Revision 6 – errata and revisions package has been published, effective June 16, 2025. While most changes in Revision 6 are editorial, several updates to the adaptable dwelling unit provisions and seismic requirements for houses and small buildings are notable.
Adaptable Dwelling Units
The updates identify additional design options and remove unintended rules. These changes do not introduce new restrictions, or necessitate changes in practice, as the new design choices are optional and may reduce costs. Key updates include:
- prescribing design alternatives, such as for accessible spaces, to follow the CSA B651-18 standard “Accessible design for the built environment”, which allow adjustments to clearances and widths for greater economy of space,
- greater clarity and consistency by assigning definitions to terms used,
- correction that a bedroom closet is optional- not required,
- additional options and flexibility adjacent toilets for structural assemblies that could support grab bars, and
- direction that the adaptable dwelling unit provisions only apply to new construction and not to alterations to existing dwellings (which could be impractical/impossible).
Seismic Requirements for Houses and Small Buildings
Seismic updates are intended to improve clarity and support builder compliance. These revisions reflect recommendations from the National Research Council of Canada committee that developed the original seismic provisions. Key updates include:
- greater clarity on anchorage and joints of framing members to improve safety,
- correcting images to inform which requirements apply to which storeys, and
- correcting an equation for more practical and logical alternative solutions.
You can access Revision 6 of the BC Building Code 2024 on the Code Revisions page of the Construction Standards and Digital Solutions website and the corresponding technical bulletin on the bulletins page.
If you have any questions, please email construction.standards@gov.bc.ca.