Building and Safety Standards Branch

The Ministry's Building and Safety Standards Branch is responsible for developing and implementing a modern legislative framework for regulating safety in the design, construction and occupancy of buildings. The branch works to balance the safety, economic and social concerns in building regulation for all British Columbians.

2012 Edition of Building, Plumbing and Fire Codes *New*

The Province has adopted the 2012 editions of the BC Building Code, BC Plumbing Code, and BC Fire Code (“BC Codes”) with an effective date of December 20, 2012. If a building permit is applied for prior to this date, the 2006 edition of the BC Codes will still apply. Click here to review the Information Bulletin announcing the release. To access the Codes or for purchase information, please visit the Queen’s Printer.



Current Building and Safety Standards Branch initiatives include

Core activities of the Building and Safety Standards Branch include:

  • Governance of aspects of the building regulatory system framework;
  • Stewardship of the development and application of the BC Building Code;
  • Management of the administrative agreements with delegated authorities under the Safety Standards Act;
  • Acting as secretariat to the Building Code Appeal Board, the Province of British Columbia's building code dispute resolution board;
  • Working with the Homeowner Protection Office to strengthen consumer protection for buyers of new homes under the Homeowner Protection Act;
  • Liaising with the BC Safety Authority created under the Safety Authority Act; and
  • Promoting and facilitating British Columbia's interests in national standards while working with stakeholders to balance safety, economic and social priorities.

Key Legislation:

Building Code Enforcement and Building Permits

The Building and Safety Standards Branch does not enforce compliance with the BC Building Code. Local governments are authorized to enforce the BC Building Code through the Local Government Act and the Community Charter. If you have a question regarding building permits or building code enforcement, please contact the local government building department in your area.

You can find contact information for local governments here.