Applicants can now hire certified professionals to support processing building permit applications.
What is the Certified Professional (CP) Program?
The Certified Professional program offers a voluntary alternative route for obtaining building and occupancy permits for large, complex builds (projects regulated under Divisions A, B (Parts 1 and 3), and C of the British Columbia Building Code), helping to streamline the approval process while ensuring the highest safety standards and conformity with the British Columbia Building Code (the Code).
The Program allows applicants to hire a CP to assist with the City’s building permit review and approval process. CPs are experts in interpreting the Code’s fire, life safety, and accessibility provisions and are trained to recommend effective strategies for achieving Code conformity. As third-party building code specialists, CPs can support both the applicant and City building officials by providing impartial design review, advice and recommendations to ensure a project’s design and construction comply with the Building Code, the related development permit and other relevant safety enactments. The City’s Senior Building Official relies upon the CP’s assurances in issuing Building Permits and Occupancy Permits for projects constructed under the CP Program. Applicants may opt into the program.
While the CP can help the applicant navigate the Building Permit application process and can provide design and site review support to the City of Maple Ridge, ultimately, City building officials retain final authority over all permit decisions.
Permit applications submitted using the CP program approach must be prepared in accordance with the British Columbia Certified Professional Program Manual and the City of Maple Ridge Certified Professional Program.
Maple Ridge Certified Professional Supplemental Guide
Why Use a Certified Professional?
CPs bring extensive industry and Code knowledge, ensuring the highest safety standards are met for both new construction and major renovation projects. Their deep understanding of the Code and their ability to enhance the design and site review processes help avoid unnecessary delays and accelerate regulatory timelines. Additionally, applicants may be eligible to apply for staged Building Permits, provided all conditions are met. Staged permitting can further expedite timelines by allowing certain project work to proceed concurrently.
What Does a Certified Professional Do?
- Interpret and advise on relevant sections of the BC Building Code
- Provide coordination support for applicants to meet Code requirements
- Assist the City with plan review and site inspections
Who Can Work as a Certified Professional?
To qualify as a CP in Maple Ridge, an individual must meet the following criteria:
- Be an architect registered and in good standing with the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC), or a professional engineer registered and in good standing with Engineers and Geoscientists BC
- Have successfully completed the Certified Professional Course
- Maintain a minimum of $2,000,000 per claim in Professional Liability Insurance
- Hold a valid Maple Ridge Business License
How to Hire a CP
Reach out to registered architects or engineers who are certified with the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC) or Engineers and Geoscientists BC.
The following steps will be undertaken:
- Step one: building permit pre-application meeting
- Step two: submit the building permit application package and application fee
- Step three: project design review
- Step four: applying for trade permits and construction
- Step five: final inspection
- Step six: get occupancy
Developers and builders interested in learning more about the program can contact the City by emailing BuildingEnquiries@MapleRidge.ca.
Forms and Applications
Schedule CP-1 Confirmation of Commitment by Owner and “Certified Professional”
Schedule CP-2 Confirmation of Completion of Code Coordination
Schedule CP-3 Confirmation of Tenant Improvement Compatibility
Schedule F Owner’s Undertaking
Authorized Staged Construction Form
Authorized Staged Construction Drawing List
Development Permit Confirmation Letter
Development Permit Changes Letter
Certified Professional Information Sheet
Schedule E-1 Assurance of Building Envelope Professional Design
Independent Review Assurance of Structural Design Concept
Tenant Improvement Development Review Confirmation Letter