Letters of Assurance
Letters of Assurance are standardized, legal accountability documents that are required for Part 3 and some Part 9 buildings in the BC Building Code and Vancouver Building By-law. They are intended to clearly identify the roles and responsibilities of registered professionals in a construction project.
The Guide to the Letters of Assurance in the BC Building Code 2018 and Vancouver Building By-law 2019 (PDF) is an important reference to consult. The guide provides an overview of
- The scope and intent of the Letters of Assurance
- The roles and responsibilities of individuals involved
- When and how the Letters of Assurance should be completed
You can also obtain copies of all the current and historical Letters of Assurance schedules and guides
- Access all Letters of Assurance schedules (external link)
- Access Letters of Assurance schedules for projects between December 20, 2012 and December 10, 2018 (external link)
- Access Letters of Assurance schedules for projects before December 20, 2012 (external link)
- Access the Guide to Letters of Assurance in the BC Building Code 2006, December 2010, Edition 5a (PDF)
Learn about the BC Building Code 2018 schedules
When applying for a building permit
Schedule A must be submitted to the local government (authority having jurisdiction) prior to being issued a building permit.
This Schedule confirms that the owner has retained a coordinating registered professional (i.e., registered or licensed architect, or licensed professional engineer) who will
- Determine the various disciplines for which registered professionals are required on the project (e.g., structural engineer, electrical engineer, architect)
- Coordinate design work work and field reviews of the registered professionals to determine that the design will substantially comply with the BC Building Code and other applicable enactments respecting safety
Obtain a copy of Schedule A (PDF, external link)
Before beginning construction work on each building component
A signed and sealed Schedule B must be submitted to the local government (authority having jurisdiction) by each registered professional of record before beginning construction activities on the components for which they are responsible.
Schedule B provides assurance that
- The components for which the registered professional is responsible, substantially comply with the BC Building Code
- Field reviews will be conducted by a registered professional during construction
Obtain a copy of Schedule B (PDF, external link)
After completion but before occupancy permit or final inspection
Schedule C-A is submitted by the coordinating registered professional to the local government (authority having jurisdiction) and provides assurance that
- The professional obligations for coordination of field reviews are fulfilled
- The completed construction is in substantial compliance with the building permit plans
- Coordination of the functional testing of the fire protection and life safety systems is completed
Obtain a copy of Schedule C-A (PDF, external link)
After completion but before occupancy permit or final inspection
A separate Schedule C-B must be completed by the registered professional for each Schedule B, and submitted to the local government (authority having jurisdiction). The Schedule C-B provides assurance that
- The professional obligations for field reviews are fulfilled for components under each Schedule B discipline
- The components are in substantial compliance with the BC Building Code and safety enactments (except construction safety)
Obtain a copy of Schedule C-B (PDF, external link)
Page last updated: February 11, 2021.