Office of the Chief Building Official

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About Us

About Us

Mission Statement

To support the sustainable development of a great city of communities through the advancement of regulations and policy that enables the design, construction, and operation of buildings that are safe, healthy, and accessible for their citizens.

Role of the Chief Building Official

The Chief Building Official acts as the “Authority Having Jurisdiction” under the Vancouver Building By-law and is responsible for providing direct leadership and guidance on technical and policy issues to the Office of the Chief Building Official. In addition to Chief Building Official’s Office, the Chief Building Official also provides technical leadership to both Plan Examination and Inspection staff who are charged with the administration of the Building By-law and implementation of Building Policy.

Key Functions of the Chief Building Official’s Office

The Office of the Chief Building Official is responsible for the following:

  • Building Policy Work
  • Review and Acceptance of Alternative Solutions
  • By-law Development (Fire Protection, Accessibility, Building Envelope, Structural Design, Green Building)
  • Statistical Information related to Permitting and Building Construction
  • Certified Professional Program
  • Structural Review Program

Office of the Chief Building Official Staff

Name

Area of Responsibility

Will Johnston, P.Eng.
Director, Licences & Inspections, and Chief Building Official
604.873.7515
will.johnston@vancouver.ca

  • Leadership and Direction of the Office of the Chief Building Official and of the Licences & Inspections Department (including direct management of the Chief Building Official’s Office)
  • Overall policy development
  • Overall development of Building By-laws

James Lau, P.Eng.
Building Policy Engineer
604.871.6890
james.lau@vancouver.ca

  • By-law Development
  • Management of the Structural Review Program
  • Review of Alternative Solutions

Tim Ryce, P.Eng
Building Policy Engineer
604.871.6751
tim.ryce@vancouver.ca

  • By-law Development / Green Building Strategy Development
  • Review of Alternative Solutions
  • Green Building Technology

Susan Wheeler
Administrative Assistant to the
Director of Licences & Inspections/
Chief Building Official

604.873.7682
susan.wheeler@vancouver.ca

  • Administrative support to the Director of Licences & Inspections / Chief Building Official

 

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