Topics:

Section 1: Overview of Regulatory Structure in BC

• Provincial legislation and authority
• Local government powers and responsibilities
• Relationship between Acts, regulations, and bylaws

Section 2: Roles of Government and Jurisdiction Types

• Provincial vs municipal vs regional district roles
• Incorporated vs unincorporated areas
• Electoral areas and governance

Section 3: BC Building Code and Regulatory Hierarchy

• Province-wide application of BCBC
• Exceptions (e.g., Vancouver)
• Relationship with zoning and bylaws

Section 4: Identifying Project Jurisdiction and Authority

• Determining governing authority
• Title search and legal description
• Mapping tools and boundary verification

Section 5: Regulatory Relationships and Approval Pathways

• Zoning vs permits vs building code
• Sequence of approvals
• Common regulatory misunderstandings

Learning Outcome: Learners will be able to identify the correct authority and regulatory pathway for a project.

Topics:

Section 1: Structure and Purpose of Zoning Bylaws

• Zoning maps and classifications
• Permitted uses and land use controls
• Legal and non-conforming uses

Section 2: Development Standards and Site Restrictions

• Setbacks (front, rear, side)
• Lot coverage and density (FSR)
• Building height and envelope controls

Section 3: Residential Uses and Accessory Development

• Secondary suites and regulations
• Accessory buildings and garden suites
• Use-specific zoning conditions

Section 4: Additional Bylaws Affecting Residential Projects

• Parking and landscaping requirements
• Screening and buffering
• Tree protection, soil, and noise bylaws

Section 5: Zoning Compliance and Planning Considerations

• Reviewing zoning during design
• Identifying conflicts and constraints
• Adjusting project scope for compliance

Learning Outcome: Learners will be able to assess zoning constraints and adjust project design accordingly.

Topics:

Section 1: Official Community Plans and Land Use Designation

• Purpose of OCPs
• Land use categories and density planning
• Policy direction for development

Section 2: Development Permit Areas and Their Function

• Types of DPAs
• Legal authority and application
• Conditions requiring development permits

Section 3: Hazard and Environmental Development Permit Areas

• Flood, wildfire, and slope hazard areas
• Riparian and environmental protection zones
• Setbacks and protection requirements

Section 4: Form, Character, and Climate-Based DPAs

• Design and appearance controls
• Streetscape and neighbourhood context
• Climate and sustainability considerations

Section 5: Development Permit Triggers and Project Impact

• Location-based triggers
• Development type triggers
• Design, cost, and approval implications

Learning Outcome: Learners will be able to identify development permit triggers and integrate them into project planning.

Topics:

Section 1: Types of Development Applications

• Development permits
• Development variance permits
• Rezoning applications

Section 2: Application Requirements and Supporting Documentation

• Application forms and fees
• Drawings and plans
• Environmental, geotechnical, and servicing reports

Section 3: Review Process and Stakeholder Involvement

• Planning and engineering review
• Interdepartmental and external referrals
• Public notification and consultation

Section 4: Decision-Making and Approval Authority

• Council and regional board approvals
• Conditions of approval
• Legal agreements and securities

Section 5: Timelines, Sequencing, and Approval Strategy

• Typical timelines and delays
• Sequencing multiple approvals
• Managing revisions and resubmissions

Learning Outcome: Learners will be able to navigate approval pathways and prepare complete permit applications.

Topics:

Section 1: Building Permit Application and Plan Review

• Submission requirements
• Code compliance checks
• Coordination with zoning approvals

Section 2: Role of Professionals and Consultants

• Architects and designers
• Engineers and consultants
• Environmental and technical reports

Section 3: Construction Inspections and Compliance Stages

• Foundation, framing, and systems inspections
• Inspection scheduling and coordination
• Role of building officials

Section 4: Deficiencies, Corrections, and Re-Inspections

• Common inspection failures
• Documentation requirements
• Resolving deficiencies

Section 5: Final Approval and Occupancy Process

• Final inspection requirements
• Occupancy permits
• Completion documentation and certification

Learning Outcome: Learners will be able to manage permit submissions, coordinate inspections, and achieve occupancy approval.

Topics:

Section 1: Understanding Unincorporated and Rural Areas

• Definition of electoral areas
• Regional district jurisdiction
• Geographic and regulatory differences

Section 2: Land Use Regulation in Electoral Areas

• Regional district zoning and bylaws
• Agricultural and rural land restrictions
• Development limitations

Section 3: Building Oversight and Inspection Limitations

• Areas without building inspection services
• Builder responsibility for compliance
• Alternative verification methods

Section 4: Subdivision, Infrastructure, and Servicing Requirements

• Provincial subdivision approval process
• Access, roads, and servicing requirements
• Utilities and infrastructure challenges

Section 5: Construction Challenges in Remote Locations

• Site access and logistics
• Material delivery and workforce constraints
• Risk management in rural projects

Learning Outcome: Learners will be able to identify rural construction constraints and plan accordingly.

Topics:

Section 1: Provincial Environmental Regulatory Framework

• Overview of applicable regulations
• Environmental compliance requirements
• Role of provincial authorities

Section 2: Riparian and Environmental Protection Requirements

• Riparian setbacks and assessments
• Role of Qualified Environmental Professionals
• Environmental protection measures

Section 3: Floodplain and Hazard Area Regulations

• Flood construction levels
• Elevation and setback requirements
• Hazard mapping and risk zones

Section 4: Geotechnical and Site Condition Requirements

• Slope stability and soil conditions
• Engineering assessments
• Site safety considerations

Section 5: Servicing Requirements and Approvals

• On-site sewage systems
• Water supply and wells
• Servicing approvals and documentation

Learning Outcome: Learners will be able to recognize environmental triggers and integrate servicing solutions into project planning.

Topics:

Section 1: Identifying and Assessing Regulatory Risks

• Zoning and permit risks
• Environmental and site risks
• Approval and timeline risks

Section 2: Pre-Construction Due Diligence and Planning

• Site and regulatory analysis
• Feasibility review
• Early-stage decision making

Section 3: Permit Coordination and Sequencing Strategy

• Order of approvals
• Parallel vs sequential processes
• Critical path planning

Section 4: Managing Changes and Client Communication

• Design adjustments
• Handling delays and revisions
• Communicating timelines and risks

Section 5: Case-Based Applications and Best Practices

• Municipal project scenarios
• Rural and electoral area scenarios
• Environmental constraint scenarios
• Integrated compliance strategies

Learning Outcome: Learners will be able to apply a structured approach to risk management and regulatory compliance.