RMOW is reviewing how it can streamline the municipality’s building bylaws, staff told Whistler council in a Committee of the Whole meeting recently.
“Essentially, we have an outdated, complex building code bylaw,” said CAO Ginny Cullen. “And we’re looking to improve its clarity and simplicity so that it’s easier for everyone to use and refer to.”
The overhaul will also pave the way for digital opportunities at intake and review, the General Manager overseeing the project, Dale Mikkelsen, told the council.
Mikkelsen said there is confusion about what is required when people apply for a permit, whether a small renovation or a complex project. RMOW plans to make the process transparent, simple, easy and efficient. “By getting the bylaw clarified and streamlined and, sort of, optimized—in many ways simplified—it will then allow us to look at digital opportunities for the intake component and the review component,” he said.
The municipality will contact the construction community in January to consult on the proposed changes to have a draft bylaw before the Council in March. The best way to engage with the community is being considered after questions from the Council led to a discussion about whether a working group or a staff-led engagement strategy for better public input.