Building Officials undertake at all times to:
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act in the public interest, particularly with regard to the safety of buildings and designated structures
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maintain their knowledge and understanding of the best current building practice, the building laws and regulations relevant to their building certifying functions
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commit themselves to a process of continuous education so as to constantly be aware of developments in building design, practice and the law relevant to their duties
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comply with the provisions of the Building Code Act, the Building Code and any other Act or applicable Law that regulates or governs Building Officials of their functions
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avoid situations where there may be, or where there may reasonably appear to be, a conflict between their duties to their clients, their profession, their peers and the public at large and their personal interests
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not act beyond their level of competence or outside their area of expertise
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apply all relevant building laws, regulations and standards strictly and without favour and independent of the influence of interested parties or members of municipal council
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perform their inspections and certifying duties impartially and in accordance with the highest professional standards
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not divulge any confidential or sensitive information or material, that they became privy to in the performance of their duties, except in accordance with laws governing freedom of information and protection of privacy
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extend professional courtesy to all
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not act officiously or permit personal feelings, prejudices, animosities or friendships to influence decisions
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recognize the appointment under the Building Code Act as a symbol of public faith
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maintain current accreditation to perform the functions assigned to them
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take all reasonable steps to ascertain and document all available facts relevant to the performance of their duties
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demonstrate compliance with all regulations and standards that govern building construction, health & safety or other matters related to their status as a building official
The Building Code Act provides that the performance of Building Officials will be measured against this code of conduct. In response to any allegation of a breach of this code, the Chief Building Official shall direct an investigation and where appropriate, recommend disciplinary action against any Building Official who fails to comply with this code of conduct. Where the allegation is against the chief building official, the Director of Development Services and/or the Chief Administrative Officer will direct the investigation and make such recommendations as are reasonable.
In determining the appropriate discipline, the Chief Building Official or the Director of Development Services and/or the Chief Administrative Officer will have regard to the relevance of the conduct to the official's powers and responsibilities as well as the severity of any misconduct.
