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History of British Columbia
Building Regulations

The provincial government receives numerous requests for information concerning the date that various building codes and regulations came into effect. In response to these requests the following history and table were prepared.

Under the terms of the Constitution Act, regulation of building in Canada is the responsibility of the provincial and territorial governments. British Columbia enacts building regulation through the Local Government Act and the authority to enforce these building regulations is granted to municipalities and regional districts, also through the Local Government Act. The Building Policy Branch of the Office of Housing and Construction Standards is responsible for developing and maintaining the building regulations.

Prior to September 1, 1973, local governments adopted a building code under local bylaws. In 1973, an amendment to the Municipal Act gave the provincial government the power to make regulations establishing a building code (includes the plumbing code) for the province through an Order in Council. An amendment to the Act in 1977 eliminated the need for an OIC and gave authority to the Minister of Municipal Affairs to enact the codes through a Minister's Order. Currently, the authority for building regulations belongs to the Minister of Forests and Range.

The following table lists the various regulations that have been enacted over the years to adopt various building and plumbing codes and their amendments. Some of the effective dates were difficult to establish as the rules for the effective date have changed over the years based on changes to other relevant legislation. Therefore, the Province of British Columbia disclaims all responsibility for the accuracy of the information. This information should not be used as a basis for making financial, legal or any other commitments. If an exact date is required contact the Registrar of Regulations at the Ministry of Attorney General in Victoria, 604 356-5747 or fax 604 356-5758 to verify the date.

Copies of the regulations, which have been published in Part 2 of the BC Gazette, are available from the Legislative Library in Victoria, 250 387-6510, the Vancouver Public Library, 604 331-3603 (ask for History and Government Division) or the UBC library, 604 822-6375. Other libraries may also carry these documents.

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Regulations Pertaining to the B.C. Building Code

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