A GUIDE TO THE CHANGES IN THE BUILDING CODE ACT, 1992 AND THE BUILDING CODE AFFECTING DESIGNERS
	Who should use this guide?
	What is new for designers?
	How to become qualified
	How to become registered
	Other changes
	Additional resources
WHO SHOULD USE THIS GUIDE?
Persons who design buildings where a building permit is required. TOP
WHAT IS NEW FOR DESIGNERS?
Beginning July 1, 2005, a number of changes in the Building Code Act, 1992 and Building Code will affect designers. Among other changes, designers may be required to be registered and/or qualified. Review for qualification and registration information
Who is a designer?
Designers are individuals who: prepare designs or give information/opinions about whether a building or part of a building complies with the Building Code, where such information is submitted as part of a permit application. prepare written reports on building construction based on a general review, where required by the Building Code. Under the new legislation, designers may need to be qualified. Read section 15.11(5) of the Building Code Act, 1992 and section 3.2 of Division C of the Building Code for further details. Review the Designer Categories for more information.
Design firms
Firms engaged in the business of providing design activities to the public may need to be registered. A design firm may be a sole proprietor, a partnership, or a corporation. This includes architectural or engineering firms, or interior design firms that provide design services.
A municipality may not issue a building permit if the designer is not appropriately qualified and/or registered.
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HOW TO BECOME QUALIFIED
Designers must be qualified, unless they are exempted under the Building Code. To become a qualified designer, you must: successfully complete the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing examination program in your area(s) of practice, and file your examination information with the Director of the Building and Development Branch. Once you apply for an exam, you receive a BCIN (Building Code Identification Number). You will later need this number in order to complete the process to become qualified, and to submit permit applications.
Exemption from qualifications
The Building Code lists a number of exemptions to the qualification requirement. For example, you may be exempt if you are designing: a house that you own certain farm buildings certain tents and signs
You can only carry out design activities in areas of practice for which you have the required qualifications.
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HOW TO BECOME REGISTERED
Design firms must be registered, unless they are exempted under the Building Code. To be come registered, a design firm must: ensure that all persons working in the firm who will review and take responsibility for design activities have successfully completed the exam program for their area(s) of practice; (Visit the Ontario Building Code website for additional information.) file its qualification information with the Director of the Building and Development Branch; carry insurance, as required by subsection 3.6.2 of Division C of the Building Code; After filing, the firm will receive a BCIN. Registrations are renewed annually.
Individuals who run their own design business may need to be registered.
Exemption from registration
The Building Code lists a number of exemptions to the registration requirement. For example, you may be exempt from registering if your firm’s activities are: related to designing homes governed by Tarion (Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act) where the design work is done “in-house” related to commercial, industrial or institutional buildings you own for certain house renovations for some farm buildings, tents and signs
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OTHER CHANGES
Designers will be affected by other changes to the Building Code Act, 1992 and Building Code as of July 1, 2005. For example:
New permit application
A standard permit application will be used across Ontario. The new permit requires the designer’s BCIN, and if applicable, the BCIN for the registered firm.
Permit Timeframes
Timeframes have been established for the review of a building permit application. Principal authorities have prescribed time limits to review a building permit application, and decide whether to issue or refuse the application.
Inspections
The Building Code requires mandatory stages during construction where the building permit holder must notify the municipality of work completed. These notices are followed by mandatory inspections by the municipality, which are also subject to prescribed timeframes. TOP
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
	Building and Development Branch website Check the for regular updates on the Building Code Act, 1992, the Building Code, training, publications and more.
	Sign up for CodeNews, a free Internet-based newsletter issued by the Building and Development Branch. CodeNews sends e-mail newsletters about information related to the Building Code.
	Apply for Ministry Examinations online.
	Ontario Building Officials Association (OBOA) Find additional information on how to get qualified for Bill 124 requirements. Contact OBOA at 905-264-1662 or visit the OBOA website.
	OrderLine offers a large collection of products, available in a wide variety of formats. Orderline is the exclusive distributor of: The Ontario Building Code (for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing) The Code and Construction Guide for Housing (for the Ontario New Home Warranty Program) The Ontario Electrical Safety Code and the Ontario Electrical Safety Code Bulletins (for the Ontario Electrical Safety Authority)
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Contact Information
City of Kitchener Building Division
5th Floor, Berlin Tower
City Hall, P.O. Box 1118
200 King Street West
Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7
Phone: 519-741-2433
General Building E-mail

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