Understanding Building Location Certificates: What You Need to Know
When it comes to real estate transactions and construction projects, a Building Location Certificate is a crucial document that ensures compliance with municipal regulations and protects your investment. In this blog post, we’ll explore what a Building Location Certificate is, its importance, and how it can benefit you.
What Is a Building Location Certificate?
A Building Location Certificate is a document prepared and signed by a British Columbia Land Surveyor. It provides an accurate representation of the locations of existing buildings on a specific parcel of land. Using advanced surveying techniques, our experienced land surveyors determine property lines and the exact positions of structures, allowing stakeholders to see how far buildings are from property boundaries.
Why Do You Need a Building Location Certificate?
There are several reasons you might require a Building Location Certificate:
- Municipal Requirements: Local building departments often mandate a Building
Location Certificate before allowing foundation pours for new houses, additions, or accessory buildings. This helps ensure that construction complies with local zoning laws.
- Permit Applications: If you’re applying for a permit to build an addition or need to satisfy mortgage requirements when purchasing a property, a Building Location Certificate may be necessary.
- Property Transactions: For buyers and sellers, this certificate confirms that all structures are within the parcel boundaries. It can identify discrepancies and encroachments, preventing future disputes and adding value to the property.
Key Uses of a Building Location Certificate – Understanding Building Location Certificates
- Buying or Selling Property: A Building Location Certificate assures buyers that the buildings are within the parcel boundaries included in the This document helps uncover any potential issues that could affect the transaction, making it a valuable asset for both buyers and sellers.
- Constructing or Renovating: When planning new construction or renovations, a Building Location Certificate can confirm that your project adheres to local zoning and setback requirements. Often, a certificate is required after construction is completed as part of the building inspection process.
Benefits of a Building Location Certificate
- Disclosure of Encroachments: This certificate clearly depicts any encroachments or issues related to building locations that may need to be addressed before completing a sale.
- Planning and Development: The certificate can assist in preliminary planning for potential building additions or improvements and can also provide insights into the feasibility of future subdivision possibilities.
What to Expect During the Process
A Building Location Certificate can be issued for existing buildings or after a new foundation has been laid. The process typically involves:
- A field survey crew visiting the site for 1-2 hours to measure and document existing
- A British Columbia Land Surveyor drafting and signing the document based on the collected
- Final certificates are provided in both digital and paper formats for your
Important Considerations
It’s essential to note that Building Location Certificates are not centrally filed and cannot be re-issued without another site visit. Therefore, it’s wise to keep both paper and digital copies of the document for your records.
Conclusion
A Building Location Certificate is more than just a formality; it’s a vital tool for ensuring compliance, protecting your investment, and facilitating smooth real estate transactions. Whether you’re buying, selling, or constructing, understanding and obtaining a Building Location Certificate can save you time, money, and potential headaches down the road.
If you have further questions or need assistance with obtaining a Building Location Certificate, contact Axis Land Surveying today. We’re here to help you navigate your surveying needs with professionalism and expertise!