The below was originally published on the Engineers and Geoscientists BC website, under “Which BCBC code provisions, climatic data and seismic hazard data, NBC structural commentaries, material standards, and letters of assurance am I expected to use for structural designs issued for building permit between March 8, 2024, and March 9, 2025 (inclusive)”?
BCBC 2024 came into effect as of March 8, 2024. The BCBC 2024 now applies throughout the province except for some for some federal lands and the City of Vancouver. However, as per the Minister of Housing’s British Columbia Building Code Order (BA 2023 10), the adoption of structural-related changes in Subsection 4.1.8. Earthquake Loads and Effects, Section 9.23. Wood-Frame Construction, and Appendix C Climatic and Seismic Information for Building Design in British Columbia are delayed until March 10, 2025.
The Building and Safety Standards Branch’s Bulletin Delay period for seismic (earthquake) requirements in the British Columbia Building Code 2024 (B24-09) provides further clarity on the intent of the British Columbia Building Code Order and is summarized as follows:
For Part 4 buildings submitted for building permit between March 8, 2024, and March 9, 2025 (inclusive):
- Part 4 (excluding Subsection 4.1.8.) of the BCBC 2024a applies for all non-seismic design (e.g., gravity, wind).
- Subsection 4.1.8. of the BCBC 2018a applies for seismic design.b
- However, Subsection 4.1.8. of the BCBC 2024a is permitted for seismic designb (that is, full adoption of Part 4 of the BCBC 2024 is permitted).
For Part 9 buildings submitted for building permit between March 8, 2024, and March 9, 2025 (inclusive):
- Part 9 (excluding Section 9.23.) of the BCBC 2024c applies for the design of housing and small buildings.
- Section 9.23. of the BCBC 2018c applies for wood-frame construction.
- However, Section 9.23. of the BCBC 2024c is permitted for housing and small buildings (that is, full adoption of Part 9 of the BCBC 2024 is permitted).
Since the requirement for letters of assurance is stated in Subsection 2.2.7. Professional Design and Review of Division C, which is outside of the delayed provisions, the BCBC 2024 letters of assurance apply for all projects after March 8, 2024. Per Clause 2.2.4.3.1.(b) of Division C of the code, Registrants should clearly indicate within their supporting documents the date of issue of the code to which the design conforms (e.g., BCBC 2024 with Subsection 4.1.8. of BCBC 2018 or BCBC 2024 as adopted on March 8, 2024). No modifications should be made to the Letters of Assurance except as outlined in the Guide to the Letters of Assurance.
Notes
a. Appendix C (climatic data and seismic hazard data), NBC structural commentaries, and material codes and performance standards (CSA S16, CSA A23.3, CSA O86, CSA S304, CSA S136) must be those referenced in the code being applied. For example, for designs to Part 4 of the BCBC 2024, Appendix C, NBC structural commentaries, and the material codes and performance standards referenced in BCBC 2024 apply (e.g., CSA S16-19, CSA O86-19, CSA A23.3-19). For designs to Subsection 4.1.8. of the BCBC 2018, Appendix C, NBC structural commentaries, and the material codes and performance standards referenced in BCBC 2018 apply (e.g., CSA S16-14, CSA O86-14, CSA A23.3-14). However, registrants should be aware of incoming provisions and should consider applying them when the current standards are silent or when otherwise deemed appropriate.
b. Seismic design includes strength requirements, drift limitations, and structural detailing that affects the performance when subjected to code-specified load combinations that include E.
c. Appendix C (climatic data and seismic hazard data), material codes and performance standards (CSA S16, CSA A23.3, CSA O86, CSA S304, CSA S136), and Illustrated Guide – Seismic Bracing Requirements BC Building Codeare those referenced in the code being applied.