The Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing put together a program that would provide better protections for the public, make the permit process go faster and upgrade the standards of licensed designers. In 2006, Bill 124 of article 2.17.5.1 of the Ontario Building Code was implemented. When companies or individuals meet the testing and registration requirements, they receive a Building Code Identification Number, also known as BCIN. A BCIN designer or firm has met the license requirements of the Ministry
Designer businesses who are engaged in design activities for the public must be licensed. When a company or partnership is licensed, they will have to name a registrant who is responsible for reviewing the plans before they go to the permit office. This named person, be it a partner, or employee, will also need a BCIN in their name. The code is periodically updated requiring all licensed entities to update their qualifications.
Responsibility for qualification and registration lies with the firm or individual. The municipality holds the responsibility of validating information listed on the application, making sure that proper insurance is in force, and that registration with the province has been filed. It also accepts, approves, renews, suspends, and revokes licenses. In addition, it is under the municipality’s jurisdiction to enforce the building codes.
Any documents that are filed with the chief building official must have the identification number of the firm and the qualified person listed. This qualified person must also submit a statement of responsibility for any design activities. This person will also be required to have his or her name and signature on the document.
For easy public verification, the Ministry has provided a search site called QuARTS. This stands for Qualification and Registration Tracking System, the online site is in French and English languages. By inputting the company name, individual’s name, or the BCIN, the system can show that a company is or is not in the system. When an entity is found and the status is active, you will know they have met all requirements for the program.
The QuARTS site will give you the following information, the name associated with the identification number, the area of and categories of qualification, if the status is active and a link to the company information. Company information provided gives you the physical address, telephone and facsimile numbers and any relevant E-mail address. Once again, the identification number, the registration information and status are shown on the screen.
Bill 124, in addition to requiring qualifications, registration, and insurance, also instituted timeframes for processing, issuance, or for the provision of a permit rejection. The required application forms for permits were standardized for use across the province. Fee structure rules were instituted, and inspections became mandatory at benchmark stages of construction.
With the intent on providing qualified plans for permits, the Ministry works with professionals to make the process easier. A BCIN designer, other builders, the community, as well as the owner of the building project will spend less time in the permit process and more time getting the job completed. Search online for education locations and requirements.
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