Letters of Assurance

Questions and Answers

Question: What are Letters of Assurance (LoAs) and how are they used?

Answer: Letters of Assurance were introduced in the 1992 BC Building Code as an accountability mechanism, to provide assurance that building design and construction are substantially in compliance with the Code and that the necessary field reviews on a project have been completed. Professionals must sign and place their seal on the required Letters, and submit them to the Authority Having Jurisdiction.

Question: What changes are being made to the LoAs?

Answer: Three changes have been made to the LoAs:

  1. The term Registered Professional of Record (RPR) is being introduced. There will be one single RPR for each discipline, and that RPR will sign the discipline’s LoA.
  2. We are merging Schedule B-1 and B-2 into a single Schedule B. There will now be four LoAs: A, B, C-A & C-B.
  3. In accordance with Green Provisions already included in Part 10 of the BC Building Code, LoAs will now explicitly reference Part 10 provisions.

Question: Why are these changes being made?

Answer: These changes are being made to help code oversight requirements keep pace with the evolutions in construction practices and new code requirements for energy and water efficiency. The Province believes the changes will help ensure a smoother LoA application process. They also support the Modernization Strategy’s goal of clarifying the responsibilities and accountabilities of industry participants.

Question: When will the changes be implemented?

Answer: The LOA changes come into effect September 1, 2010. They will apply to all building permits received on or after that date.

Question: What about the Guide to the Letters of Assurance?

Answer: The Guide to the Letters of Assurance has also been updated in collaboration with the professional associations, the building officials association and UBCM. The revised Guide will be available on the Building & Safety Branch website on or shortly after September 1, 2010.

Question: Will education and training be available for this change?

Training per se is not likely to be required as these changes are designed to clarify rather than add new requirements. The changes were developed to meet the needs of professionals and authorities having jurisdiction. In addition to the new Guide, participating professional associations will work to communicate the changes to their memberships.

Question: Are there any costs involved?

Answer: No.