The BC Code 2018 is substantially based on the 2015 edition of the National Building Code of Canada. Although British Columbia adopts most of the national requirements into the BC Code, some variations to the National Code are needed to reflect the unique needs of B.C.’s geography, climate, and construction sector.
The Building and Safety Standards Branch is conducting a public review of the following proposed changes to the BC Code:
- Design and Construction of Secondary Suites
- Energy Step Code for Large Buildings in Cold Climates and Public Sector Buildings
- Lighting of Recycling and Garbage Rooms
For more information about the proposed changes or to complete the survey, please visit their website. The online survey is available from June 28 to August 9, 2019.
The Building and Safety Standards Branch is also considering possible amendments to the Energy Step Code targets for houses and small residential buildings, with a focus on climate zones 5 and 6 (including Kelowna, Kamloops, and Prince George). These possible changes are still in development and will not be part of this public review. Information will also be available on the Energy Step Code website, as this work progresses in the coming months. For more information about possible Energy Step Code amendments for houses and small residential buildings, please email Building.Safety@gov.bc.ca.
In addition to the above noted changes, the proposed mid-cycle changes to the BC Code 2018 will include recent national revisions as well as some editorial corrections. For information about revisions to the National Code, please visit Codes Canada’s website.
If you have any questions about the proposed code changes or the survey, please email BSSB.public.review@gov.bc.ca.