Code of Conduct for Building Officials

Schedule 'A' to Bylaw 2006-015

The following Code of Conduct for Building Officials was approved by council at their meeting on December 13, 2005.

Purpose

The Code of Conduct for Building Officials is enacted in accordance with Section 7.1 of the Building Code Act 1992 (the "Act") which requires a Code of Conduct for the following purposes:

1. To promote appropriate standards of behaviour and enforcement actions by the Chief Building Official (such reference to also include the Deputy Chief Building Official) and Inspectors in the exercise of a power or the performance of any duty under this Act or the Building Code.
2. To prevent practices which may constitute an abuse of power, including unethical or illegal practices, by the Chief Building Official (CBO) and Inspectors in the exercise of power or the performance of a duty under the Act or the Building Code.
3. To promote appropriate standards of honesty and integrity in the exercise of a power or the performance of a duty under the Act or the Building Code by the CBO and Inspectors.

Application

This Code of Conduct applies to the Chief Building Official for the City of Kingston and each Building Official and is in addition to the provisions of the Collective Agreement and Human Resources Corporate Policy on Employee Code of Conduct.

Expected Standards of Behaviour and Performance of Duty

The CBO and Inspectors are expected to:

1. Promote the safety of buildings with reference to public health, fire protection, structural sufficiency, barrier free accessibility, conservation and environmental integrity;
2. Apply the act and the Building Code impartially, without influence, and in accordance with all applicable legislation;
3. Perform their duties within the respective area of qualification obtained in accordance with the Act;
4. Perform duties with due diligence, honesty and integrity;
5. Extend professional courtesy to all;
6. Keep up to date on current building practices through continuous education; and
7. Manage confidential and sensitive information in accordance with all relevant legislation and corporate guidelines.

Allegations of Breaches of the Code

Contradictions of this Code of Conduct are a serious matter to the Corporation and will be dealt with as such. The CBO will review all allegations made against Inspectors. Allegations made against the CBO will be reviewed by the City of Kingston Corporate Management Team.

Upon review of the allegations, either the CBO in the case of complaints against Inspectors, or the Corporate Management Team in the case of complaints against the CBO, may determine an appropriate course of action to resolve the complaint.

Corrective Action and/or Disciplinary Action

If a complaint is substantiated, the CBO in the case of complaints against Inspectors, or the Corporate Management Team in the case of complaints against the CBO, will determine the corrective action and/or disciplinary action arising from the contravention of the Code.

Corrective action and/or disciplinary action may include, but is not limited to, the following:

1. an apology
2. counseling
3. education and training
4. warning
5. suspension/leave without pay
6. demotion
7. transfer
8. dismissal