The BC Building Code was updated in 2024, adding a variety of energy efficiency, accessibility and structural requirements for builders.
If you’re building a custom home here in BC, the BC Building Code (BCBC) is the guiding principle on how a structure must be built. The BCBC is a collection of provincial regulations that set minimum standards to ensure safety, health, accessibility, and structural integrity. The same rules apply for demolitions, alterations and renovations, plus the code has applications for residential and commercial buildings.
While the BCBC lays out the minimum building requirements, most custom homes exceed at least some of the requirements.
What’s New in the BCBC 2024?
Here’s a summary of what’s new in the BCBC 2024. For more in-depth detail, take a read through the PDF version of BCBC 2024.
Seismic Design
The threat of a big earthquake here in BC is very real. The Code continues to incorporate stricter seismic standards that will help homes resist damage and remain standing in the aftermath of an earthquake.
- For wood construction, lateral restraint requirements have been expanded, calling for increased use of braced wall bands and braced wall panels
- Stricter national standards have been adapted for smaller houses, townhomes, and multi-unit buildings within high earthquake hazard zones
Adaptable Dwelling Units
Adaptable Dwelling Units (ADUs) can be easily modified for accessibility if need be. These ADUs must follow stricter construction rules around accessibility.
- One in five units in large apartments and one in five on the first floor of small apartments must be ADUs
- Single-storey units served by a common accessible corridor are now considered adaptable
- In buildings with elevators, all units served by elevators from accessible corridors must be adaptable
- ADUs now require:
- Accessible clearances through doorways and travel paths to the living space
- Clear space in the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen
- Switches and controls at accessible heights
- Reinforced bathroom walls for future grab bars
Ventilation
Especially since the summer heat wave of 2021, the province has recognized BC’s warming climate, along with the danger of excessive heat to health.
- Every dwelling must include at least one living space that is designed to remain below 26°C during peak summer
- This habitable space should be a living room or den , not a bedroom
- This temperature may be achieved through ventilation or mechanical provisions
Radon Control
While radon control has been built into the BCBC 2024, radon is not a risk on Vancouver Island.
Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible and odourless gas that presents respiratory health risks if it builds up inside the home. The BCBC 2024 focuses on building to reduce risks of radon in the Interior of BC where the gas is more prevalent:
- Clear guidelines for constructing extended rough-ins for radon subfloor depressurization systems
- New buildings with conditioned space that have a wall, roof, or floor assembly in contact with the ground now require a radon rough-in
- Unless a building is designed using specific radon protection parts, a subfloor depressurization system must be roughed-in with an air barrier between the ground and conditioned space and a vent pipe to outside.
Accessibility (Commercial only)
Accessibility is a major theme in the BCBC for commercial buildings, which received quite a few updates in the 2024 version.
- Power-operated doors are now required to enter all commercial and public buildings, along with access to the accessible washroom
- Universal washrooms must include additional changing space
- Elevators are required in large two and three-storey buildings
- New builds must include reinforced bathroom walls to accommodate future grab bar installations
The BC Energy Step Code: Performance-Based Emissions Requirements
The provincial government established the BC Energy Step Code in 2017, which lays out requirements for energy efficiency. The BC Energy Step Code came together to reduce energy use and emissions while setting out consistent requirements. It’s important to note that the BC Energy Step Code is a performance-based standard – not building rules or construction methods.
The requirements are grouped into Steps. Every few years the minimum Step increases, as the province moves towards its goal of net-zero energy-ready buildings by 2032. Local governments also have the authority to require higher steps if they choose.
In Victoria, new residential and commercial buildings must comply with Step 3 for ‘Part 9’ buildings (single-family homes, duplexes, townhomes, etc.). For mid-and high-rise residential and commercial buildings, new construction is required to meet Step 2.
Step 3 Requirements
- New construction must be 20% more efficient than the base 2018 BCBC
- At least one metric in all three of these key areas:
- Air Tightness (ACH₅₀)
- Envelope (TEDI)
- Equipment (MEUI)
Step 2 Requirements
- New construction must be 10% more efficient than the base 2018 BCBC
The BC Zero Carbon Step Code
Similar to the BC Energy Step Code, the BC Zero Carbon Step Code is a flexible plan designed to make buildings cleaner, more energy efficient, and more affordable to operate.
The Zero Carbon Step Code has been created with four predictable, measurable steps:
- Measure Only (Level 1)
- Moderate Carbon Performance (Level 2)
- Strong Carbon Performance (Level 3)
- Zero Carbon Performance (Level 4)
- This means emissions should be as close to zero as possible
As mentioned in the ‘Emissions’ section of this article, the province now requires all new buildings to meet at least Level 1 of the Zero Carbon Step Code. Level 1 requires the measuring and disclosing of emissions, along with a system to track and report these emissions.
However, local governments have the ability to enforce or incentivize higher levels. In Victoria, all new building types must meet Level 4, ensuring new buildings will emit at least 75% fewer emissions than the average recently constructed building.
History of the BC Building Code
Prior to 1973, there was no BC Building Code. Instead, individual municipalities created and enforced their own local bylaws. Sometimes these bylaws would loosely follow the Canadian National Building Code, which was published in 1941.
In 1973, the BC Building Code was established when the existing Municipal Act was amended. Finally, this gave the provincial government the power to create consistent regulations across BC. The first BC Building Code in 1973 was just an adaptation of the National Building Code.
In 1977, an amendment to the Municipal Act eliminated the need for an Order in Council (a legal instrument issued by the Lieutenant Governor to implement decisions) to enact the building code. Now, the Minister of Housing had authority to enact the building code.
In 2005, the province released its first-ever targets for energy efficiency, which was called the Energy Efficient Buildings Strategy.
In 2015, the Building Act became law, giving the Minister of Housing sole authority to set and enforce building requirements.
Today and into the future, the BC Building Code is focused on ensuring the health and safety of British Columbians by setting minimum standards for construction, alterations, repairs, and demolition. The National Building Code is still used as the foundation and main inspiration, but BC’s unique challenges, priorities and needs are taken into account in each BC Building Code.
Building Code Peace of Mind
Horizon Pacific Contracting has earned the reputation as one of Victoria’s top custom home builders and renovating contractors. Our knowledge goes beyond the code to the latest technology and innovations so we can build a house that’s right for you.
From optimizing budgets to managing deadlines and being intimately knowledgeable with the BC Building Code and beyond, our clients rest easy knowing we have the expertise and know-how to get things done right.
Contact us today and let’s collaborate on your new home.