Alternative Solution

Prepare your electronic application by submitting the required documents. Incomplete applications may not be accepted. 

1. Alternative Solution Application Form (PDF).
2. Alternative Solution Agent Authorization Form (PDF)
3. Code Compliance Report (alternative solution(s) and supporting documents).

1. Documents and drawings must be presented in acceptable industry standards, legible, high resolution, and to scale. 
2. Documents and drawings containing multiple layers must be flattened to a single layer and file size must be reduced. 
3. Save documents in PDF format and drawings in vector-based PDF.  
4. Do not lock, apply passwords or restrictions to the documents or drawings. 
5. Documents and drawings must contain a digital seal, digital signature, and Permit to Practice number in accordance with a professional body or association when required. 
6. Do not enable the “Certify” check box under “Advanced Options” in the signature dialogue box when applying digital signature with the ConsignO software suite. This will prevent the City from applying subsequent stamps, comments, and may delay approvals.  
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7. Name the documents as follows:
   • YYYY MM DD Application Form
   • YYYY MM DD Agent Authorization Form
   • YYYY MM DD Code Compliance Report
8. Upload Application Form, Agent Authorization Form and Code Compliance Report as individual PDF files.

To submit your alternative solution application: QFile File Transfer. 

Once you have completed your application request through our QFile File Transfer, City staff will pre-screen your application to ensure you have submitted all the required documents and drawings. The City will contact you within three to five business days from the time of your application submission with further instructions. Incomplete applications may not be accepted.

If your application request is accepted, a Building Clerk will contact you by email with attached invoice and instructions for online payment. Refer to the Fees and Charges Bylaw (PDF) for application fees.

Pay the application or recheck fees using our online system, using this Electronic Payment Information Guide (PDF).

Note: the alternative solution application will not be reviewed until full payment is made.

The application will be reviewed by the Alternative Solution Technical Committee. The Building Department may contact the registered professional who prepared the code compliance report for more details, by email or phone. If your application is approved, the Building Department will forward the accepted alternative solution(s) to the registered professional. 

The initial review will take about four to six weeks, but may take longer depending on the volume of the alternative solution applications, complexity of the proposal, and whether we need additional information or feedback. Further reviews will vary in length based on the extent of revisions.

Revisions to an alternative solution application must be prepared by a professional architect or engineer registered in the Province of British Columbia. The registered professional who prepared the alternative solution report must submit the revisions. Refer to the Fees and Charges Bylaw (PDF) for recheck fees.

To submit revisions to an alternative solution application or making modification to an issued alternative solution: QFile File Transfer Revision

Important

Recheck fee is charged for each revision. A Building Clerk will email you a recheck fee invoice and instructions for online payment. Fees must be paid in full to process revisions to the alternative solution application. 

Inspections may be delayed until the revised alternative solution has been reviewed and accepted.