Virtual
DE-constructing Building Department Claims
March 31, 2026
•
11:00 a.m.
-
12:30 p.m. ET
The upwards trend of municipal lawsuits emanating from administration of building code bylaws, zoning and planning, not to mention encroachments and easements is unmistakable. More and more building departments, and the municipalities that operate them are being named in actions alleging professional negligence and at times significant liability on the part of the building department. The importance of this relatively new exposure cannot be overstated and must be addressed.
Tracy Eso will be joined by Alison Orr and Marianne Brown, the dynamic team of Orr Brown Consulting Engineers Ltd to discuss:
• What is behind these upward trends? Why are the claims occurring, and why are they so costly? What are the impacts of some of the precedent-setting court decisions on the way a building department operates on a day-to-day basis.
• Where are the largest exposures? Why can grading be difficult?
• What can be done about open permits? Can AI help?
• How will climate change impact the trend? Why?
• What can happen when a Stop-Work Order is issued, or other enforcement techniques?
• What is the best way to create a defence against these actions?
Tracy Eso will be joined by Alison Orr and Marianne Brown, the dynamic team of Orr Brown Consulting Engineers Ltd to discuss:
• What is behind these upward trends? Why are the claims occurring, and why are they so costly? What are the impacts of some of the precedent-setting court decisions on the way a building department operates on a day-to-day basis.
• Where are the largest exposures? Why can grading be difficult?
• What can be done about open permits? Can AI help?
• How will climate change impact the trend? Why?
• What can happen when a Stop-Work Order is issued, or other enforcement techniques?
• What is the best way to create a defence against these actions?