On hold 📝

Official URL: https://bcgov.github.io/nr-pies/docs/standard/element/process_tracking/on_hold

Purpose

The purpose of the On Hold data element is to track periods during which an application is paused due to circumstances that prevent it from being actioned. This ensures that turnaround time metrics reflect only the time when the application is actively being processed. Accurate tracking of On Hold periods supports transparency, performance measurement, and process improvement across permitting systems.

Usage

This element is used to:

• Exclude time spent on hold from official processing time calculations.
• Identify systemic delays and opportunities for process improvement.
• Support consistent reporting across business areas and systems.
• Provide context for analysis and metrics.

The On Hold element can apply to both application and post-issuance phases of an authorization and may be used multiple times throughout the lifecycle of an authorization. Each On Hold record must include a start date and end date when no longer on hold, a reason, and the user who initiated the hold.

Guidance

• On Hold periods must be time-stamped
• Only one active On Hold record may exist at a time.
• On Hold applications must be manually taken Off Hold by setting and end date to resume processing.
• On Hold may be referred to as “Parked” in some systems; the effect is the same

Properties

Property	Definition
Type	string
Mandatory	Yes
Relationships	Milestone On hold start and end dates
Change Control	May be put on hold multiple times

Application level

Display	Description
Applicant Request	The application is paused as requested by applicant and supported by staff.
Legal Action	The application is subject to legal proceedings, or legal counsel has advised that processing be paused.
Missing Information	More information is required from the applicant to proceed with the review.
Pending External Decision	The application requires decision, approval, or input from another agency or an external process.

Post issuance level

Relationship to Specification

This element is utilized in the technical implementation:

• See: On Hold Process Specification

References