitting process must be retained for at least three years. Local policies or Quality Management Plans may specify a longer retention period, but not a shorter one. The collection and retention of all records are subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. FILING PRACTICES All files related to the provision of services under the Safety Codes Act are the property of the responsible jurisdiction. The official file should contain original documents, not copies. Your jurisdiction s filing and file naming system will determine where applications, permits and accompanying material should be filed and how to assign a unique number to each permit. It is essential that all documentation be filed quickly and stored for the appropriate period. Alberta Municipal Affairs may audit the files of any accredited entity. If files are not kept properly, the entity could face penalties or even lose accreditation. The decisions of Permit Issuers and Safety Codes Officers are open to appeal. Safety codes records are necessary to defending appeals. When Files Go Missing Missing information has been identified as a problem in many permit offices. This is a particular problem when more than one person is using the same file. Here are some solutions to this problem: Electronic files: update version number after each use; Hard copy; put file where it belongs; create master file; update master files regularly; file all material promptly it is most likely to go astray while waiting to be filed. 120 Safety Codes Council

133 Electronic Permitting System Many jurisdictions use the electronic permitting system, or eps, available through the Safety Codes Council. The eps manages data and facilitates communication between and within jurisdictions, allowing files and information to be shared electronically. Entities that do not use eps will have their own procedures and policies for electronic file naming and storage. DOCUMENT OWNERSHIP All documents are owned by the jurisdiction. Agencies are often required to house files while they are active and turn them over to the appropriate jurisdiction within a reasonable time period once the files are complete. Safety Codes Council 121

134 B-5, SELF-TEST #1 Compare your answers with the Answer Key at the end of this Module. 1. What is the minimum amount of time that records must be kept? a. 1 year b. 2 years c. 3 years d. 4 years 2. Who owns permit files? a. the entity who created the file b. whoever has jurisdiction c. the municipality the file relates to d. Alberta Municipal Affairs. 3. What should be done with original documents? a. They should be placed in the official file. b. They should be placed in the working file. c. They should be sent to the Safety Codes Council. d. They should be destroyed in accordance with the FOIPP Act. 4. Why is it so important to file information promptly? 5. Explain the role of accredited agencies in relation to permit files. 122 Safety Codes Council

135 B-5, ANSWER KEY MODULE B-5 SELF-TEST #1 1. c. 3 years 2. b. whoever has jurisdiction 3. a. They should be placed in the official file. 4. Documents are most likely to be lost while they are waiting to be filed. Missing information has been a problem, and can lead to serious consequences for the entity responsible for maintaining the file. 5. Accredited agencies house and maintain files while they are active, but they do not own the files. They must send the files to the entity with jurisdiction within a reasonable time period after closing the file or at the request of the entity with jurisdiction. Safety Codes Council 123

136 124 Safety Codes Council

137 NON-SAFETY CODES OFFICER PERMIT ISSUER Course Permit Issuers, Permit Regulation 204/2007 July 2009 ALBERTA REGULATION (204/2007) PERMIT PROBLEMS BAND C

138 PERMIT PROBLEMS BAND C TABLE OF CONTENTS Module C-1... Page 127 Explain Refusal to Issue, Suspension and Cancellation of Permits Module C-2... Page 135 Explain Compliance Monitoring Module C-3... Page 143 Explain Permit Extensions and Transfers 126 Safety Codes Council

139 MODULE C-1 EXPLAIN REFUSAL TO ISSUE, SUSPENSION AND CANCELLATION OF PERMITS Safety Codes Council 127

140 RATIONALE The permit issuing process does not always go smoothly. As a Permit Issuer, you will need to know when to refuse to issue a permit and suspend or cancel a permit that has already been issued. INTRODUCTION This module is the first in a series of three modules concerning some of the problems and uncommon issues that can develop during the permitting process. The first module will describe refusal to issue and suspension and cancellation of permits. LEARNING OUTCOMES At the conclusion of this module you will be able to explain why and when you should refuse to issue or cancel a permit. ENABLING OBJECTIVES 1. Explain refusal to issue permits. 2. Explain suspension of permits. 3. Explain cancellation of permits. PREREQUISITES Module B-5 Explain Requirements for Records PERFORMANCE EVALUATION A minimum score of 80% is required on a final exam which will include questions from this module. 128 Safety Codes Council

141 ACTIVITY GUIDE C-1, OBJECTIVE #1 Explain refusal to issue, suspension and cancellation of permits. WHAT TO DO 1. Study the learning material. 2. Complete Self-test #1. 3. Compare your answers with the Answer Key. 4. When you are successful, go on to Module C-2. WHERE TO GO Pages Pages Page 134 Page 135 Safety Codes Council 129

142 LEARNING MATERIAL REFUSAL TO ISSUE During the course of your work helping applicants with their applications, you may be in a position where you have to refuse to issue a permit. You might encounter the following situations, which would require you to refuse a permit: the applicant does not meet the eligibility criteria, the proposed work is unsafe; the work contravenes the Safety Codes Act: Safety Codes Officers completing a plan review may determine the plans do not comply with the relevant codes and refuse to issue a permit; proper documentation has not be submitted; and the permit fee has not been paid, and the applicant will not agree to acceptable payment terms as required by your jurisdiction. In other words, if any of the conditions set out in the Safety Codes Act, related regulations, Quality Management Plan, Authorization Agreement or any other jurisdictional policy are not met, Permit Issuers must refuse to issue the permit. Refusal to issue, suspension and cancellation are all covered in section 26 of the Permit Regulation. SUSPENSION AND CANCELLATION If problems develop after a permit is issued, Safety Codes Officers may suspend or cancel the permit. Reasons for suspension and cancellation are listed in the Safety Codes Act section 46 and Permit Regulation section 26. Review these sections now, and refer to them when you complete the self-test at the end of this module. Suspension When possible, most Safety Codes Officers try to use orders to get the permit holder to comply with the Safety Codes Act and avoid a suspension. If the permit holder does not comply with orders to remedy the situation, the Safety Codes Officer may tell a Permit Issuer to suspend the permit until the permit holder complies with orders from the SCO or provides accurate plans. 130 Safety Codes Council

143 Reinstatement Safety Codes Officers are responsible for decisions to reinstate a suspended permit. Permits are reinstated when the permit holder complies with the SCO s order or request to remedy the problem that led to the suspension. Cancellation Permits can be cancelled by Safety Codes Officers or at the request of the permit holder. Safety Codes Council 131

144 C-1, SELF-TEST #1 Compare your answers with the Answer Key at the end of this Module. 1. Which of the following may a non-safety Codes Officer Permit Issuer do on their own authority? a. refuse to issue a permit b. suspend a permit c. cancel a permit d. issue an order 2. List the situations that may cause a Safety Codes Officer to suspend or cancel a permit. a. b. c. d. 132 e. Safety Codes Council

145 f. 3. A permit can be suspended or cancelled if the plans submitted in the application are not followed. Where in the Permit Regulation is the justification for such a suspension or cancellation, and why is such action justified? Safety Codes Council 133

146 C-1, ANSWER KEY MODULE C-1, SELF-TEST #1 1. a. refuse to issue a permit 2. See Permit Regulation section 26, a f. 3. Permit Regulation section 26 (b): incorrect or insufficient information is submitted with respect to the permit or the undertaking to be governed by the permit If the plans are not followed, they are inaccurate and the permit is not valid. 134 Safety Codes Council

147 MODULE C-2 EXPLAIN COMPLIANCE MONITORING Safety Codes Council 135

148 RATIONALE The safety codes system does not end when permits are issued. Permit Issuers must be familiar with the events and activities in the permit process after the permit is issued, so they can understand the significance of the permit and provide information to permit applicants and permit holders. LEARNING OUTCOMES At the conclusion of this module, you will be able to explain compliance monitoring and compare it to ensuring compliance, and explain various features of the compliance monitoring process, including inspections, verification of compliance, deviation from design, orders and variances. INTRODUCTION This module is the second in a series of three modules concerning some of the problems and uncommon issues that can develop during the permitting process. This module will describe the purpose and process of monitoring for compliance. ENABLING OBJECTIVES 1. Explain the difference between compliance monitoring and ensuring compliance. 2. Explain the function of inspections and verification of compliance. 3. Explain deviation from design. 4. Explain orders and variances. PREREQUISITES Module C-1, Explain Refusal to Issue and Suspension and Cancellation of Permits PERFORMANCE EVALUATION A minimum score of 80% is required on a final exam which will include questions from this module. 136 Safety Codes Council

149 ACTIVITY GUIDE C-2, OBJECTIVE #1 Explain compliance monitoring. WHAT TO DO 1. Study the learning material. 2. Complete Self-test #1. 3. Compare your answers with the Answer Key. 4. When you are successful, go on to Module C-3. WHERE TO GO Pages Page 141 Page 142 Page 143 Safety Codes Council 137

150 LEARNING MATERIAL COMPLIANCE MONITORING Compliance monitoring is a process of document review and one or more comprehensive spot checks at predetermined stages for compliance with the Safety Codes Act, regulations and codes that usually begins at the time of permit application; however, compliance monitoring may also be required for work carried out without a permit or when a permit is not required. The steps for the compliance monitoring process include, but are not limited to: 1. Application review (application is checked for compliance) 2. Plans examination (as applicable plans are checked for compliance) 3. Permit issuance (if proposed work appears to be in compliance) 4. Site inspections (comprehensive spot checking to verify that the work is being carried out in compliance) 5. Follow up inspections or verifications of compliance (checks that non compliant work identified during site inspections is being resolved) Ensuring Compliance Compliance monitoring must not be mistaken for ensuring compliance. Ensuring compliance is neither practical nor even possible. It would require constant surveillance of all work sites and all possible work sites. Under the Safety Codes Act, the owner, defined in section 1(1)(v) of the Act as the person in charge, person who has care and control of the project is ultimately responsible for compliance. INSPECTIONS AND VERIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE Inspections Inspections are conducted by Safety Codes Officers in the appropriate discipline. Inspection schedules are established by the jurisdiction s Quality Management Plan or an Authorization Agreement with Alberta Municipal Affairs. The purpose of an inspection is to check that the plans submitted with the permit application are being followed and that all work completed at the time of inspection is in compliance with all applicable legislation, standards and codes. If an inspector finds something that is not in compliance, the inspector may request changes, issue orders or suspend or cancel the permit. 138 Safety Codes Council

151 Verification of Compliance The Uniform Quality Management Plan defines a verification of compliance as reasonable assurance provided from a third party that work complies. When permitted by a Quality Management Plan or Authorization Agreement, Safety Codes Officers have the discretion to accept a verification of compliance in lieu of a site inspection or as confirmation that problems noted in an earlier inspection have been resolved. Most QMPs limit the situations where verification of compliances are acceptable. ORDERS Orders are issued by Safety Codes Officers when they believe the Safety Codes Act or associated regulations, standards or codes are being contravened or when there is a risk of injury or damage. Orders state what must be done to come into compliance with the Act and set a deadline for completion of the work required by the order. DEVIATION FROM DESIGN Deviation from design most often applies to building and private sewage disposal system permits, although it can be an issue in any situation when plans were required as part of the permit application. A deviation is defined as building anything significantly different from what the initial plans show. As permits are issued based on the plans submitted with the application, any deviation from those plans may invalidate the permit. It is not uncommon for changes to become desirable or necessary during the course of a project. When the need for changes becomes apparent, permit holders should request permission for a deviation and submit revised plans to the permit issuer. Deviations are acceptable when authorized in writing by the Permit Issuer. When permit holders fail to request deviations or the requested deviations are not approved, the deviation may be discovered during a site inspection. The inspector may choose to cancel the permit because the deviation has made it invalid, but in most cases inspectors will attempt to resolve the problem through other means. They may: suspend the permit or order the permit holder to stop work until revised plans are submitted and approved; or issue an order to return the work to the original design. Safety Codes Council 139

152 ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS/ VARIANCES The ultimate goal of the Safety Codes Act and the system it establishes is to promote and protect public safety. Situations may occur where public safety is as well or better served by deviating from certain specific requirements of the Act or other safety codes. In these cases, permit applicants may request an alternative solution. Applicants must request a variance in writing by proposing an alternative solution. The application must clearly show how the alternative solution will meet or exceed code requirements. A Safety Codes Officer will then evaluate the request, and, if the SCO agrees that the alternative solution offers equal or greater safety, will issue a variance allowing the alternative solution to be used on the specific project at a specific location. Alternative Solution/ Variance request forms are available from most Permit Issuers and from the Safety Codes Council website. Alternative Solutions/ Variances must be issued in writing, with copies provided to the: owner, contractor (if applicable), Safety Codes Council, and official file of the jurisdiction. 140 Safety Codes Council

153 C-2, SELF-TEST #1 Compare your answers with the Answer Key at the end of this Module. 1. List the steps in the compliance monitoring process. a. b. c. d. 2. Why does the safety codes system monitor compliance and not ensure compliance? 3. When might a Safety Codes Officer issue an order? a. b. 4. List four places copies of variances must be sent. a. b. c. d. Safety Codes Council 141

154 C-2, ANSWER KEY MODULE C-2, SELF-TEST #1 1. a. Plans examination b. Permit issuance c. Site inspections d. Follow-up inspections or verification of compliance 2. Ensuring compliance is not practical or even possible. The Safety Codes Act stipulates that the owner, rather than Safety Codes officials, is responsible for overall compliance. 3. a. the Safety Codes Act or other legislation is being contravened b. there is a risk of injury or damage 4. a. to the owner b. to the contractor, if there is one c. to the official file d. to the Safety Codes Council 142 Safety Codes Council

155 MODULE C-3 EXPLAIN PERMIT EXTENSIONS AND TRANSFERS Safety Codes Council 143

156 RATIONALE Permit Issuers may be responsible for extending and transferring permits. LEARNING OUTCOMES At the conclusion of this module, you will be able to explain why and how to extend and transfer permits INTRODUCTION This final module concerning the problems and uncommon issues that can develop during the permitting process. This module will describe extending and transferring permits. ENABLING OBJECTIVES 1. Explain extending a permit. 2. Explain transferring a permit. PREREQUISITES Module C-2, Explain Compliance Monitoring PERFORMANCE EVALUATION A minimum score of 80% is required on a final exam which will include questions from this module. 144 Safety Codes Council

157 ACTIVITY GUIDE C-3, OBJECTIVE #1 Explain permit extensions and transfers. WHAT TO DO 1. Study the learning material. 2. Complete Self-test #1. 3. Compare your answers with the Answer Key. 4. When you are successful, go on to Band D. WHERE TO GO Page 146 Page 147 Page 148 Page 149 Safety Codes Council 145

158 LEARNING MATERIAL PERMIT EXTENSIONS Permit Issuers and Safety Codes Officers have the authority under the Safety Codes Act and Permit Regulation to extend permit terms, although this authority may be restricted by their jurisdictions policies. Permit Issuers may grant extensions in response to requests from permit holders. Safety Codes Officers are likely to be in more regular contact with permit holders, and may agree to grant an extension during a site inspection or a discussion of inspection results. Permit extensions must be documented in writing. TRANSFERS Permit Issuers may transfer permits if the jurisdiction allows and if the Permit Issuer deems the transfer appropriate. Authority to transfer permits comes from the Permit Regulation, section 28. Jurisdictional policies about permit transfers may be more difficult to determine. Policies may be recorded in a Quality Management Plan or Authorized Agreement, or they may be found elsewhere. Permit transfers are not common, and many jurisdictions do not allow permits to be transferred. Permits are transferred, when allowable, at the request of the current permit holder. An owner who holds the permit in their own name may ask to transfer a permit because the property has been sold and the new owner plans to continue with the project. Contractors holding permits may request that a permit be transferred to another contractor or to the owner if they leave the project. Before transferring a permit, the Permit Issuer must review the permit details to ensure that the transfer is appropriate. For example, if an owner holding an electrical permit wants to transfer the permit to a contractor, the Permit Issuer is responsible for ensuring that the contractor has the necessary qualifications to hold an electrical permit. All permit transfers must be authorized in writing. 146 Safety Codes Council

159 C-3, SELF-TEST #1 Compare your answers with the Answer Key at the end of this Module. 1. According to the Permit Regulation, what happens if a homeowner who holds a permit sells the home before work is completed and there is no written permit transfer? 2. Who must first request a permit transfer? a. a Safety Codes Officer b. any Permit Issuer c. the current permit holder d. the prospective permit holder 3. Which of the following activities might jurisdictional policy prohibit? a. permit extensions b. permit transfers c. permit suspensions d. permit cancellation Safety Codes Council 147

160 C-3, ANSWER KEY MODULE C-3, SELF-TEST #1 1. The permit is terminated. See Permit Regulation 28(1). 2. c. the current permit holder 3. b. permit transfers 148 Safety Codes Council

161 NON-SAFETY CODES OFFICER PERMIT ISSUER Course Permit Issuers, Permit Regulation 204/2007 July 2009 ALBERTA REGULATION (204/2007) COMPLETING A PERMIT APPLICATION BAND D

162 COMPLETING A PERMIT APPLICATION BAND D TABLE OF CONTENTS Module D-1... Page 151 Prepare for a Permit Application Module D-2... Page 169 Complete a Permit Application Module D-3... Page 179 Process a Permit Application Module D-4... Page 189 Permit Application Outcome APPENDICES AND REFERENCES Appendix B Partners Newsletter 02/04/09... Page 198 Appendix C Porcupine County Plumbing and Gas Permit Application Form.. Page 199 Appendix D Completed Application Form... Page 200 Appendix E Notice of Building Permit 2 versions... Page Safety Codes Council

163 MODULE D-1 PREPARE FOR A PERMIT APPLICATION Safety Codes Council 151

164 RATIONALE The process of issuing a permit begins when an applicant first contacts a Permit Issuer. In order to ensure that applications are properly completed and all permits issued are legal and appropriate, Permit Issuers must begin by gathering information to ensure that the applicant is eligible to hold the requested permit, the Issuer s office has jurisdiction to issue the permit, and to determine the process and documentation that will be required to apply for the particular permit.. LEARNING OUTCOMES At the conclusion of this module you will be able to explain how to verify your jurisdiction with regard to a permit application, how to determine whether a customer is authorized to hold a permit and whether the permit s scope or terms should be restricted and how to identify the applicable permit issuance process and required permit documents for a permit application. INTRODUCTION Filling out an application form is seldom the first step in the permitting process. Experienced contractors who have held many permits may know exactly what they need, but for other applications, certain questions must be asked first. When an applicant requests an application, the Permit Issuer must first make sure that the applicant is in the correct jurisdiction, and then determine which permit or permits the applicant needs. Next, the Permit Issuer will ensure that the applicant is eligible to hold the requested permit. Finally, the Permit Issuer will identify the appropriate permit issuance process and necessary documents, and explain the process to the applicant. This module will provide you with the information you need to prepare yourself and your customers to apply for a permit. ENABLING OBJECTIVES 1. Look up jurisdiction. 2. Determine customer needs. 3. Check status of development permit if appropriate. 4. Determine customer s eligibility for a permit. 5. Assess customer s proposed activity and project scope. 6. Identify the applicable permit issuance process. 7. Determine required permit documents. 8. Walk the customer through the permit application process. 152 Safety Codes Council

165 PREREQUISITES Band C Permit Problems PERFORMANCE EVALUATION A minimum score of 80% is required on a final exam which will include questions from this module. Safety Codes Council 153

166 ACTIVITY GUIDE D-1, OBJECTIVE #1 Prepare for a permit application. WHAT TO DO 1. Study the learning material. 2. Complete Self-test #1. 3. Compare your answers with the Answer Key. 4. When you are successful, go on to Module D-2. WHERE TO GO Pages Pages Page 168 Page Safety Codes Council

167 LEARNING MATERIAL JURISDICTION Permit Issuers have the authority to issue permits only for their jurisdictions or, in agencies, for the jurisdictions to whom they are contracted. Since the application process varies between jurisdictions, there is little you can do for applicants working on projects outside your jurisdiction. The first thing you must establish with an applicant is whose jurisdiction their proposed project falls under. Accredited municipalities, joint accreditations and regional services commissions have jurisdiction over their own municipal areas. Agencies do not have jurisdiction, but do provide service to unaccredited municipalities on the authority of their contracts with Alberta Municipal Affairs and to certain accredited municipalities when they have contracts do to so. You will need to rely on local records to determine the scope of your jurisdiction or the areas where you are authorized to provide services. Most offices will have maps and other documents that define municipal boundaries. Permit Issuers working for agencies will also need to establish the extent of services they provide for each municipality they work with. For example, an agency may accept all permit applications, accept only certain types of permit application or only process applications received from a municipality they work with. Service terms may be different for each municipality, and will be defined in their contracts with those municipalities. Accredited corporations may have jurisdiction over sites within the geographic boundaries of another jurisdiction. Check with a supervisor or local policies to find out whether any corporate jurisdictions overlap with your own. To determine whether you have the authority to issue a permit for a proposed project, you can ask some of the following questions: Who does the property owner pay property taxes to? What is the address, legal land description, or lot, block and plan number of the property? If accredited, the municipality that receives property taxes for a property will have the authority to issue permits for that location. Permit Issuers working for accredited municipalities often have access to tax records, and can check or verify questions about property taxes. Safety Codes Council 155

168 Alberta Registries If you have a legal land description or a lot, block and plan number for the property, you may be able to look up the municipality at Alberta Registries Spin2 website using the following procedure: 1. Go to the Spin2 website: 2. Login to the website. a. If your employer has an account, use that login information. b. If you do not have access to an account, click on Guest Login. 3. Select Search. 4. Select Titles and Registered Documents. 5. Select Plan/Block or Unit/Lot if you have the property s lot, block and plan number or Standard ATS if you are using a legal land description. 6. Enter your information and click Search. 7. When the results are displayed, click on the Title Preview icon under View. 8. The title preview will show the municipality. If you cannot access SPIN2 or cannot find the property there, you will have to check the location of the property against a map of the municipality. LEGAL LAND DESCRIPTIONS Any section of land in Alberta can be located by its legal land description. The Alberta Township System (ATS) designates land as being west of the 4th Meridian (110 degrees west longitude), 5th Meridian (114 degrees west longitude) or 6th Meridian (118 degrees west longitude). Between meridians are a series of columns, each six miles wide, called ranges. They are numbered consecutively from east to west, beginning west of the meridian. Townships are also six miles wide and are numbered from south to north. The southern Alberta border with Montana is township 1, up to the northern border with the Northwest Territories at township 126. Township also describes the six mile by six mile square formed when the range and township lines intersect. These townships are further divided into 36 sections, each measuring one mile by one mile (one square mile). One section contains 640 acres. A section can be further divided into quarters (NE, NW, SE, SW) of 160 acres each or into 16 legal subdivisions (LSDs). 156 Safety Codes Council

169 Legal land descriptions are written as follows: SW W5 - southwest quarter of section 21, township 38, range 20, west of the 5th Meridian The figure below shows township or W5 in the centre, surrounded by neighbouring townships W W W W W W W W5 Figure D-1: Alberta Township System The grey section in figure D-1 is W5. That is, section 21, township 34, range 12 west of the fifth meridian. Make note of the how the section numbers within a township progress. Section 1 is in the southeastern corner. In the southernmost row, section numbers increase as you go west. The next row to the north curves around, with numbers increasing from west to east. Safety Codes Council 157

170 There are two ways to further divide sections that you may encounter. Each section is divided into quarter-sections: the NE, NW, SW and SE. Legal land descriptions start with the quarter section. The NW quarter of section 21, township 38, range 20 west of the fifth meridian is therefore: NW W5. Section W5, divided into quarter sections, is as follows: NW W5 NE W5 SW W5 SE W5 Figure D-2: Quarter Sections in W5 158 Safety Codes Council

171 Alternately, sections can be divided into 16 legal subdivisions (LSDs). The same section, divided into LSDs, is as follows: W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W5 Figure D-3: Legal Subdivisions in W5 By comparing a legal land description against a map of the area you cover, you can determine whether you have the authority to issue a permit to an applicant. If the applicant is at the wrong office, you can direct them to the Alberta Municipal Affairs website ( The site has a search feature for locating the correct Permit Issuer. IDENTIFY REQUIRED PERMIT(S) Once you have established that you have the authority to help the applicant, the next step is to find out which permit or permits the customer will need to complete their project. Ask the customer: What are you planning? Does the project involve building, plumbing, electrical work, gas and/or a private sewage disposal system? If it is a building project, will it involve work in any of the other disciplines as well? Safety Codes Council 159

172 If your jurisdiction uses partial permits, you will also need to ask building permit applicants if any of the processes requiring partial permits are involved. After indentifying the disciplines involved with the project, apply the permit criteria discussed earlier in this course and established in the Permit Regulation to determine what permits are required. Development Permits Many municipalities encourage building permit applicants to first obtain any necessary development permits. Permit Issuers at accredited municipalities can ask the Development Officer whether a development permit is needed and whether it has been issued. PERMIT HOLDER ELIGIBILTY There are restrictions on who can obtain a permit. The two major groups who can apply for permits are homeowners and contractors. Homeowners have a vested interest in their properties, while contractors have the technical expertise to perform the work. Permit Issuers are responsible for verifying an applicant s eligibility to hold a safety codes permit. When identifying an owner for the purposes of determining permit holder eligibility, you must define owner as stipulated in the Safety Codes Act. Section 1(1)a states that the term owner includes a lessee, a person in charge, a person who has care and control and a person who holds out that the person has the powers and authority of ownership or who for the time being exercises the powers and authority of ownership. Owners of single-family residential dwellings who reside or intend to reside in the dwelling are allowed to hold permits. Section 1(1)(u) of the Permit Regulation defines a single family residential dwelling as a residential dwelling for a single family that includes, if applicable, a residential garage or accessory structure associated by use to the dwelling, if the garage or structure is situated on the same parcel of land as the dwelling. BUILDING PERMITS There are few restrictions on the holders of building permits. According to the Permit Regulation section 7(1), the owner of a building or any agent of the owner may hold a building permit. 160 Safety Codes Council

173 Partial Building Permits When partial permits are required, trade qualifications are necessary. Partial permits may require evidence of certification in the following trades: electrician; gasfitter; plumber; refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic; sheet metal worker; and steamfitter pipefitter. For more information about partial permits and trade qualifications, see Page C4 of the Permit Regulation Guidelines. Electrical Permits The requirements for holding electrical permits are listed in the Permit Regulation, section 9(1) and section 23. Depending on the specific undertaking, permit holders may be required to hold the following certifications: master electrician; restricted master electrician; rural wireman; or sign installing technician. Anyone certified in these trades must provide proof of their certification to a Permit Issuer on request. To verify the status of master electricians and restricted master electricians, Permit Issuers can contact the Safety Codes Council (SCC): Suite Jasper Ave NW Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3S9 Toll Free: Fax: SCCInfo@safetycodes.ab.ca Read the sections of the Permit Regulation mentioned above to see what undertakings people with various electrical certifications may hold permits for. You will need to refer to the Regulation to determine whether a given certification is an appropriate qualification for the specific electrical permit requested. Alberta Municipal Affairs is working towards increasing mobility for those working in trades. As a result of this initiative, electricians with certification from British Columbia can obtain authorization to hold Alberta safety codes permits. Alberta s Chief Electrical Safety Codes Council 161

174 Administrator/Inspector can grant site-specific variances to B.C. Field Safety Representatives (FSRs) who complete an exam. The FSR is then authorized to hold an electrical permit for the site. As a Permit Issuer, you must check the following before issuing a permit: site-specific variance (the FSR should have a copy of a signed variance naming the site); and a valid B.C. FSR card. See Appendix B for the issue of Partners outlining the above change. The effort to standardize trade certifications across provinces is ongoing. Any further changes to permit holding requirements will also be published in Partners. Gas Permits Permit Regulation sections 13(1) and 23 outline the requirements for gas permit holders. Apart from owner/occupiers and the owners of farm buildings applying for permits for their own properties, the following groups may hold gas permits: Gas Fitters - A gas permit may be issued to a first-class or second-class gasfitter; however, the gasfitter must comply with the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act by doing only work for which he or she is qualified under their certification. A person who has successfully completed the Propane Gas Association of Canada Container Training and applied to Alberta Municipal Affairs for a special permission number. A person who has successfully completed the plastic fusion course or aluminum joining course and applied to Alberta Municipal Affairs for a special permission number. A certified journeyman sheet metal worker if the permit is for the replacement of a furnace in a single family residential dwelling, including, if applicable, the replacement of the gas piping downstream of the shut-off valves for the furnace. Refer to the Regulation to determine what activities people with the above certifications may receive permits for. Permit Issuers may request proof of status as a gasfitter or the special permission number granted to others to verify an applicant s eligibility to hold a permit. Plumbing Permits Permit Regulation sections 15(1) and 23 describe required qualifications for plumbing permits. Journeymen plumbers must provide Permit Issuers with proof of their qualifications and their journeyman number on request. 162 Safety Codes Council

175 Private Sewage Disposal System Permits Permit Regulation section 17(1) outlines the requirements for private sewage disposal system (PSDS) permit holders. Remember that plumbers are not certified private sewage installers, and may not hold PSDS permits unless they also obtain private sewage certification. Alberta Municipal Affairs maintains a list of certified private sewage installers. It is available at the Alberta Municipal Affairs website: Efforts to increase mobility for private sewage disposal system installers are described in Appendix B. ASSESS PROJECT SCOPE Homeowners and farm owners are issued permits because the Safety Codes Act follows the philosophy that a person should be permitted to do work on their own home or property. Homeowners, however, are not experts, and Permit Issuers may be concerned about the safety of homeowners completing certain projects on their own. The Safety Codes Act gives Permit Issuers the authority to restrict the scope and terms of a permit or even refuse the permit if the issuer is concerned about the permit holder s ability to complete the work safely. This authority should be exercised judiciously. Any decision to restrict a permit must be made on a case-by-case basis after carefully questioning the applicant about the scope of the project and the applicant s understanding of the issues involved. It is strongly recommended that Permit Issuers consult with Safety Codes Officers and their Quality Management Plan manager before refusing or restricting a permit. Example Permit Issuers might consider restricting permits when a project is unusually complicated. Residential electrical services are typically rated at 120/240V, single phase. Installation requiring higher voltages or three phases are more complicated and may require special expertise beyond the scope of a typical homeowner. If a homeowner applies for a permit with a larger service, the homeowner could be asked questions to determine whether they have adequate knowledge to complete this undertaking, and if they do not, the scope of the permit could be limited to 120/240V, single phase. PERMIT ISSUANCE PROCESS Safety Codes Council 163

176 Once you have established your ability to issue a permit and any restrictions on the applicant s eligibility to hold it, you next step is to identify the appropriate permit issuance process. The process will depend on the type of permit requested and your jurisdiction s Quality Management Plan (QMP) or Authorization Agreement and local policies. The QMP or Authorization Agreement is your primary resource for determining the process and requirements for permits in each discipline. Your employer may also have other policies or procedures you are required to follow. To identify these practices, contact your supervisor. Required Permit Documents, Plans, and Construction Documents The same resources will detail the additional documents required for each type of permit. Along with a completed application form, applicants may be asked to provide: plans; information sheets; schedules; soil testing records; and any other documents requested by a Permit Issuer or Safety Codes Officer. It may require some knowledge of the relevant discipline to determine exactly which documents are required. For example, your QMP may provide a list of documents required for all building permits, but extra documentation may be required for some projects within the building discipline. If you have any questions about specific requirements, speak to a Safety Codes Officer in the discipline. Activity Speak with your supervisor about any local policies, procedures or practices unique to your jurisdiction or contract. In the space below, list all documents you will need to refer to determine additional documentation requirements for your jurisdiction. 164 Safety Codes Council

177 WALK THE APPLICANT THROUGH THE PROCESS The final step before beginning a permit application is to walk the applicant through the process and let them know what to expect during and after the application process. To provide a brief overview of the process, tell the applicant: the application form must be completed; supporting documents, if necessary, must be provided; about any plan reviews that will be required for their particular permit; what the approval process will entail and when they can expect the permit to be issued if it is approved; and what inspections will occur after a permit is issued. If you have not yet done so, this is a good opportunity to direct the applicant to any resources that could help them, including: pamphlets; websites; regulations and codes; and Safety Codes Officer contact information. CONCLUSION By properly preparing yourself and your customers for the permit application process, you can ensure that the process will move smoothly without any unexpected hitches or wasted effort. Begin by making sure that the applicant is at the right office and you have the authorization to help them and the ability to guide them through the appropriate process. Next, find out whether the applicant is eligible for a permit. Time and effort can be saved by making sure you are working with the right person from the beginning. Finally, identify the specific processes and requirements that will apply for the given permit application and explain them to the applicant. The applicant can then gather all necessary information before beginning the application so the process will not be disrupted by missing information and other complications. Preparation will make the permitting process easier for both the issuer and the applicant, and reduce the risk of conflicts and frustration. Safety Codes Council 165

178 D-1, SELF-TEST #1 Compare your answers with the Answer Key at the end of this Module. 1. Who is eligible to hold an annual plumbing permit? 2. What can you do to check the eligibility of a contractor applying for a private sewage disposal system permit? a. request proof of certification and a journeyman number b. request an FSR card and a site specific variance c. request the applicant s special permission number d. check AMA s list of approved private sewage installers 3. If an applicant asks for a Building Permit, what other permits might they need? 4. How does the Safety Codes Act define the term owner? 166 Safety Codes Council

179 5. List three ways of checking whether a property is under the jurisdiction of an accredited municipality. a. b. c. Safety Codes Council 167

180 D-1, ANSWER KEY MODULE D-1 SELF-TEST #1 1. the owner or operator of the premises although they must ensure that work is completed by a journeyman plumber (See Permit Regulation section 23) 2. d. check AMA s list of approved private sewage installers 3. The applicant could also require partial building permits, if they are used in your jurisdiction, and electrical, gas, plumbing and private sewage disposal system permits if the planned construction will require work in those disciplines. 4. An owner includes a lessee, a person in charge, a person who has care and control and a person who holds out that the person has the powers and authority of ownership or who for the time being exercises the powers and authority of ownership. Safety Codes Act 1(1)(v). 5. a. Determine whether property taxes are paid to the municipality by checking tax records or asking the owner. b. Look up the legal land description or lot, block and plan number on the Spin2 website. c. Look up the address or legal land description on a map of the municipality. 168 Safety Codes Council

181 MODULE D-2 COMPLETE A PERMIT APPLICATION Safety Codes Council 169

182 RATIONALE While applicants are primarily responsible for completing their own applications, Permit Issuers play a vital role in streamlining the process and ensuring that applications are complete and correct. LEARNING OUTCOMES At the conclusion of this module you will be able to assist permit applicants to complete their applications and complete a sample gas permit application yourself based on information provided in a case study. INTRODUCTION This module will provide you with the information you need to help your customers apply for a permit. At the end of the module, you will be asked to complete a sample application form. ENABLING OBJECTIVES 1. Assist permit applicants in completing applications for permits. 2. Review application with applicant. 3. Notify applicant if additional information is necessary. 4. Verify that application, project information and necessary documents are complete and acceptable. 5. Verify professional and/or contractor licensing where appropriate. 6. Calculate permit fee. 7. Collect or arrange for fee collection. PREREQUISITES Module D-1 Preparing for a Permit Application PERFORMANCE EVALUATION A minimum score of 80% is required on a final exam which will include questions from this module. 170 Safety Codes Council

183 ACTIVITY GUIDE D-2, OBJECTIVE #1 Complete a permit application. WHAT TO DO 1. Study the learning material. 2. Complete Self-test #1. 3. Compare your answers with the Answer Key. 4. When you are successful, go on to Module D-3. WHERE TO GO Pages Page 176 Page 177 Page 179 Safety Codes Council 171

184 LEARNING MATERIAL COMPLETE THE PERMIT APPLICATION Permit applicants are responsible for submitting an application in a form and manner satisfactory to the permit issuer. In practice, most Permit Issuers are required by their terms of employment to provide information and assistance. It is ultimately much easier to ensure that applications are complete from the outset than to try to correct things later. When completing an application with a customer: go through each section of the form with the applicant, and ask if they have any questions; go through the form step-by-step, and ensure all blanks are completed; if you can, look up any information the applicant requests you may have access to site plans and legal locations. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Review the application form, the Permit Regulation and your Quality Management Plan or Authorized Agreement to determine any additional information required for the application. If you need additional information and cannot find it in your usual reference material, check with a Safety Codes Officers. SCOs can help you and your applicants by providing information about: which permits you can approve; which permits can only be approved by SCOs at your location; what documentation is needed with a specific application; and specific codes and code requirements. VERIFY APPLICATION INFORMATION Before accepting an application, Permit Issuers should verify that the application package is complete and that the customer is eligible to hold the permit. A complete application package includes: the completed application all necessary information is filled out and the form is submitted in accordance with the permit issuers policies; and all supplemental documentation is attached. Most application forms include a section requiring a certification number of some sort. Certified professionals and people in the trades must provide proof of their certification if it is necessary to hold the permit they are applying for. In many cases, there are also ways for you to verify that certification if you deem it necessary. 172 Safety Codes Council

185 Electrical Discipline Master Electricians o Ask the applicant to provide their Master Electrician s card. o Contact the Safety Codes Council of Alberta for verification of electricians status. Rural Wiremen o Ask the applicant for proof of certification. o Contact Alberta Municipal Affairs for verification. Sign Installation Technician o Ask the applicant to provide their Alberta Electrical Sign Certificate. BC Field Safety Representatives (FSRs) o Ask the applicant to provide their FSR card and the site-specific variance issued by Alberta s Chief Electrical Administrator/Inspector. Gas Discipline First-Class or Second-Class Gasfitter o Ask the applicant to provide their trade certificate. Certified journeyman sheet metal worker o Ask the applicant to provide their trade certificate. A person who has completed the Canadian Propane Association Container Training from the Propane Training Institute (PTI) o Ask the applicant for their certification number. o Contact the PTI for verification. A person who has completed a plastic fusion course or aluminum joining course o Ask the applicant for their certification number. o Contact Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training for verification. A person who has received a special permission number from Alberta Municipal Affairs to install natural gas secondary lines o Ask the applicant for their special permission number. Plumbing Discipline Plumber o Ask the applicant to provide their trade certificate and journeyman number. Private Sewage Discipline Private Sewage Installer or Restricted Private Sewage Installer o Ask the applicant to provide their certificate of competency. o Check Alberta Municipal Affairs list of certified private sewage installers at: BC Private Sewage Practitioners o BC Private Sewage Practitioners must also provide proof of Alberta certification. If a BC Private Sewage Practitioner applies for an Alberta permit without Alberta certification, direct them to the Alberta Onsite Wastewater Management Association. Safety Codes Council 173

186 PERMIT FEES Permit fees and fee structures vary by jurisdiction, as discussed earlier. Do not forget to add the Safety Codes Council levy to all permit fees. The levy is 4% of the permit fee, with a minimum of $4.50 and a maximum of $ Permit fee collection practices also vary by jurisdiction. Fees may be collected by the Permit Issuer or by another department. Some jurisdictions also require immediate payment, while others are willing to invoice applicants. ACTIVITY 1 Find out how fees are collected in your jurisdiction, and describe the process below. If Permit Issuers collect fees, what forms of payment are accepted? ACTIVITY 2: CASE STUDY Now that you know the theory and background behind permit applications, try filling one out. Appendix A contains a sample application form for gas and plumbing permits. Use the following scenario to complete the application. George Pedersen walks into the Porcupine County Office and asks for the Permit Issuer. He asks for a plumbing permit application, explaining that he has been hired by Jacob Brown to complete the plumbing for a new bathroom a customer has built. When you ask him about his qualifications, he tells you that he is a certified plumbing contractor and his journeyman number is You question him about the extent of the project, and he tells you that he will be installing a sink, a toilet and a shower. He also provides the following information: 174 Safety Codes Council

187 His address is: Box 456 Prickly Bluff, AB T1T 1T1 (403) fax: (403) The work will be performed at his customer s main residence. The customer s mailing address is: Box 123 Prickly Bluff, AB T1T 1T1 (403) His home is located in SE W4. This location has not been further subdivided by plan. Porcupine County s fee structure for plumbing permits is based on the number of fixtures involved: 1-6 fixtures $ fixtures $ fixtures $ fixtures $ fixtures $ fixtures additional $5.00 per fixture George plans to complete the work by 08/07/08. He would like to pay the permit fee immediately, with his Visa # This is the first plumbing permit you have issued in According to your methods for determining unique qualifiers, the qualifier for this application will be S08-P01. You now have all the information you need to complete an permit application with George. Complete the form in Appendix A. When you are finished, compare your form to the completed version of Appendix B. Did you fill in all the entries needed? If not, what did you miss and why? Safety Codes Council 175

188 D-2, SELF-TEST #1 Compare your answers with the Answer Key at the end of this Module. 1. What two things can you do to verify the status of a Master Electrician? a. b. 2. What should you do if a BC Private Sewage Practitioner who does not have Alberta certification requests a PSDS Permit? 3. What should you ask to see to verify the status of an Alberta Sign Installation Technician? a. Electrician s card b. trade certificate c. special permission number d. Alberta Electrical Sign Certificate 176 Safety Codes Council

189 D-2, ANSWER KEY MODULE D-2 SELF-TEST #1 1. a. Check their Master Electrician s card. b. Contact the Safety Codes Council of Alberta 2. Refuse the permit and refer the BC Private Sewage Practitioner to the Alberta Onsite Wastewater Management Association. 3. d. Alberta Electrical Sign Certificate Safety Codes Council 177

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191 MODULE D-3 PROCESS A PERMIT APPLICATION Safety Codes Council 179

192 RATIONALE Permit Issuers are responsible for receiving and processing permit applications as they pass through various stages. LEARNING OUTCOMES At the conclusion of this module you will be able assign unique qualifiers, describe your organization s permit information tracking system, identify a permit issuer for an application, process documents for review, track permit status when necessary and process returned permit documents. INTRODUCTION This module will provide you with the information you need process documents once a permit application is completed. ENABLING OBJECTIVES 1. Assign permit a unique qualifier. 2. Input and access data according to organization s chosen method. 3. Follow permit issuance process according to the scope and limitations as set out in the terms of employment. 4. Determine who must review permit applications. 5. Process documents for required approvals. 6. Track status of permit application. 7. Receive returned permit documents. PREREQUISITES Module D-2, Complete a Permit Application PERFORMANCE EVALUATION A minimum score of 80% is required on a final exam which will include questions from this module. 180 Safety Codes Council

193 ACTIVITY GUIDE D-3, OBJECTIVE #1 Process a permit application. WHAT TO DO 1. Study the learning material. 2. Complete Self-test #1. 3. Compare your answers with the Answer Key. 4. When you are successful, go on to Module D-4. WHERE TO GO Pages Page 186 Page 187 Page 189 Safety Codes Council 181

194 LEARNING MATERIAL ASSIGNING A UNIQUE QUALIFIER The first thing a Permit Issuer must do after accepting an application is to assign it a qualifier that is unique in the jurisdiction. Each organization has its own method for determining qualifiers. Some form qualifiers based on the permit discipline, the year issued and a consecutive number for each permit issued that year. Other organizations use electronically assigned numbers. The Electronic Permitting System (eps) assigns a unique number to each permit application entered, and many organizations who use the eps use its number for the unique qualifier, while others use the number only for filing and search purposes. Activity 1 Find out what process your organization uses to assign qualifiers, and describe it here. FILING AND TRACKING SYSTEMS The application and related information must be filed and entered in a tracking system before a permit is issued. Tracking systems may be electronic, such as the eps, or paper-based. Tracking system data and other files must be updated as necessary, including when the permit is issued or refused, when inspections are booked and when inspection reports become available. 182 Safety Codes Council

195 Activity 2 Describe how your organization tracks permit information. PERMIT ISSUERS and REVIEWERS Before you can identify the next step in the issuance process, you will need to identify who can issue the permit that has been applied for. The types of permits that you, as a Permit Issuer, have the authority to issue on your own will depend on your designation of power and the specific terms of your employment. Most Permit Issuers can issue some permits directly, but must pass other applications on to Safety Codes Officers for review before a permit is issued. Since electrical, plumbing and gas permits do not require reviews in most jurisdictions, they are often issued by Permit Issuers. Building and private sewage disposal system permits always require review, and may be issued by Safety Codes Officers or by Permit Issuers once the SCO review has been completed. Your Quality Management Plan or Authorized Agreement and organizational policies and procedures will determine which applications must be reviewed and who must review them. Some municipalities have internal Safety Codes Officers who conduct all plan reviews, while others contract with agencies for Safety Codes Officer reviews. Safety Codes Council 183

196 Activity 3 Describe your terms of employment which permits can you issue, and which can only be issued by Safety Codes Officers? Check your contract and contact your supervisor if you have any questions about the extent of your authority. PROCESS DOCUMENTS FOR REQUIRED APPROVALS When you receive applications for permits you cannot issue, you must pass the application on to the appropriate party. Specific process will vary by organization, but, in general, you will be expected to ensure that the application form is complete and all necessary documentation is present. Then you will take or send the complete file, or a copy of the file, to the appropriate reviewer. TRACK APPLICATION STATUS The Permit Issuer s role in processing applications they cannot issue or can only issue after a review has been completed includes tracking the application through the issuance process. When applications are sent for review, you should check with the reviewer after two or three days to ensure that the application is progressing and has not been mislaid or neglected. 184 Safety Codes Council

197 RETURNED PERMIT DOCUMENTS When reviews and approvals are complete, the original documents and approvals are returned to the Permit Issuer. After receiving the documents, you must ensure the following steps are completed: file all documents; record updates in your tracking system; issue the permit, if it is approved; give the applicant a copy of the permit and any examined plans and review documents; and send copies of any review documents to other parties (such as engineers or architects) as directed by the reviewer or required by your Quality Management Plan or Authorized Agreement. Depending on local office procedures, Permit Issuers may be responsible for filing and managing documents, or you may pass them on to someone else for these steps. Safety Codes Council 185

198 D-3, SELF-TEST #1 Compare your answers with the Answer Key at the end of this Module. 1. What are the first two steps you should take after receiving an application for a permit that will require a plans review? a. b. 2. How can you determine who should review plans for an application that requires a plan review? 3. What should a permit holder receive when a permit is issued? a. b. 186 Safety Codes Council

199 D-3, ANSWER KEY MODULE D-3 SELF-TEST #1 1. a. Check that the application form is complete and all required supporting documents are attached.. b. Pass the application on to the reviewer. 2. Check your Quality Management Plan or Authorization Agreement and local policies. 3. a. a copy of the permit b. plans examination report, examined plans and other review documents Safety Codes Council 187

200 188 Safety Codes Council

201 MODULE D-4 PERMIT APPLICATION OUTCOME Safety Codes Council 189

202 RATIONALE After an application has been processed, the Permit Issuer will issue or refuse the permit. LEARNING OUTCOMES At the conclusion of this module, you will be able to issue permits, help applicants correct permit applications, refuse permits, provide information about the appeals process and transfer permits. INTRODUCTION This module will provide you with the information you need to complete the permit issuance process, including issuing, refusing and transferring permits and providing information to applicants about fixing their applications and appealing your decisions. ENABLING OBJECTIVES 1. Complete the permitting process. 2. Issue a permit. 3. Discuss necessary changes. 4. Refuse a permit. 5. Explain the appeal process. 6. Authorize permit transfer. PREREQUISITES Module D-3, Process a Permit Application PERFORMANCE EVALUATION A minimum score of 80% is required on a final exam which will include questions from this module. 190 Safety Codes Council

203 ACTIVITY GUIDE D-4, OBJECTIVE #1 Complete the issuance process. WHAT TO DO 1. Study the learning material. 2. Complete Self-test #1. 3. Compare your answers with the Answer Key. 4. When you are successful, continue to Band E. WHERE TO GO Pages Page 196 Page 197 Page 203 Safety Codes Council 191

204 LEARNING MATERIAL PERMIT ISSUANCE By this point in the permitting process, you will have accepted the completed application, assigned it a unique qualifier, passed on applications or plans for review as appropriate and retained applications for permits you are authorized to issue without review. When reviewers approve necessary documents or you approve an application on your own authority, you can then proceed to issue the permit by completing the following steps: 1. Tell the permit applicant that the permit has been approved. If appropriate, ask whether they would like to come in and pick it up, or if they would prefer you to mail, fax or it to them. 2. Prepare the permit. Depending on your jurisdiction, this may mean: signing the permit application, which then becomes the permit; completing a separate permit document; or printing a permit out from an electronic permitting system. 3. Prepare any additional documents your jurisdiction issues with permits. Many organizations provide two copies of electrical and gas permits. The permit holder can use the second permit to establish service with the relevant utility. Some jurisdictions issue a Notice of Building Permit or Permit Placard with all building permits. The notice is to be displayed at the building site while work is occurring. Sample notices are included in Appendix C. 4. Give the permit and related document to the permit holder. With a simple permit with no reviews, the permit holder may still be in the office. If not, mail, fax or the permit and related documents to the permit holder, or file the documents in a location that will be easily accessible when the permit holder comes to pick up the permit. REQUEST CHANGES If a permit cannot be issued based on the application, you have two options. You can refuse the permit or request further information or changes to the application. Safety Codes Officer reviewers may also ask you to contact the applicant to request changes or more information. Many jurisdictions strongly prefer having Permit Issuers help applicants correct their applications to refusing permits. You may find it helpful to discuss your jurisdiction s approach to problem applications with a supervisor. 192 Safety Codes Council

205 If changes to the application are necessary before it can be accepted, contact the permit applicant and discuss the necessary changes. If the applicant does what is necessary to correct the application, the permit can then be issued. If an applicant is unable or unwilling to fix their application, you will have to refuse the permit. REFUSE PERMIT When you decide or are obliged to refuse a permit, you must provide a written Notice of Refusal explaining the specific reason the permit was refused. Section 44(3) of the Safety Codes Act states that: (3) If a safety codes officer or other person designated by an Administrator refuses to issue a permit, the safety codes officer or other person designated by an Administrator shall serve the applicant with a written notice of the refusal. Administrative Items Regulation section 5(1) provides more detail about how notice is to be served. 5(1) An order issued, confirmed, revoked or varied under the Act and a written notice required by the Act to be issued must be served (a) in the case of an individual, (i) by personal service, (ii) by leaving it for the individual with a person apparently at least 18 years of age at the individual's current or most usual dwelling place, (iii) by sending it by registered mail to the individual's last known address, or (iv) by sending it by facsimile or other form of electronic transmission to the individual's last known facsimile number or electronic address, if there is a record of so sending it, and (b) in the case of a corporation, (i) by leaving it with a director, manager or officer of the corporation, or the president, chairperson or other head officer, by whatever name that person is known, of the corporation, (ii) by leaving it at the corporation's registered office, (iii) by sending it by registered mail to the corporation's registered office, or (iv) in the case of an extra-provincial corporation, by leaving it with, at the address of, or by sending it by registered mail to the address of, the corporation's attorney for service appointed as required by the Business Corporations Act. The person refusing the permit is responsible for sending the written Notice of Refusal to the applicant. Safety Codes Council 193

206 Appeals The Safety Codes Act also gives any person who is refused a permit the right to appeal that decision. When you refuse a permit, you are responsible for providing the failed applicant with the information they need to appeal your decision. Inform such applicants that appeals must: be in writing and submitted to: Safety Codes Council 1000, Jasper Ave Edmonton, AB T5J 3S9 be signed by the appellant or his agent and contain the appellant s name, address and phone number; contain a copy of the order or written decision being appealed (the Notice of Refusal, in this case); contain a concise statement of the matter being appealed setting out the grounds for the appeal; be accompanied by the appropriate fee; and be received by the Safety Codes Council within 30 days of the refusal. The above directions can also be found on the Safety Codes Council website at Permit Issuers should notify the Safety Codes Council and forward a copy of the Notice of Refusal when a permit is refused. PERMIT TRANSFERS Permit Issuers may be asked to adjust the permit after it is issued. When an applicant asks you to transfer a permit: Identify your jurisdiction s policy on permit transfers. Can they be transferred, and, if so, are you authorized to complete a transfer? Review the permit. Is a transfer appropriate? Is the new permit holder eligible to hold the permit? Authorize the transfer in writing, if appropriate. Send a copy of the transfer to the original permit holder, new permit holder and the permit file. 194 Safety Codes Council

207 CONCLUSION This module has completed the discussion of permit-specific requirements and activities. The next band will introduce the topic of general office activities and customer service, providing many tips you can use to make sure your interactions with applicants and permit holders are as agreeable and cooperative as possible. Safety Codes Council 195

208 D-4, SELF-TEST #1 Compare your answers with the Answer Key at the end of this Module. 1. What responsibilities do Permit Issuers have concerning appeals when a permit is refused? a. Permit Issuers must discourage appeals. b. Permit Issuers must encourage appeals. c. Permit Issuers must help failed applicants through the appeals process. d. Permit Issuers must provide information about the appeals process. 2. Describe the documentation you must provide to applicants when a permit is refused. 3. Within what time after a refusal must an appeal be received? a. 7 days b. 30 days c. 60 days d. 90 days 4. Who should appeals be sent to? a. The office of the jurisdiction refusing the permit b. The Safety Codes Council c. Alberta Municipal Affairs d. The Court of Queen s Bench 196 Safety Codes Council

209 D-4, ANSWER KEY MODULE D-4 SELF-TEST #1 1. d. Permit Issuers must provide information about the appeals process. 2. When you refuse a permit, you must send the applicant a written Notice of Refusal that explains the reason the permit was refused. 3. b. 30 days 4. b. The Safety Codes Council Safety Codes Council 197

210 Appendix B - Partners Newsletter 02/04/09 Thursday, April 02, 2009 Unsubscribe Printable Version Send this to a friend Notice for permit issuers in Electrical Group A and PSDS regarding TILMA The implementation deadline for the Alberta-B.C. Trade, Investment and Labour Mobility Agreement was on April 1, Alberta Municipal Affairs would like to clarify how implementation of TILMA will affect the permit issuers. Please ensure that affected permit issuers and safety codes officers have this information. Electrical Work Alberta Municipal Affairs, B.C. Office of Housing and Construction Standards, and the B.C. Safety Authority have reached an agreement to provide mobility for electrical contractors in accordance with TILMA. This agreement maintains a high level of public safety in both provinces while recognizing the ability of Alberta Master Electricians and B.C. Field Safety Representatives (FSRs) to obtain electrical permits in either province. Municipal Affairs and Alberta Employment and Immigration are examining regulatory options to recognize B.C. FSRs. Until these regulatory amendments are in place, the Electrical Administrator / Chief Inspector will issue site specific variances that allow FSRs to obtain electrical permits for work that falls within their scope of practice in B.C. An FSR will be required to successfully complete a jurisprudence exam that is less than half a day in length and administered by the Chief Electrical Administrator/Inspector before being issued their first site-specific variance. Once an FSR has successfully completed the jurisprudence exam, they are eligible to be issued additional site-specific variances to obtain electrical permits for work in Alberta. For permit issuers, should a B.C. FSR apply for an electrical permit, please ensure that they have the site-specific variance from the Electrical Administrator / Chief Inspector and a valid FSR card from B.C. before issuing the permit. If you have any questions about this process, please contact Pierre McDonald, Electrical Administrator / Chief Inspector, or Tyler Wightman, Policy Advisor with the Public Safety Division, at Private Sewage Disposal System Permits In accordance with the labour mobility provisions of TILMA, eligible B.C. registered onsite wastewater practitioners will be recognized to obtain permits to install private sewage disposal systems in Alberta. B.C. practitioners must apply to the Chief Inspector / Administrator and successfully complete a jurisprudence exam administered by the Alberta Onsite Wastewater Management Association (AOWMA) before being certified as an Alberta Private Sewage System Installer. B.C practitioners must provide proof of Alberta certification to obtain a permit for a private sewage disposal system. Should a B.C. practitioner apply for a permit without providing their Alberta certification, please direct them to AOWMA to complete jurisprudence testing prior to applying to the Administrator for certification. AOWMA can be contacted by phone at or by fax at If you have any questions about this process, please contact Alf Durnie, Private Sewage Systems Administrator / Chief Inspector, or Tyler Wightman, Policy Advisor with the Public Safety Division, at Partners e-newsletter Please pass this information on to colleagues and if you are have not done so, sign up for the Partners e-newsletter by following this link! or use the links at the top or bottom of this newsletter. 198 Safety Codes Council

211 Appendix C - Porcupine County Plumbing and Gas Permit Application Form Safety Codes Council 199

212 Appendix D - Completed Plumbing Permit Application Form 200 Safety Codes Council

213 Appendix E - Notice of Building Permit, Version 1 Safety Codes Council 201