On December 10, 2018, BC's new Building Code and Plumbing Code will come into effect. Those applying for building permits either on or after that date will be subject to the new codes.
Buildings with existing permits will fall under the codes in force at the time and those who submit their permit applications before December 10, 2018 will fall under the 2012 codes.
The changes coming into force bring the BC Building and Plumbing Code more in line with the latest National Codes, with some changes specific to BC.
All construction, alterations, repairs and demolitions of buildings in BC must comply with the BC Building Code (with the exception of some federal lands and the City of Vancouver). It sets out minimum requirements for:
- health and safety
- accessibility
- fire and structural protection
- energy and water efficiency
The BC Plumbing Code sets out minimum requirements for plumbing systems to protect health and safety and prevent water or sewer damage.
Some important changes to these codes include:
- increased accessibility in buildings for people with disabilities
- improved energy efficiency in compliance with new energy efficiency codes
- the adoption of 2015 National Building Code provisions for mid-rise combustible buildings with a variation specific to BC - 100% of exterior cladding must have increased fire resistance and 10% of the building’s perimeter must be within 15 metres of a street
- updated radon protection requirements that defer to data from the authority with jurisdiction or, where none is available, to the revised table in the 2018 BC Building Code
For further details and to get a copy of the latest codes, please visit bccodes.ca. For information and resources on insurance and risk management for property owners, developers and builders, and please contact a CapriCMW Risk Advisor.
