Notices filed against properties for lack of building permits

Notices will be filed in the Land Title Office for two rural properties where buildings were found to be in contravention of the FraserFort George Regional District’s building bylaw.

Directors unanimously approved the moves Thursday for 2255 Sharelene Dr. in Miworth and 9955 Old Cariboo Highway in Pineview. Action against the Miworth property’s owners, Bessie and Kenneth Gagnon, began in January when FFGRD staff noticed work had begun on a single-family home without first securing a building permit.

After receiving a warning letter, the Gagnons did apply for a building permit but it lacked several supporting documents, including a letter of assurance from an engineer, staff says in a report to directors.

When told he needed to supply the documents, Kenneth Gagnon sent emails stating he is unwilling to hire an engineer and contending approval from a building inspector should be enough.

Regarding the Pineview property, in September 2018 a building inspector noticed a steel shelter had been constructed on the site without a building permit. The permits are required for any structure over 10 square metres in size, staff said in a report.

Despite verbal and written warnings delivered to the property’s owners, Celeste and Daniel Forbes, “no building permit application, or any other communications, have been received from the owners and the structure has not been removed.”

Documentation from a registered professional is required to ensure the structure is built to BC Building Code standards and safe for its intended use, staff added.

Neither couple attended the directors meeting Thursday to argue against the decisions.