Statistics from the Town of Collingwood building department for January show an upward trend in nearly every category including a record-setting number of building inspections last year.
According to a memo from Chief Building Official Greg Miller to council, there were 3,864 building inspections completed in the last 12 months, compared to 3,460 from February 2017 to January 2018. Miller said this is a record high for the building services department.
Last month alone there were 375 inspections completed by the building services department and all within the mandated time frame of two business days from the date of notice given.
There were 60 building permits issued last month compared to 29 issued in January 2018.
Building permits issued represented a total of $4.6 million over January 2018’s total of $2.9 million.
Applications are also up with 74 last month over 40 in January last year.
Building permit revenue decreased by about 31 per cent with the town collecting $19,375.25 in January 2019 compared to $28,119.50 in January 2018. The town issued 11 building permit compliance letters and collected $1,109.60 in revenue from those letters.
Miller is also bringing forward a staff report at the next Development and Operations Services standing committee meeting on Feb. 20, suggesting an update to the town’s building bylaw and permit fees.
According to Miller’s report, the town’s building bylaw hasn’t been updated since it was passed in 2005, with the exception of a lot grading securities amendment in 2010. The Chief Building Official is recommending changes to bring the bylaw up-to-date with changes in the Ontario Building Code Act. He states in his report there are also planned technology upgrades to allow for electronic permit applications, and feedback from residents, developers, property owners, and local builders to consider.
Changes to the building bylaw would be subject to a public meeting process allowing residents to provide input on any proposed changes. Miller is asking council and committee to permit staff to plan a public meeting on the draft bylaw, which is included in his report here.
