Fines have increased sharply in Nova Scotia for violations of building code and fire safety laws.
Building inspectors in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality who enforce the provincial laws, do the inspections and issue the tickets where necessary say it’s something to keep in mind as the construction season gets underway.
Rick Fraser, manager of buildings and bylaws, noted Wednesday the fines for constructing or demolishing a building without a permit where one is required — which were in the $100 range — have jumped to $685 for individuals. And that’s if a ticket is paid without a court appearance, which can add about $165.
Fines for corporations (which can also include construction companies) for the same offence under the province’s building code are $1,260 without court costs.
Construction projects also include renovations which may require a permit.
Fraser said the goal for building inspectors and his department is to work with people or corporations and not issue tickets. He estimated only from five to 10 were handed out last year.
“We are more in tune with trying to work with people, like giving them a stop-work order and saying now get in and get your permit and try to work with them. We don’t have to issue the (ticket) right away,” he said.
“Even so, I need people to understand this is coming down the pipelines and it can happen.”
The province’s building code refers to a number of other violations that can mean a ticket and fine including furnishing false information, failing to comply with an order and contravening the act.
Fire Safety Act fines which are also set by the Nova Scotia government but enforced by the building inspectors have gone from about $100 to $397 (not including court costs) for a number of offences, some of which are failing to comply with a fire official’s request or providing false or misleading information to a fire official. Fines are $685 for removing a posted order or notice without a fire official’s approval and failing to comply with an order.
Fire inspectors in the regional municipality, who inspect restaurants, bars, community centres, church halls and other public buildings as well as buildings with more than three units, have not yet issued any tickets.
Fine revenue goes to the province not the regional municipality.
Fraser said there are a lot of good reasons for obeying building code and fire safety regulations including to maintain higher construction standards as well as for safety and health reasons.