Performance Standards and Dispute Resolution

---

Performance Standards

Effective March 1, 2024, Manitoba is implementing mandatory performance standards for authorities issuing building permits and conducting inspections under Manitoba's building, plumbing and energy codes. The performance standards will be introduced in two phases to allow authorities time to make any internal changes needed to ensure compliance with performance standards.

The Performance Standards Regulation establishes the performance standards that must be followed by approving authorities when issuing permits and conducting inspections:

Performance Standard Category	Class of Building	Phase 1 (March 1, 2024-February 28, 2025)	Phase 2 (March 1, 2025 and onward)
Timeframe for which an Approving Authority must notify the Applicant if their application for a building permit is complete.	All applications	5 business days	2 business days
Timeframe for which an Approving Authority must notify the Applicant if their application for a building permit is approved.	Detached and semi-detached houses, townhouses or row houses where no dwelling unit is located above another dwelling unit and associated accessory structures	25 business days	10 business days
	Part 9 buildings other than those listed in the row above	25 business days	15 business days
	Part 3 buildings	30 business days	30 business days
Timeframe for which an Approving Authority must, at the request of the Applicant, conduct an inspection.	Residential	6 business days	2 business days
	Commercial	4 business days	2 business days
Timeframe for which an Approving Authority must notify the Applicant if their application for an occupancy permit is approved.	All applications	10 business days	10 business days

Building Permit Dispute Resolution

The Permit Dispute Resolution Act establishes a process to resolve disputes between individuals who have applied for, or hold, a building permit or occupancy permit and the Approving Authority responsible for the administration of the Manitoba construction codes in the jurisdiction where the permit was applied for or issued. This dispute resolution process may also be used to hold authorities accountable for meeting mandatory performance standards.

Disputes are resolved through a hearing conducted by an adjudicator who is a subject matter expert on the code issue under dispute. A written order with reasons for the decision will be issued and will be made publicly available. Fees are charged directly to the parties by the adjudicator who will factor in which party was correct when determining payment. Anyone interested in applying for a dispute resolution hearing should read ITS BC Guide 09 - Understanding the Manitoba Permit Dispute Resolution Process.

The Guide and ITS BC Form 32 - Application for a Permit Dispute Resolution Hearing may be obtained from the ITS Bulletins, Guides and Forms page.