BC Building Code Information

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BC Building Code 2024

Important BC Building Code changes take effect March 10, 2025.

 

BC Building Code 2024 Changes as of March 10, 2025

The BC Building Code 2024 came into effect on March 8, 2024; however, seismic structural design and adaptable dwelling unit provisions from the BC Building Code 2018 remained in effect for projects with building permits applied for on or before March 10, 2025. 

Starting March 10, 2025, all projects with building permits applied for on or after March 10, 2025, will need to comply with the entirety of the BC Building Code 2024 including the seismic structural design, adaptable dwelling unit requirements and new ‘zero carbon’ GHG emission standards.

Key changes:

  • Starting March 10, 2025, as mandated by the province, all building permit applications must fully comply with the BC Building Code 2024, including new seismic structural design standards and adaptable dwelling unit requirements.
  • All buildings must adhere to zero carbon standards by meeting specific greenhouse gas emissions. Current requirements is Level 1, Measure Only.

Seismic design

The BC Building Code 2024 includes significant changes to Section 9.23.13, addressing bracing requirements for lateral loads from wind and earthquakes. These requirements reflect British Columbia’s high seismic hazard values.

The Ministry of Housing will provide additional resources. An illustrated guide for lateral load design has been released, to help builders and designers implement these new requirements. 

Adaptable Dwelling Units
An adaptable dwelling unit is designed and constructed with some accessible features and can be modified in the future to provide additional accessibility.

Bathroom Wall Reinforcement for all Dwelling Units; At least one bathroom in all new dwelling units, including secondary suites, must have the walls reinforced to accommodate the future installation of grab bars conforming to the requirements described in 3.8.3.12(1) (f) and (g) for water closets, 3.8.3.17.(1) (f) for showers or 3.8.3.18.(1) (f) for bathtubs.

Additionally adaptable dwelling unit requirements apply to select residential buildings, most notably condominium and apartment buildings. 100% of all dwellings in new large apartment and condominium buildings need to follow the requirements for adaptable dwellings, and this also applies to all first-floor dwelling units in small apartment and condominium buildings. 

New Zero Carbon Standards

Starting March 10, 2025, New dwelling units, accessory and commercial buildings must comply with the provincial minimum Level 1, measure only, of the Zero Carbon Step Code. Currently all preconstruction reports for dwelling units have included the measure only in the Pre-construction report. Accessory and commercial buildings will need to provide Level 1, measure only data for compliance of the Zero Carbon Step Code.

Resources

Code changes already adopted in BC Building Code 2024 include: 

  • Requiring rough-ins for radon safety province-wide.
  • Cooling requirement provided in one living space that does not exceed 26 degrees Celsius.

We are here to help:

The CVRD is here to help builders and developers understand and implement the new provincial building code requirements. To get started, please review the BC Building Code 2024 and resources provided by the BC government. If you have any questions, please contact us by calling 250-334-6006 or emailing Building Inspection Services Department at building@comoxvalleyrd.ca.

Our team is available for in-person meetings to discuss how these requirements may apply to your project. To schedule an appointment please email building@comoxvalleyrd.ca or call 250-334-6006.


What is the BC Energy Step Code?

Compliance with Step 3 of the BC Energy Step Code will be required throughout British Columbia, including the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD). All newly constructed and substantially reconstructed homes will require pre-building permit energy modeling performed by a certified Energy Advisor. To find a Qualified Energy Advisor, visit CleanBC Better Homes . Energy Advisors will be required to return mid-construction and prior to occupancy to confirm that the work meets the pre-construction modeling. Occupancy permits will be contingent upon the CVRD Building Services branch receiving a compliant final energy advisor report.

Pre-permit energy modeling is most efficiently completed if performed during the design stage by way of a collaborative effort between the home designer and the energy advisor as early as possible in the process.
Health, fire, structural and general safety requirements are enforced to protect and promote the well-being of all residents of the Comox Valley Regional District. Homeowners are responsible for carrying out work, or having work carried out, in full accordance with British Columbia Building Code requirements and other applicable regulations.


About the British Columbia Building Code

The 2024 BC Building Code establishes minimum standards for health, safety, accessibility, energy and fire and structural protection of buildings in British Columbia. The 2024 BC Plumbing Code establishes minimum standards for health, water efficiency and protection of the building or facility from water and sewer damage. The 2024 BC Fire Code  establishes minimum standards for health, safety and fire protection of buildings and facilities in British Columbia.