DIRECTOR’S INTERPRETATION
Mar 2005
97-DI-002R2
Page 1 of 23
PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT IN PROJECTS, RESPONSIBILITIES, THE
SCHEDULES, AND SEALS/STAMPS ON CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
INTRODUCTION
The Administrative Items Regulation (AIR) made under the Safety Codes Act (SCA) and the
Alberta Building Code 1997 (ABC 97) detail requirements for professional involvement and use
of seals/ stamps on construction documents.
This STANDATA is a combination of 97-DI-002R1, “Professional Involvement in Projects and
Seals/Stamps on Construction Drawings”, and 97-DI-028, “Responsibilities, Professional
Involvement & Schedules”.
The scope of this bulletin includes:
o Requirements involving registered architects, licensed interior designers, professional
engineers (including structural, mechanical, electrical and geotechnical engineers) and
registered professional technologists (engineering).
o Responsibilities provided in the Safety Codes Act for persons involved in the construction
industry.
o Schedules that document the commitments of the owner and professionals as well as
provide the Authority Having Jurisdiction with assurance that the completed building
meets the Alberta Building Code 1997.
ISSUE OF THIS INTERPRETATION IS
AUTHORIZED UNDER ARTICLE 2.5.1.5. OF THE
ALBERTA BUILDING CODE 1997 BY THE
DIRECTOR/ ADMINISTRATOR.
C.M. TYE
Alberta Municipal Affairs, 16th Floor, Commerce Place, 10155 – 102 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5J 4L4
Safety Codes Council, Suite 800, 10707 – 100 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5J 3M1
PERMITS
A building permit will usually be required to construct a building. This permit under the Safety
Codes Act must not be confused with a development permit.
A development permit allows a specific type of development on a specific parcel of land to
proceed and assures conformance with the zoning and development bylaws of the municipality
that are enacted for orderly development of land.
A building permit allows construction of buildings or structures to proceed on condition of
compliance with the Alberta Building Code that addresses public safety. In most municipalities
a development permit will also be needed. Usually an application for a development permit
precedes an application for a building permit.
The owner, or the owner's agent (who could be an architect, a professional engineer, a registered
professional technologist (engineering), a licensed interior designer or a constructor), must apply
to the municipality for necessary permits. These permits must be obtained before work is started
(SCA s.43(1)).
No matter what statements, conditions or requirements may be made in any other Act, in a
regulation made under any other Act or in any by-law of a municipality, a permit may not be
issued for the use, occupancy, relocation, construction or demolition of a building except in
accordance with the requirements of the Safety Codes Act.
When a building is required to have professional involvement for all aspects of the project, the
Alberta Building Code 1997 requires that Schedules A-1, A-2, B-1 and B-2 be completed and
attached to the plans and specifications at the time of application for a building permit (refer to
the Professional Seals/Stamps Chart on pages 4 to 6). Schedules A-1 and A-2 are to be in place
at the inception of the project (before the development or building permit). Schedules B-1 and B2 are to be submitted at the time of application for a building permit (ABC 97 Sentence
2.6.1.1.(1)).
Once the building is complete and ready for occupancy, the Coordinating Registered
Professional must submit Schedules C-1 and C-2 to the authority having jurisdiction. Normally
there will only be a single C-1 Schedule on a project, however there will be a C-2 Schedule for
each registered professional of record.
An authority having jurisdiction may issue a permit if an owner or an owner's agent submits
Schedule A-1, A-2, B-1 and B-2, plans and drawings/specifications as an application or as part of
an application for a permit to construct, erect or enlarge any building or part of a building. The
plans, drawings and specifications must conform to requirements for professional seals/stamps in
the Administrative Items Regulation and Subsection 2.3.3. of the Alberta Building Code 1997 as
summarized under the Professional Seals/Stamps Chart on pages 4 to 6.
If any plans, drawings or specifications are submitted without evidence of the appropriate
professional involvement i.e., seals/stamps and signatures or without the Schedules attached,
an authority having jurisdiction would have to refuse to issue the permit until the applicant
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resubmitted the documents including the appropriate professional input (as shown by proper
seals/stamps and signatures and the Schedules).
A building permit may be revoked if specific conditions are not met or if the permit was issued
in error or on the basis of incorrect information (ABC 97 1.2.1.7.(1)).
PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND DOCUMENTS
In addition to requirements given in other parts of the Alberta Building Code 1997, applicants for
a building permit must:
(a) identify and describe in detail the project or occupancy to be covered by the permit for
which the application is made,
(b) describe the land on which the project is to be undertaken by a description that will readily
identify and locate the building lot,
(c) submit plans, specifications documents, showing the proposed occupancy of all parts of the
building,
(d) state the valuation of the proposed project, and
(e) state, as applicable, the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the owner, and designer
(ABC 97 1.2.1.4.(1)).
The submission of the schedules, plans, specifications and documents is mandatory with an
application for a building permit unless the authority having jurisdiction has waived this
requirement. Exceptions are granted only for minor renovations and alterations.
REQUIREMENTS FOR PROFESSIONALS
Subsection 2.3.3. of the Alberta Building Code 1997 details the requirements for professional
involvement based on occupancy, size and/or complexity of the building. These are summarized
in the Professional Seals/Stamps Chart and notes that follow the chart. The Chart is for guidance
only and the Alberta Building Code 1997 should be referenced if there are any questions.
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PROFESSIONAL SEALS/STAMPS CHART
Professional Seal Requirements of the Alberta Building Code 1997
All plans and specifications must be signed, sealed/stamped, and dated.
Classification
Group A, B
2.3.3.1.(2).(a)
Max 100 m2
Max 300 m2
1 Storey
Max 150 m2
Max 100 m2
Max 150 m2
Max 100 m2
2 Storey
1 Storey
Classification
Group C
2.3.3.1.(2).(b)
> 150 m2
> 100 m2
> 150 m2
> 100 m2
2 Storey
1
Seals/
Stamps
Not
Required
3 Storey
> 100 m2
> 300 m2
Three
Storeys
Max
More
than
Three
Storeys
2 Architect
and
Engineer
3 Storey
1
Seals/
Stamps
Not
Required
Single Family Dwelling
2.3.3.1.(2).(b).(i)
Three
Storeys
Max
Apartments, Row Housing or Similar
2.3.3.1.(2).(b).(ii)
Three
Storeys
Max
Seals/
Stamps
Not
Required
Apartments, Row Housing or Similar
2.3.3.1.(3).(a)
Three
Storeys
Max
Architect
or
Engineer
More
than
Three
Storeys
2
Architect
and
Engineer
1
35
to 20 dwelling units on a single site.
2.3.3.1.(4)
More than 20 dwelling units on a single site.
Hotel, Motel or Similar
2.3.3.1.(2)
Max 400 m2
1 Storey
Max 130 m2
Max 200 m2
Max 130 m2
Max 200 m2
Max 130 m2
2 Storey
Three
Storeys
Max
1
Seals/
Stamps
Not
Required
3 Storey
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Hotel, Motel or Similar
2.3.3.1.(4).(c)
> 130 m2
> 200 m2
> 130 m2
> 400 m2
> 200 m2
> 130 m2
1 Storey
2 Storey
3 Storey
Classification
Group D, E
2.3.3.1.(2).(d)
Max 165
m2
Max 250 m2
Max 165 m2
Max 500 m2
Max 250 m2
Max 165 m2
1 Storey
2 Storey
3 Storey
> 165 m2
> 250 m2
> 165 m2
> 500 m2
> 250 m2
> 165 m2
1 Storey
2 Storey
3 Storey
Classification
Group F
2.3.3.1.(2).(d)
2.3.3.1.(3).(b) & (c)
Max
Max 250m2
Max 165m2
Max 500m2
Max 250m2
Max 165m2
1 Storey
2 Storey
3 Storey
> 165 m2
> 500 m2
165m2
> 250 m2
> 165 m2
> 250 m2
> 165 m2
More
than
Three
Storeys
Three
Storeys
Max
2
Architect
and
Engineer
1 Seals/
Stamps Not
Required
More
than
Three
Storeys
2
Three
Storeys
Max
1
More
than
Three
Storeys
Architect
and
Engineer
Seals/
Stamps
Not
Required
Architect
or
Engineer
1 Storey
2 Storey
3 Storey
Occupant load designed: Greater than 28 m2 per person
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> 165 m2
> 500 m2
> 250 m2
> 165 m2
> 250 m2
> 165 m2
More
than
Three
Storeys
2
Architect
and
Engineer
1 Storey
2 Storey
3 Storey
Occupant load designed: Less than 28 m2 per person
Multiple Occupancies
2.3.3.1.(3).(c)
Group F
Major
Occupancy
>28 m2 per
person
Others
Architect
or
Engineer
Other
Occupancy
< 400 m2
Farm buildings that are not for public use.
2.3.3.1.(2).(c)
Relocatable industrial camp building.
2.3.3.1.(2).(f)
Swimming Pools
7.3.1.2.(1)
Seals/
Stamps
Not
Required
4 Seals/
Stamps
Not
Required
Architect
or
Engineer
Notes to the Chart:
1) Seals/Stamps may be required for specific design items (such as structural) for virtually all buildings.
2) Check also for architect or engineer with restricted practitioner.
3) This refers to a building that could be sold as a legal entity together with the land it is on. There may be more
than one of these buildings in a development.
4) Structural components of load-bearing assemblies must be designed by a professional engineer (ABC 97
10.2.1.1.).
5) Building area means the area of a building that is contained within the outside surface of the exterior walls of
the building.
6) The 'height' of a building is the building height of the building determined in conformance with the Alberta
Building Code.
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ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Additionally, the Administrative Items Regulation and the ABC 97 requires professional
involvement as follows:
(a) A professional engineer is required to design, review construction and witness the testing of
an automatic sprinkler system installed in buildings that require professional involvement.
(ABC Article 2.3.3.2. & AIR s.22).
(b) A professional engineer is required to design, review, and verify a fire alarm system
installed in a building that requires professional involvement. (ABC Article 2.3.3.3. &
AIR s.23) (see also STANDATA 97-DR-003R1 & 97-DI-020)
(c) A professional engineer or an architect is required to prepare the plans and specifications
and to seal/stamp the drawings for a public swimming pool or a semi-public swimming
pool. (ABC 97 7.3.1.2.)
(d) If site conditions, size or complexity warrant, architectural or engineering seals/stamps may
be required for any building, whether excluded in the above chart or not. This would occur
under conditions involving such things as a soils investigation, special foundations,
innovative structural systems, reinforced concrete or steel structures and complicated suite
layouts or exiting patterns (AIR s. 18(1)). Additions to buildings often require professional
involvement regardless of size because of existing load-bearing walls being pierced or snow
shadows cast by existing buildings on additions.
An authority having jurisdiction may not issue a permit for any building beyond the scope of the
Professional Seals/Stamps Chart unless the appropriate architect's and professional engineer's
seals/stamps are on the plans. In the majority of cases the plans and other documents are
separated into architectural, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, mechanical
engineering and electrical engineering categories. Appropriate seals/stamps will be expected to
be used in each category. Only those with appropriate qualifications within each category may
apply their seal/stamp and signature to design documents.
It has been recognized in certain circumstances where the involvement of the other disciplines is
very limited that there is no need to require more than one seal/stamp. The removal of a column
or other similar structural member would be considered as structural engineering work. A
heating, air conditioning or ventilating system change or a change in a piping installation would
be considered as mechanical engineering work. Lighting, power, fire alarm or other electrical
system renovations would be considered as electrical engineering work. Changes in partitioning,
tenant layout, or interior finish treatments would be considered as architectural work.
See EXCEPTIONS below for further information.
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CONSTRUCTION REVIEW
Whenever professional seals/stamps are required on plans, the Code also requires that a
registered architect and/or engineer be retained to review construction (AIR s. 21 to 24). This
construction review may also be required on buildings with special complexities, even though
such buildings may not require sealed/stamped drawings/plans and specifications.
The owner is responsible for giving names, addresses and telephone numbers of the professional
engineer or registered professional technologist (engineering) and/or architect or licensed interior
designer reviewing the construction and must inform the authority having jurisdiction of any
change in responsibility immediately that the change occurs (ABC 97 1.2.4.1.(2)).
If construction review is not undertaken or if the owner terminates the employment of the
architect, interior designer, professional engineer and/or the registered professional technologist
(engineering) without replacing them, the owner has contravened a condition under which the
permit was issued and the authority having jurisdiction has the authority to revoke the
permit at that time because the requirements of the Alberta Building Code 1997 are not being
met (ABC 97 1.2.1.7(1)).
EXCEPTIONS
There is a portion of the practice of architecture for which interior designers have been registered
or licensed pursuant to regulations under the Architects Act in which the seal/stamp of a license
interior designer may be accepted as fulfilling the intent of the Alberta Building Code 1997 for
specified parts of the practice of architecture. The scope of work that can be undertaken by
licensed interior designers is defined in Alberta Regulation 174/83, the Interior Design
Regulation, and 381/84, the Interior Design Amendment Regulation, under the Architects Act.
An extract from the text of this regulation follows:
"interior design" means that portion of the practice of architecture that is limited to
(i) giving advice or preparing designs, plans, drawings, detail drawings, specifications or
graphic representations respecting
(A) interior finishes in a building;
(B) fixed or loose furnishings, equipment or fixtures for use in a building; or
(C) partitioning in a building that is used to subdivide a floor area;
(ii) the administering of construction contracts, inspection of work and assessment of the
performance of work, and the quality of materials related to the work described in
subclause (i);
but does not include
(iii) services affecting the structural integrity of a building, including removal of, or
alteration to, floor and roof elements;
(iv) services which affect the electrical or mechanical systems of a building;
(v) services which alter the construction or location of a building enclosure system;
(vi) services which add usable floor space through the addition of mezzanines, infill or
similar elements;
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(vii) services which, through organization or change in occupancy, affect the number,
location or size of exits or stairways within or attached to a building or proposed
building;
It is clear that interior design work does not include any work on the exterior shell of a building,
exits or exit stairways or engineering work.
REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL TECHNOLOGISTS (ENGINEERING)
A registered professional technologist (engineering) may engage in the practice of engineering
within a specified scope of practice as described in his or her certificate of registration. The
authority having jurisdiction can accept documents stamped by an appropriately licensed
registered professional technologist (engineering) as having the same validity as those stamped
by a professional engineer. In general, the provisions of the Engineering, Geological and
Geophysical Professions Act and General Regulation apply to registered professional
technologists (engineering) as if they were professional engineers, within their defined scope of
practice.
USE OF SEALS/STAMPS
When professionals are involved in the design and preparation of drawings and/or specifications
for a project, they are required to seal/stamp, sign and date the drawings and/or specifications. A
single drawing could require more than one seal/stamp and signature if, for example, it details
both architectural and engineering work.
The scope of practice of architects, professional engineers, registered professional technologists
(engineering) and interior designers is regulated under the Architects Act and the Engineering,
Geological and Geophysical Professions Act.
The Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta has
published a guideline on the use of seals/stamps entitled “Practice Standard for Authenticating
Professional Documents v2.0,” published in April 2002. APEGGA's Code of Ethics requires that
engineers undertake only work that they are competent to perform by virtue of training and
experience. If, during the review of plans sealed/stamped by an engineer, the qualifications of the
engineer are thought to be deficient, APEGGA can assist in the determination of the
qualifications of the engineer.
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RESPONSIBILITIES - SAFETY CODES ACT
The Schedules that are required by Section 2.6 of the Alberta Building Code 1997 do not take
away from the requirements of the Safety Codes Act in regard to the responsibilities of various
parties. The following are excerpts from the Act covering responsibilities:
Owners, care and control
Safety Codes Act - Section 5 The owner of any thing, process or activity to which this Act
applies shall ensure that it meets the requirements of this Act, that the thing is maintained as
required by the regulations and that when the process or activity is undertaken it is done in a safe
manner.
The words this Act are described in Section 1(2) which states:
“In this Act, a reference to “this Act” includes the regulations and bylaws made under this
Act and any code, standards, or body of rules declared to be in force pursuant to this Act.”
All requirements of the Safety Codes Act and the Alberta Building Code are the responsibility of
the Owner to see they are met. An owner is defined to include a lessee, tenant, a person that has
care and control of a part or all of the building or the person that has actual title to the building.
Design duties
Safety Codes Act - Section 6 A person who creates, alters, has care and control of or owns a
design or offers a design for use by others shall ensure that the design complies with this Act and
that it is submitted for review or registered if required by this Act, and if the design is
deregistered, the person shall provide notice of its deregistration in accordance with the
regulations.
All requirements of the Safety Codes Act and the Alberta Building Code are the responsibility of
the designer (architects and engineers included) to see the design complies and is submitted for
review if required.
Manufacturers' duties
Safety Codes Act - Section 7 A person who manufactures any thing or undertakes a process or
activity to which this Act applies shall ensure that the thing, the process or the activity complies
with this Act.
With respect to the Safety Codes Act and the Alberta Building Code, the responsibility of the
manufacturer is to see that their products meet all the requirements.
Contractors' duties
Safety Codes Act - Section 8
A contractor who undertakes construction, operation or
maintenance of or builds or installs any thing to which this Act applies shall ensure that this Act
is complied with.
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With respect to the Safety Codes Act and the Alberta Building Code, the responsibility of the
contractor is to see that their construction/construction activity/installation meets all the
requirements. Drawings or contract documents do not void this responsibility, a contractor must
notify the owner, designer or manufacturer of potential non-compliance items.
Vendors' duties
Safety Codes Act - Section 9(1) A person who is a vendor in the ordinary course of business,
other than as an employee or an agent, shall not advertise, display or offer for sale, for lease or
for other disposal, or sell, lease or otherwise dispose of, any thing to which this Act applies
unless that thing complies with this Act.
With respect to the Safety Codes Act and the Alberta Building Code, the responsibility of the
vendor is to see that products they advertise, offer for sale or lease, sell or lease, or otherwise
dispose of meet all the requirements where the use of that product is regulated.
Professional services
Safety Codes Act - Section 11 A person permitted to affix stamps or seals pursuant to the
Architects Act or the Engineering, Geological and Geophysical Professions Act shall ensure that
any professional service he renders to which this Act applies, including the affixing of stamps
and seals, complies with this Act.
With respect to the Safety Codes Act and the Alberta Building Code, the responsibility of the
Architect or Engineer is to see their professional services provided meet all the requirements.
This is particularly important when dealing with “base buildings” and “tenant improvements”.
Refer to the section titled, “CONTINUITY OF PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT” for
more info.
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RESPONSIBILITIES – ALBERTA BUILDING CODE 1997
Alberta Building Code
1.2.1.1. Permits
1)
A permit is required for construction, alteration, installation, repair, relocation,
demolition, or change in occupancy of any work to which this Code applies in accordance with
regulations made pursuant to the Safety Codes Act.
3)
An owner shall ensure that all permits required in connection with proposed work
are obtained before starting the work to which they relate.
Under the Alberta Building Code, the owner is responsible to see that all permits are obtained
before the work to which they relate is started. The owner can include a lessee, tenant, a person
that has care and control of a part or all of a building, or the person that has actual title to the
building.
Alberta Building Code
1.2.1.4. Required Information (Plans, Specs, etc.)
1)
Except as otherwise required by Part 2 every applicant for a permit shall
a)
identify and describe in detail the project or occupancy to be covered by the
permit for which the application is made,
b)
describe the land on which the project is to be undertaken by a description that
will readily identify and locate the building lot,
c)
submit plans, specifications or other documents, showing the proposed occupancy
of all parts of the building,
d)
state the valuation of the proposed project, and
e)
state, as applicable, the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the owner and
designer.
Under the Alberta Building Code, the owner is responsible to see that all information - plans,
specifications, Schedules in Part 2, etc. - are provided with the application for a permit.
Designers (architects and engineers included) are responsible to see that the appropriate
information is on the drawings and in the specifications or documents submitted for which they
are responsible. Also refer to STANDATA 97-IB-002 “Information to be Included on Plans or in
Specifications.”
The authority having jurisdiction should not issue a permit until all the appropriate information
has been submitted and processed.
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PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT
Alberta Building Code
Sentence 2.3.3.1.(3), (4), (5), (6), (7) and (8) describe where professional involvement is or
could be required. Schedules are not required in all cases where professionals are required. For
example, the pile and grade beam foundation for a single family home would not require that the
schedules be completed. Schedules are only required for all buildings that fall under Sentences
2.3.3.1.(3) and (4) of the Alberta Building Code 1997.
A-2.6.1.1.(1) Professional Design and Review.
This section applies to buildings referred to in Sentences 2.3.3.1.(3) or (4) (for which the Acts
governing the professions require registered professionals to be involved). Though not intended
for use with other buildings (those not covered by Sentences 2.3.3.1.(3) and (4)), letters of
similar wording to those used in the Schedules could be used to have various elements of the
building verified.
Under the Alberta Building Code, the owner is responsible to see that professionals are used
where they are required by the Code or authority having jurisdiction.
SCHEDULES
Copies of Schedules are found at the end of Appendix A of the Alberta Building Code 1997.
The Schedules are not intended to make new or added responsibilities for architects or engineers.
They do, however, commit the owner to engage the appropriate registered professionals to
provide design and field review under appropriate terms of reference, with signed and sealed
documents.
The term “substantially complies” used in the Schedules is intended to be a statement the
professional can make based only on periodic construction reviews of the project. It is not
intended to be a code conformity assurance, guarantee or warranty since the professional is not
on site 100% of the time observing all the construction as it occurs. The term means that during
the professional’s periodic construction reviews, he or she has not observed or been made aware
of any code violations during those reviews that remain uncorrected.
Compliance with the Alberta Building Code, its referenced standards, and the provision of field
review are already part of the architects’ and engineers’ professional responsibilities that are
specified in their professional acts and related bylaws.
The requirement for the Schedules is not intended to eliminate the plan review process and site
inspections carried out by the authority having jurisdiction. Schedules may reduce the frequency
of inspections required by the authority having jurisdiction that assumes a process monitoring
role and not duplication of the professional code construction review process. The third party
monitoring provided by the building permit process is a system designed to play an integral part
in this overall construction process.
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SCHEDULES – WORDING
The following is accepted as meeting the intent of the Alberta Building Code in regard to certain
wording used in the Schedules.
The use of the words “to ensure” in A-1 (second paragraph) and A-2 (second paragraph) can be
changed to “that”.
In B-1 (first paragraph) the word “substantially” can be added before the word “comply”.
In C-1 and C-2 the word “assurance” can be replaced with “notice” or “statement”.
WHY SCHEDULES ARE NEEDED
The Schedules are to clearly define the relationship between the owner of the building and the
required professionals. They are also needed to show how the various professional disciplines
will be coordinated. The coordination relates to both the design and site review of all aspects of
the building.
The Schedules are also needed to ensure that the proper professional involvement takes place.
WHEN MUST THE SCHEDULES BE USED
The Schedules are required for all buildings that fall under the scope of Sentences 2.3.3.1.(3) and
(4) of the Alberta Building Code 1997.
The Schedules are not required in all cases where professionals are involved in the design or
construction of a building (see discussion below).
SUBMISSION OF SCHEDULES
Before the Building Permit is Issued:
The owner (the coordinating registered professional may be performing this function for
the owner) is responsible for collecting all Schedules A and B and submitting them to the
authority having jurisdiction before beginning construction.
At the Completion of the Project:
Each registered professional of record must submit a completed Schedule C-2 to the
coordinating registered professional. The coordinating registered professional is
responsible to forward the C-2 schedules to the authority having jurisdiction and to provide
Schedule C-1 along with any other reports relating to the project and submit them to the
authority having jurisdiction. Permission to occupy is then issued by the authority having
jurisdiction.
All items in the Schedules must be completed. It is acceptable to use N/A, crossing-out, or
similar for items that are not part of the specific project, a pen with red ink is recommended. The
use of N/A, crossing-out, or similar is not acceptable for use where the professional does not
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want to be responsible for coordinating a specific component of a discipline; as all areas on a
project must be covered.
Schedules for all disciplines are to be signed by either the Registered Professional of Record or
the Coordinating Registered Professional.
The ABC 1997 assumes that the building is complete and ready for occupancy prior to the “C”
Schedules being completed. The Schedules demonstrate that the professionals have completed
their responsibilities with respect to the ABC 1997 and the building is safe to occupy. Contract
documents and specifications may need to be modified to comply with the Schedule
requirements of the Alberta Building Code 1997.
ALBERTA BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENT FOR SCHEDULES A-1, A-2, B-1, & B-2
Alberta Building Code
2.6.2.1.
1)
a)
b)
c)
Owner
Before beginning construction, the owner shall
retain a coordinating registered professional to coordinate all design work and field
reviews of the registered professionals required for the project in order to ascertain
that
i) the design will comply with this Code and other regulations made pursuant to the
Safety Codes Act, and
ii) the construction of the project will substantially comply with this Code and other
regulations made pursuant to the Safety Codes Act.
retain registered professionals of record to complete the design work and field review
required for the project, and
provide the authority having jurisdiction letters in the forms set out in Schedules A-1,
A-2, B-1, and B-2.
Under the Alberta Building Code, the owner is responsible to see that Schedules A-1, A-2, B-1
and B-2 are submitted to the authority having jurisdiction before construction begins. The
authority having jurisdiction should not issue a permit until these Schedules are received.
Alberta Building Code
2.6.3.1. Registered Professional
1) A registered professional who is the coordinating registered professional for the
project shall ensure that
a) the design requirements are coordinated, and comply with the requirements of this
Code,
b) any corrective actions taken as a result of a field review are recorded and available to
the authority having jurisdiction on their request, and
c) provide the authority having jurisdiction a letter in the form set out in Schedule C-1
that the project for which registered professionals were retained substantially
complies with this Code.
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The coordinating registered professional is needed to coordinate all the registered professionals
of record providing services on the project. The coordinating registered professional does not
take responsibility for work that the registered professionals of record are covering.
2) A registered professional who is a registered professional of record to undertake
design work and field review shall
a) sign and seal the drawings required in support of the building permit application,
b) ensure that drawings comply with the requirements of this Code,
c) ensure that field reviews that are necessary to comply with Clause (b) are completed,
and
d) provide to the coordinating registered professional a letter in the form set out in
Schedule C-2 that components of the project for which the registered professional is
responsible are constructed so as to substantially comply with
i) the plans and supporting documents, and
ii) the requirements of this Code.
The registered professional of record does not take responsibility for the work of other registered
professionals working in the specific discipline that he/she is responsible for, however the
registered professional of record is responsible for coordination to make sure all areas are
covered (in regard to design and site review). Attachment of qualifying letters to the Schedules
explaining the inter-relationship with other professionals in the specific discipline is acceptable.
CONTINUITY OF PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT
Alberta Building Code
2.6.2.3. Stoppage of Work
1) Where a coordinating registered professional ceases to be retained, work on the
project will stop until a replacement is appointed.
2) Where a registered professional of record ceases to be retained, work on that portion
of the project for which the registered professional was responsible shall stop until the registered
professional is replaced.
New schedules for the coordinating registered professional and/or the registered professional of
record that have been retained to replace the original professional(s) must be completed and
provided to the authority having jurisdiction before work on the project is to recommence.
The professional(s) that replace those that were originally involved in the project are responsible
to review the work that has been performed by the original professional(s) to ensure that the
completed project will met the ABC 1997. APEGGA has issued a guideline on this topic,
“GUIDELINE FOR RELYING ON WORK PREPARED BY OTHERS V1.0 – JUNE 2003”
(http://www.apegga.com/pdf/Guidelines/32.pdf).
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Alberta Building Code
2.6.3.2. Constructor
1) The constructor shall be responsible for the construction safety aspects of the project
and when required shall retain a registered professional to design temporary structural members
such as formwork, falsework, hoarding and scaffolding. (See Article 4.1.1.3. and Appendix A).
The contractor is responsible for construction safety on the work site. This is in addition to the
general responsibilities of the contractor in Section 8 of the Act.
RESTRICTIONS ON THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION
Alberta Building Code
2.6.2.2. Authority Having Jurisdiction
1)
Before issuing an occupancy permit or giving permission to occupy, the authority
having jurisdiction shall receive assurance in the form set out in Schedule C-1 from the
coordinating registered professional that the building or portion of the building to be occupied
substantially complies with the requirements of this Code.
The Authority Having Jurisdiction must receive the C-1 Schedule from the coordinating
registered professional prior to issuance of an occupancy certificate. This is to ensure that the
professionals have fulfilled their obligations under the Safety Codes Act and the Alberta
Building Code.
TENANT IMPROVEMENTS
Tenant improvements were never intended to be a primary focus for the Schedules. Many tenant
improvements are simple; do not entail significant construction; involve no structural;
mechanical or electrical components; introduce no other public safety concerns such as exiting
and accessibility; and (because of their nature and/or small size) may be undertaken without
contravention of the professional statutes or the Alberta Building Code. The Authority Having
Jurisdiction must be contacted when the requirement for professional involvement is not clear.
There are some tenant improvements, however, which do require the Schedules under the
Alberta Building Code and which must involve registered professionals. In those cases, while
noting that the improvements are limited to a part (not the whole) of a larger building, the current
Schedules may be appropriate for this work. The owners are obliged to also retain registered
professionals (including a coordinating registered professional) from the outset.
Occasionally, the concern is not only with the tenant improvement itself but must also consider
whether or not the tenant improvement maintains the integrity of its ‘parent’ building’s code
compliance. In that case, a signed and sealed statement should be provided by a registered
professional, which gives assurance that the design of the tenant improvement has been reviewed
for compatibility with the base building and that, if constructed in accordance with the plans and
supporting documents, it is compatible with base building code requirements.
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When a tenant improvement represents a “change in use or occupancy” it may have implications
regarding the “parent” building. Tenant improvements that relate to a change in occupancy
(classification) would require that professional involvement be provided.
The definition of “owner” from the Alberta Building Code 1997 is:
Owner means a person who
(a) controls the property under consideration,
(b) holds himself out as the person having the powers and authority of ownership or
who for the time being exercises the powers and authority of ownership,
(c) is registered under provincial legislation as the owner of a freehold estate in
possession of land, or
(d) has purchased or otherwise acquired land, whether he has purchased or otherwise
acquired the land directly from a previous owner or from another purchaser, and
has not yet registered his ownership.
Therefore under Clause (a) or (b) a tenant that rents a space from the “owner” of the building can
be considered an “owner” for the purposes of the Schedules for the space that the tenant rents.
FACSIMILES OF SEALS/STAMPS
Facsimiles of stamps and seals are reproduced in this bulletin by permission of the Alberta
Association of Architects and the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and
Geophysicists of Alberta. The stamps and seals are not full size in this bulletin. The stamps and
seals are registered by and issued only by the appropriate association to its members.
Signatures are required on stamps and seals as shown in the examples.
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STAMPS AND SEALS ISSUED BY ALBERTA ASSOCIATION OF ARCHITECTS
1.
Personal Seal of Registered Architect
- can stand alone
2.
Stamp of Architects Corporation
- must be accompanied by personal seal
3.
Stamp of Visiting Project Architect
- must be accompanied by personal seal
- good for only one project
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4.
Stamp of Restricted Practitioner
- allows professional engineers to undertake architectural work in restricted categories
- certificate defining permitted extent of practice must accompany the plans
- must be accompanied by personal seal with date of sealing
- if appropriate must be accompanied by permit stamp (see item 3 under APEGGA
stamp).
A facsimile of a certificate is shown below. The certificate in this case permits a professional
engineer to practice a limited scope of architecture. The limits of the practice are given on the
certificate for a building permit. A similar certificate would have been issued by the Association
of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists to an Architect who was allowed a
restricted practice of engineering.
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5.
Personal Seal of Licensed Interior Designer
- can stand alone
6.
Stamp of Licensed Interior Design Corporation
- must be accompanied by personal seal
7.
Stamp of a Visiting Project Interior Designer
- can stand alone
- issued for a single project
*** or a collaborating licensed interior designer.
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STAMPS AND SEALS/STAMPS ISSUED BY ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL
ENGINEERS, GEOLOGISTS AND GEOPHYSICISTS OF ALBERTA
- all require date of application of seal to be shown
1.
Personal Seal of Professional Engineer
- can stand alone only if the drawings were prepared by an unincorporated sole practitioner
2.
Personal Seal of Licensee
- can stand alone only if the drawings were prepared by an unincorporated sole practitioner
3.
Personal Stamp of Registered Professional Technologist (Engineering)
- can stand alone only if the drawings were prepared by an unincorporated practitioner
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4.
Permit Number
- required if the plans were prepared by a partnership, corporation or firm and must be
accompanied by personal seal(s).
5.
Restricted Practitioner Stamp
- allows architects to undertake engineering work in restricted categories
- certificate defining permitted extent of practice must accompany the plans
- certificate of authorization is similar to that shown under Architects' seals/stamps on page
ADDRESSES OF ASSOCIATIONS
If an owner wishes to know how to retain the services of a registered architect, a licensed interior
designer or professional engineer, or if a building inspector has questions relating to seals/stamps
on a set of documents the following organizations may be consulted.
The Alberta Association of Architects
10515 Saskatchewan Drive
Edmonton, AB T6E 4S1
Phone: (780) 432-0224
Fax:
(780) 439-1431
The Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta
15th Floor Scotia Place, Tower 1
10060 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5J 4A2
Phone: (780) 426-3990
Fax:
(780) 426-1877
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