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CODE OF CONDUCT FOR BUILDING OFFICIALS

1. INTRODUCTION

The Corporation of the Township of Norwich maintains this Code of Conduct in accordance with the provisions of the Building Code Act. Building Officials undertake statutory duties to review the quality, structural integrity and safety of the occupants of buildings and the public at large as the use and interact with buildings. The conduct and behaviour of Township of Norwich Building Officials must be reflect the highest standards of professionalism, technical competence, skill, honesty, fairness, integrity.

2. PURPOSE

The Building Code Act provides that the actions of Building Officials are subject to a Code of Conduct and that it is the responsibility of the principle authority to create and implement such a Code of Conduct. The purposes of this Code of Conduct are;

• • to promote appropriate standards of behaviour and enforcement actions by the chief building official and inspectors in the exercise of a power or the performance of a duty under this Act or the building code,
  • to prevent practices which may constitute an abuse of power, including unethical or illegal practices, by the chief building official and inspectors in the exercise of a power or the performance of a duty under this Act or the building code, and
  • to promote appropriate standards of honesty and integrity in the exercise of a power or the performance of a duty under this Act or the building code by the chief building official and inspectors.

3. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT AND PROFESSIONALISM

The Corporation of the Township of Norwich Building Officials shall undertake at all times to:

1. 1. Act in the public interest, particularly with regard to the safety of building works and structures;
   2. Maintain their knowledge and understanding of the best current building practice, the building laws and regulations relevant to their building certifying functions;
   3. Commit themselves to a process of continuous education so as to constantly be aware of developments in building design, practice and the law relevant to their duties;
   4. Comply with the provisions of the Building Code Act, the Building Code and any other Act or Law that regulates or governs Building Officials or their functions;
   5. Avoid situations where there may be, or where there may reasonably appear to be, a conflict between their duties to their clients, their profession, their peers and the public at large and their personal interests;
   6. Not act beyond their level of competence or outside their area of expertise;
   7. Apply all relevant building laws, regulations and standards strictly and without favour and independent of the influence of interested parties;
   8. Perform their inspections and certifying duties impartially and in accordance with the highest professional standards;
   9. Not divulge any confidential or sensitive information or material, that they become privy to in the performance of their duties, except in accordance with laws governing freedom of information and protection of privacy;
   10. Extend professional courtesy to all;
   11. Maintain current accreditation to perform the functions assigned to them;
   12. Exemplify compliance with all regulations and standards that govern building construction, health & safety or other matters related to their status as a Building Official.

4. GUIDELINE FOR RESPONDING TO MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS

1. 1. In response to any allegations of a breach of this code, the Chief Building Official shall direct an investigation and where appropriate, recommend disciplinary action against any Building Official who fails to comply with this Code of Conduct. Where the allegation is against the Chief Building Official, the CAO of the Corporation will review the allegations.
   2. In determining the appropriate discipline, the Chief Building Official or CAO will have regard to the relevance of the conduct as relates to the official’s statutory powers and responsibilities, gauged against the affect that a perceived misconduct may have had upon the Corporation.
   3. The decision to take disciplinary action arising from a perceived misconduct is at the discretion of the reviewing party.
   4. Any disciplinary action taken will be approved by the CAO and shall be based upon the perceived severity of affect that the violation.
   5. All disciplinary action implemented must be in accordance with the Employment standards Act of Ontario.