On March 8, 2024, the latest edition of the British Columbia Building Code will officially come into force, except for adaptable dwellings and earthquake changes which take effect March 10, 2025. This phased start allows market sectors that are affected to pivot, adjust processes and acquire the appropriate technology to implement the various changes in the new edition of the BC Building Code.
Based on Canada’s regulatory system this latest installment of the BC Building Code falls in general alignment with the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) 2020, except for specific conditions that reflect the province’s geography, climate, local government needs, industry practices, and provincial priorities. This is the same approach as previous editions of the BC Building Code (a historic summary of BC codes adoption can be found here).
Over 280 technical changes have been incorporated into the NBCC 2020, improving the level of safety, health, accessibility, fire and structural protection, and energy efficiency provided by the Code, and expanding the NBC into new areas. Notable changes that will be reflected in the revised BCBC include:
Technical requirements for large farm buildings are added, which address fire protection, occupant safety, structural design, and heating, ventilating and air-conditioning.
Encapsulated mass timber construction is introduced, enabling the construction of wood buildings with up to 12 storeys.
Accessibility requirements are updated to reduce barriers related to anthropometrics, plumbing facilities, signage, entrances and elevators.
Design requirements for evaporative equipment are revised to minimize the growth and transmission of Legionella and other bacteria.
A home-type care occupancy is introduced to allow safe and affordable care in a home-type setting.
Energy performance tiers are established to provide a framework for achieving higher levels of energy efficiency in housing and small buildings.
Changes to curtain wall fire stopping to permit testing in accordance with ASTM E2307, “Standard Test Method for Determining Fire Resistance of Perimeter Fire Barriers Using Intermediate-Scale, Multi-storey Test Apparatus”.
Notable changes in the BC Building Code include:
More complete and specific language for constructing extended rough-ins for radon subfloor depressurization systems
Adopting cooling requirements to provide one living space that does not exceed 26 degrees Celsius
Retaining existing ventilation requirements for systems serving single dwelling units
New methodologies for earthquake design for small buildings, in harmonization with the National Building Code.
An elevator in all large two- and three-storey apartment buildings.