CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE CHIEF BUILDING OFFICIAL AND INSPECTORS

1.         DEFINITIONS

1.1        "Act" shall mean the Building Code Act, 1992, c.23, as amended

1.2        "Building Code" shall mean the Ontario Building Code, as amended

1.3        "CBO" means the Chief Building Official and any Inspectors appointed

1.4        "Code" shall mean the Code of Conduct for the Chief Building Official

1.5        "Council" means the Members of Council for the Municipality

1.6        "Municipality" means The Corporation of the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie

2.         PURPOSE

The purpose of this Code, enacted in accordance with section 7.1 of the Act, is as follows:

2.1        To promote appropriate standards of behaviour and enforcement actions by the CBO in the exercise of a power, or in the performance of a duty, under the Act or the Building Code.

2.2        To prevent practices which may constitute an abuse of power, including unethical or illegal practices by the CBO in the exercise of a power, or in the performance of a duty, under the Act or the Building Code.

2.3        To promote appropriate standards of honesty and integrity in the exercise of a power, or in the performance of a duty, under the Act or the Building Code by the CBO

3.         STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

The CBO shall undertake to:

3.1        Always act in the public interest, particularly with regard to the safety of building works and structures.

3.2        Not to act where there may be, or where there may reasonably appear to be, a conflict between the duties to the Municipality, his/her profession, his/her peers and the public at large and his/her personal interests.

3.3        Apply all relevant building by-laws, codes and standards appropriately and without favour.

3.4        Perform inspections and plan examination duties impartially and in accordance with the highest professional standards.

3.5        Avoid any conduct that could bring or tend to bring Building Officials into disrepute.

3.6        Comply with the provisions of the Act, Building Code and any other Acts or Laws which regulate

            or govern Building Officials or their functions.

3.7        Not to act beyond his/her personal level of competence or outside his/her area of expertise.

3.8        Maintain accreditation to act as an Ontario Building Official.

3.9        Maintain his/her knowledge and understanding of the best current building practices, the building laws and Codes relevant to his/her inspection and plan examination function.

3.10      Extend professional courtesy to all.

4.         ALLEGATIONS OF BREACHES OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT

4.1        Contraventions of the Code are a serious matter to the Municipality and will be dealt with as such.

4.2        The Clerk/CAO will review all allegations made against the CBO.

4.3        Upon review of the allegations the Clerk/CAO may determine an appropriate informal course of action which will effectively resolve the complaint.

4.4        If a complaint is not resolved informally or if an informal resolution is not appropriate, the matter will

            be referred to Council.

4.5        These formal complaint procedure guidelines shall be followed with respect to the investigation of the complaint, the making of findings, and the communication of those findings to the complainant and the respondent.

5.         Corrective Action and/or Disciplinary Action

5.1        If a complaint is substantiated, the Clerk/CAO 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 are not limited to, the following:

            5.1.1     an apology

            5.1.2     counselling

            5.1.3     education/training

            5.1.4     warning

            5.1.5     suspension/leave without pay

            5.1.6     demotion

            5.1.7     transfer

            5.1.8     termination of employment                                                                                  "