Ontario removes two regulation-making powers under Building Code Act and clarifies that municipal environmental bylaws can coexist with the Building Code

Plain-language summary · AI-assisted · not legal advice

Two previously existing regulation-making powers have been repealed: the authority to prescribe specific building code provisions and conditions/limits for the purposes of related municipal-act sections no longer exists under the Building Code Act. Separately, a new interpretive provision confirms that municipal bylaws governing construction or demolition of buildings — including bylaws that set construction standards to protect or conserve the environment — are among the bylaws that can apply alongside the Building Code. This means municipalities have explicit legislative backing when they enact environmental construction standards, even though the Building Code still prevails if there is a direct conflict on covered subject-matter. Builders, developers, and municipalities involved in construction projects should review whether local environmental construction bylaws now have a clearer legal footing and adjust compliance processes accordingly.

Who this affects: builders and contractors · property developers · municipalities and local governments · building permit applicants · compliance and regulatory affairs teams