Structural Field Reviews in BC: Requirements Before Schedule C-B

Structural field reviews in BC are part of the professional assurance process where a registered professional is responsible for design and field review. They help determine whether construction substantially complies, in all material respects, with the engineering documents and applicable code requirements.

For most of British Columbia, the current framework is the BC Building Code 2024 (BCBC 2024). The City of Vancouver uses the Vancouver Building By-law 2025 (VBBL 2025).

by Novatr

When Structural Field Reviews Are Required in BC

Under Division C of BCBC 2024, professional field review requirements apply to Part 3 buildings and certain Part 9 buildings or components. For Part 9 projects, this includes structural components outside the scope of Part 9.

A renovation in Surrey or Kelowna may therefore require structural field reviews when engineered beams, foundations, lateral-load-resisting elements, or other Part 4 components form part of the structural scope.

Where a structural Registered Professional of Record has submitted Schedule B, that commitment includes the required field reviews for the components identified in the Schedule.

What a Structural Field Review Covers

Engineers and Geoscientists BC describes field review as a periodic professional review used to assess whether implementation or construction substantially complies with the engineering concepts and intent reflected in the professional documents.

Depending on the project stage, structural field reviews may consider:

• Reinforcement and foundation construction

• Structural framing and load paths

• Beams, columns, and connections

• Anchors, hold-downs, and lateral systems

• Work affecting existing structural elements

The exact items depend on the engineer’s scope and the work being constructed. At Parsways Inc., field review requirements are coordinated with the structural design and construction sequence rather than using one fixed visit checklist for every project.

Field Reviews vs Municipal Inspections

A structural field review is not the same as a municipal building inspection. It is also not continuous construction supervision or a review of the contractor’s site-safety program.

The contractor remains responsible for supervising construction, following the engineering documents, and determining construction means and methods. The engineer reviews relevant work at appropriate stages and documents professional observations.

Timing and Number of Structural Field Reviews

BC does not prescribe one universal number of structural field-review visits for every project. Engineers and Geoscientists BC states that reviews should occur periodically to suit the nature and progress of construction.

Critical work must be visible and available for review. If structural work is covered before it can be observed, the engineer may need to consider whether it should be opened up or whether other verification is appropriate.

For contractors in Burnaby, Victoria, and elsewhere in BC, coordinating reviews before critical structural work is concealed can help prevent delays.

Deficiencies Identified During Field Review

Field reviews can identify construction that differs from the issued engineering documents or requires clarification. The professional must maintain records of field reviews and corrective action where applicable.

Typical next steps may include:

• Correcting non-conforming construction

• Providing additional information or photographs

• Revising details where engineering changes are required

• Completing another review where necessary

Outstanding structural issues must be addressed sufficiently for the Registered Professional of Record to provide the required professional assurance.

What Happens Before Schedule C-B

Schedule C-B is the “Assurance of Professional Field Review and Compliance.” It is submitted after project completion but before an occupancy permit or final inspection, where required.

By signing Schedule C-B, the structural Registered Professional of Record confirms that the field-review obligations identified through the previously submitted Schedule B have been fulfilled and that the applicable components substantially comply, in all material respects, with the BC Building Code and the permit documents.

Schedule C-B is therefore not simply an administrative sign-off. The engineer needs sufficient field-review information and resolution of relevant deficiencies to provide that assurance.

Conclusion

Structural field reviews in British Columbia connect the permitted structural design to construction on site. Proper timing, accessible work, documented observations, and correction of deficiencies are important before professional assurance can be completed.

At Parsways Inc., we provide structural field reviews for applicable BC projects and coordinate observations, deficiency follow-up, and Schedule C-B requirements with the structural scope, BCBC 2024, and the applicable authority having jurisdiction.