The Government of British Columbia's Building and Safety Policy Branch is responsible for the British Columbia Building Code. The BC Building Code is based on the model National Building Code and is adopted by the province with changes and modifications specific to British Columbia. The BC Building Code document is revised and updated in conjunction with the National Building Code.
The 2006 BC Building Code came into effect on December 15, 2006, replacing the 1998 BC Building Code. The HPO has published a Builder Insight bulletin, 2006 BC Building Code: Highlights of Changes for Part 9 - Residential Construction, that covers the major changes contained in the 2006 BC Building Code. The Building and Safety Policy Branch's 2006 BC Building Code - List of Changes, covers the technical changes and updates incorporated into the 2006 BC Building Code from the 1998 BC Building Code.
The Building and Safety Policy Branch provides a number of materials related to the BC Building Code including: information on the new objective based format, where to obtain a copy of the Building Code, Errata and Revisions, Letters of Assurance, the Building Code Access Handbook, as well as other resources.
How do I obtain a copy of the BC Building Code?
Copies of the 2006 BC Building Code can be purchased from Crown Publications, including other codes that are applicable to British Columbia.
The Code publications are also available from booksellers throughout British Columbia, or a special order request may be made at your local bookseller to obtain a copy of the BC Building Code. Reference copies of the BC Building Codes and other regulations may also be available at your local public library. Ensure that you are purchasing the Code that is currently in effect and applicable to the jurisdiction in which you are building. If you are uncertain which Code applies, check with the city or municipality for advice.
Where does the British Columbia Building Code come from?
The National Building Code of Canada is a model national code that forms the basis for provincial and territorial regulations, including the BC Building Code. The Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) prepares the national code as well as oversees the technical standing committees whose members represent all areas of the construction industry who effect change to the codes to protect the health and safety of Canadians.
How do I obtain a copy of the National Building Code?
The National Building Code of Canada 2005 is now available. Copies of this document, as well as other national model codes can be obtained from the National Research Council of Canada, Institute for Research in Construction:
- National Building Code of Canada 2005
- National Fire Code of Canada 2005
- National Plumbing Code of Canada 2005
The National Building Code forms the basis of the British Columbia Building Code, but does not contain unique provincial changes and modifications.
What changes have been made to the new National Building Code?
The 2005 National Building Code has changed to an objective based format and includes other technical changes. Detailed information on objective-based codes can be found at: 2005 National Construction Codes: increasing clarity and flexibility for design
In early 2003, an online code review consultation took place in which the public was invited to try the new format, and to respond with their comments with the consultation material still available.
Links to Related Departments and Organizations in B.C.
- British Columbia Safety Authority (BCSA)
- A non-profit corporation that administers the service delivery components of the Safety Standards Act. Responsibilities related to residential construction include elevating, electrical (including electrical equipment and systems), and gas equipment and systems (natural gas and propane).
- Building and Safety Policy Branch
- Responsible for developing and implementing a modern legislative framework for regulated products and processes that balances the safety, economic and social concerns of all British Columbians.
- Homeowner Protection Office (HPO)
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The HPO publishes a guide for building envelopes.
A valuable resource for homebuilders, designers and trades, the Building Envelope Guide for Houses: Part 9 Residential Construction is available. It provides practical information related to the design and construction of the building envelope for new home construction in accordance with Part 9 of the 2006 British Columbia Building Code and the 2007 Vancouver Building By-law.
You can preview sample pages and order online.
