File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).

By Aaron Schulze

Building Bylaw

Public information session planned to spell out potential changes to Kamloops’ building bylaw

Jan 15, 2025 | 1:37 PM

KAMLOOPS — Contractors, developers, suppliers, tradespeople and homeowners considering renovations are being alerted about potential changes to the City of Kamloops’ building bylaw.

A public information session will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm in the Sports Centre Lounge at the McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre. In a news release, the city says boards will outline further details of the key changes and staff will be on hand to answer questions.

The proposed new bylaw was presented to Kamloops council during its regular meeting on Tuesday (Jan. 14). Key changes include attempts to improve:

• general administration of the bylaw
• how the bylaw is applied to existing buildings
• standards for permit requirements and types
• clarity of owner’s and registered professional’s responsibilities
• permit process expediency
• specific design requirements
• compliance and enforcement measures

City staff must consult with industry members, hold public engagement and report back to council before consideration of bylaw adoption.

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“An updated bylaw will support a safer, more sustainable and resilient community, forming a robust foundation for ongoing improvements to construction processes in Kamloops,” Marc Vere, Kamloops’ chief building official, states. “The new bylaw will replace the existing 2006 bylaw and its amendments. This update will streamline the administration of BC Building Codes and regulation of construction in Kamloops and create clarity and consistency by outlining the process in the bylaw rather than the policies that have been developed over the years.”

The city says the primary purpose of the building bylaw is to regulate and administer standards concerning the design, construction and/or occupancy of new buildings and alteration, demolition and relocation of existing structures.

The full bylaw and its proposed changes can be viewed here.