Alternative solutions

What alternative solutions can apply to

New construction
New conditions
The retention of existing features in an existing building

Alternative solutions provide:

Designers with greater flexibility in building construction
Design teams with design methods that are different from the prescriptive Building By-law requirements

These are not building permits. It doesn't give you authorization for construction.

Steps to getting alternative solution(s)

You must submit a completed form to be considered for an alternative solution.

Alternative solution submissions are evaluated based on a technical report showing that the proposed approach provides an equal or better level of performance to the prescribed provisions in the Building By-law.

Step 1: Confirm that you require alternative solution(s)
An alternative solution is a variation from the normal regulatory requirements. Discuss this with your architect, or other qualified design professional to understand your options.

You may need to engage specialty design professionals with the expertise necessary to meet your objectives.

If there are difficult issues with the upgrading of an existing building, your architect or engineer may identify that their submittal is a request for “acceptance of existing condition with mitigating features”, if the existing construction is not otherwise altered.

Bulletins

Review bulletins that are relevant to your situation:
Not sure if an alternative solution should be submitted? Contact the Development and Building Services Centre
Step 2: Submit your application and pay fee
Who can prepare an application

Alternative solution proposals or applications must be prepared by a:
- Professional architect, OR
- Engineer registered in the Province of BC
An alternative solution is not a building permit. You will still need to make a separate application for any required construction permits.

Electronic application documentation must be provided with appropriate Digital Seal technology in accordance with the regulatory requirements of AIBC and APEGBC. Learn more about electronic application process

A. Complete and submit application

Complete the AL-1 application form (180 KB). It must be include with your online application to be consider as an alternative solution. The AL-1 application form is not used for a building permit submission.

Submit your application

If the alternative solution was submitted in error, you may be able to get a refund if the review process has not been started. Administrative fees may still apply.

B. Application reviewed

After the application has been submitted:
- A detailed review will be performed
- We will contact you if any additional information or clarification is required
Alternative solutions are highly individualized submissions, and the complexity of an alternative solution varies considerably. This often affects review times. An initial review of a submittal usually take about 4 to 6 weeks, and we may need additional information or feedback from your project team before a final decision can be made.

C. Review response received

You will be notified by email with instructions on how to access approved documentation through your online account.
Step 3: Implement your alternative solutions
A. Application accepted

When your application has been accepted:
- Confirm the alternative solution details have been included in the accepted building permit, OR
- Revise your building permit to reflect the accepted alternative solution
B. Begin work

Proceed with the work under the building permit. Site conditions may require variation from the intended plan. Discuss these with your consultant as a revision to the alternative solution may be required in some instances.

Before the building is occupied:
- Have your consultant review the final installation, AND
- Provide a sign-off letter for submittal to the building inspector