The Government of B.C. is considering changes to the BC Building Code, including cooling requirements and accessibility standards, and seeking input from interested parties.
The proposed changes to the BC Building Code are based on the 2020 National Model Codes with some B.C. specific variations to reflect the province’s geography, climate, local government needs, industry practices and provincial priorities, such as accessibility.
“Our government is committed to more accessible, safer and more climate-resilient buildings for people, now and in the future,” said Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon. “That is why we are updating the BC Building Code to ensure that buildings and spaces across the province reflect the needs of everyone. We look forward to reviewing feedback from experts and the public to ensure that the changes we are proposing will provide benefits in the years to come.”
A four-week public review is asking for comments on:
- accessibility and adaptable dwellings;
- cooling requirements;
- mass timber construction;
- earthquake design;
- radon safety, and;
- ventilation in houses.
Proposed changes include mandating cooling capability to maintain indoor temperature at no greater than 26⁰ Celsius in all new residential construction; provincewide adoption of mass timber requirements in new building constructions in harmonization with the National Building Code 2020 and provincewide adoption of a rough-in for a radon extraction system.
The Ministry of Housing will review and consider all feedback in drafting the updated building code.
The province anticipates adopting the updated BC Building Code this year and bringing it into force in December 2023. The transition period will give local governments, the construction industry, education providers and others governed by the code time to adjust their practices and training materials.
Feedback via an online survey is open until June 16.
