The AIBC is an important resource for building code knowledge and education in British Columbia. With the 2024 BC Building and Plumbing Code coming into effect on March 8, 2024 and the adaptable dwellings and earthquake design changes on March 10, 2025, the AIBC is delivering a number of Professional Development (PD) opportunities on the code, some of which are already underway.
Below is an overview of the AIBC’s code offerings for 2024 and beyond:
Digital Transformation in the Housing Construction Sector on February 29, 2024
On February 29, the Ministry of Housing delivered an inspiring presentation on the work underway on developing a new digital building permit tool. With this project, B.C. is at the forefront of digital permitting in North America. The changes coming will transform the process of applying for a permit and for using the code. Throughout the development phases, the Ministry of Housing has consulted with AIBC and other parties who are involved in the permitting process. The Ministry will be delivering a second offering of this session after implementation of the new tool at AIBC Conference 2024, on April 24.
BC Building Code Update Course on March 26, 2024
The AIBC is presenting a full-day course on March 26 which will focus on the updates to Parts 1, 2, and 3 of the 2024 BC Building Code. More information about the course can be found on the website – registration is now open, and closes on March 22.
Of note, the March 26 BC Building Code Update course recording will be adapted into an online on-demand course accessible through the AIBC’s Online Course Portal. The on-demand course is anticipated to be available until the next edition of the Code is published (expected to be 2027).
BC Building Code Sessions at AIBC Conference 2024, April 22–24
AIBC Conference 2024 is taking place from April 22 to 24 at the Vancouver Convention Centre West. There are three sessions being offered at the event which cover the recent updates to the BC Building Code, including:
- Changes to Part 3 in the 2024 BC Building Code (April 23)
- Explore and Embrace the Accessibility Changes in the BC Building Code 2024 (April 23)
- Digital Transformation in the Housing Construction Sector (April 24)
More information about the above sessions and how to register can be found on the conference website.
Ongoing AIBC BC Building Code Professional Development Offerings
Certified Professional (CP) and Advance Code Knowledge Course (ACK) Courses
The CP and ACK courses are 12- and 7-week courses delivered annually and offer advanced building code knowledge training. Architects and professional engineers who pass the CP exam and meet all the course requirements can practice as Certified Professionals. The 2024 CP and ACK course offerings are currently underway and are updated for the 2024 BC Building Code. More information about the CP Program, the CP and ACK courses is available on the AIBC website. Email cp@aibc.ca to be notified when registration for the 2025 courses open.
AIBC’s BC Building Code Course
The AIBC’s BC Building Code online course required for Intern Architect AIBC and Broadley Experienced Applicant (BEA) candidates is still in development and will be updated to the 2024 BC Building Code. The course will be available in the coming months – registration and access information will be posted on the AIBC website once the course is live.
Stay Tuned – More BC Building Code Offerings in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025
In addition to the above opportunities, a series of lunch and learn sessions will be delivered throughout the fall and spring next year on Part 4 seismic design implications, adaptable dwelling units with a focus on design, and adaptable dwelling code compliance. Stay tuned as information will be posted to the website once available.
Resources
For more information about the BC Building Code, the upcoming code changes, and to download a free copy of the BC Codes 2024, please visit the BC Codes website.
There are also external resources available that outline the changes to the BC Building Code, including:
- GHL Consultants LTD: 2024 BC Building Code Changes (PDF)