Certified Professional (CP) Program

Procedures for CP Audits

As indicated in our rollout in April 2003, the City will use an audit system to monitor the Certified Professional (CP) program. Some CPs expressed concerns that the audit will take place too late or that the level of review will be too detailed. The following is a summary of the discussion with some of the CPs and City staff. This is a guideline on how the audit will unfold. Specific audits may deviate based on circumstances.

1. The audits will be done on construction drawings at the final design stage. Audits will be done by the Building Code Engineers in the Processing Centre Building Branch (PCBB). On project specific reasons, the code compliance drawings may receive a cursory check.
2. There will be ongoing dialogue between the PCBB Engineer and the CP during the audit. The PCBB Engineer will provide the CP with a list of issues identified in the audit for feedback from the CP. The Engineer will not start the audit process “cold” but will begin with a review of the CBO staff’s notes from the preliminary and code compliance meetings. The CP will be offered a meeting at the beginning of the process so that s/he has a chance to explain her/his approach and interpretation(s).
3. The audit is independent of the release of permits. The purpose of the audits is to monitor quality and raise awareness of those issues for which there is a pattern of “problems” for CP’s and/or the City.
4. Each CP will initially have one project audited and then audits will be conducted randomly on a risk assessment basis. If a particular CP regularly misinterprets the VBBL, audits may be conducted more regularly.
5. Audit results will be put in writing and given to the CP. The PCBB Manager and/or the CP Coordinator will review and determine patterns. Workshops and/or changes to CP course materials may result.
6. The CP Coordinator will write a report after one year’s experience with audits to identify any necessary changes to the process and to identify common issues.
7. The District Building Inspector will not be involved in the audit process but will be attending monthly on-site meetings with the CP/CRP during construction to monitor the process.
8. As part of the regular process (not via the audit), if there is a Minor Amendment to the Development Permit, record drawings and construction drawings will be compared by PCBB staff.
9. As part of the regular process (not via the audit), the PCBB Engineer or Manager, together with the Manager of Building Inspections will be clearing the occupancy permit (as long as any “holds” on occupancy have been eliminated and all other clearances obtained). The CP should allow for review time prior to the occupancy final if final design drawings are submitted, particularly on projects where minor amendments are issued.

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