Building BC - Fall 2011: Page 9 of 12

New Tool for Building Officials

Building officials now have a new resource to help ensure builders, owners and developers have the correct HPO documentation prior to obtaining a building permit.

The HPO mailed its updated Accepting HPO Registration Forms: A Guide for Building Permit Issuing Authorities to all B.C. municipalities and regional districts in August. The first version of this document was released in 2005, prior to the Homeowner Protection Act amendments in November 2007 and the introduction of online HPO application processes.

“The development of this helpful reference guide is part of the HPO’s ongoing education and awareness efforts for B.C.’s building community,” said Wendy Acheson, HPO Vice President and Registrar. “By working together to ensure compliance with the Homeowner Protection Act and regulations, we’re all contributing to better residential construction and greater consumer protection in B.C.”

Through an easy-to-use grid system, this two-page document will help authorities that issue building permits to:

• Determine if a proposed residential building project requires an HPO certified New Home Registration Form or Building Envelope Renovation Schedule.
• Determine if the HPO certified New Home Registration Form or Building Envelope Renovation Schedule issued by the HPO is appropriate for the building permit applicant’s proposed project.
• Review and complete New Home Registration Forms or Building Envelope Renovation Schedules for both paper and online processes.

For more information on the Accepting HPO Registration Forms: A Guide for Building Permit Issuing Authorities document or the online Local Government Portal, contact the HPO Licensing Department toll-free at 1-800-407-7757 or licensinginfo@hpo.bc.ca.