About the Codes
The BC Building Code (BCBC) is a provincial regulation for new construction and building alterations, establishing minimum standards for safety, health, accessibility, fire and structural protection of buildings, and protection of the building or facility from water and sewer damage. The BCBC applies throughout the province. However, there are exceptions, such as the City of Vancouver where the City of Vancouver Building By-law applies.
The 2006 BC Building Code is based on the 2005 edition of the National Building and National Plumbing Codes of Canada with some variations specific to BC. For the first time, the BC Building Code and the BC Fire Code have been published using an objective-based format. They continue to have prescriptive and performance-based technical requirements.
The BC Fire Code (BCFC) is a provincial regulation for ongoing use of existing buildings and facilities that establishes minimum standards for health, safety, and fire protection.
Code availability and cost
Queen’s Printer is the main distributor of the 2006 Codes. The Codes are also available through book stores, and at public libraries. For a complete list of products and pricing, contact the Queen’s Printer: www.bccodes.ca; email bccodes@gov.bc.ca; toll free 1-800-663-6105.
For a complete list of products and pricing, contact the Queen’s Printer: www.bccodes.ca; email bccodes@gov.bc.ca; toll free at 1-800-663-6105.
The Codes will be accessible to view online at public libraries at no charge. Contact your local public library for more information.
The BC Building Code and the BC Fire Code were last published in 1998. Inflation, increased research and consultation towards development, and publishing costs have affected current pricing.
The National Research Council in Ottawa receives royalties from code sales. The funds go towards the costs associated with the national code development system. Costs of publication and distribution are also covered by the purchase price.
Timing: effective date
December 15, 2006 is the effective date of the 2006 BC Building Code and 2006 BC Fire Code.
- Building and design projects for which building permit applications are accepted prior to December 15, 2006 must continue to use the 1998 BC Building Code.
- Projects submitting building permit applications on or after December 15, 2006, must comply with the 2006 BC Building Code requirements.
Format changes
Yes. The 2006 BC Building Code and 2006 BC Fire Code are published in an objective-based format, linking existing regulations to objectives.
Additionally, the 2006 Codes have a new organizational layout made up of Divisions A, B and C.
- Division A includes the compliance options, the objectives and the functional statements.
- Division B contains code provisions, or "acceptable solutions." Objectives and functional statements are listed in a table at the end of each part. These references explain the purpose of the provision.
- Division C contains administrative provisions.
Objective-based codes set out the rationale for code provisions. This is done by first stating the objectives, sub-objectives and related statements of the Codes, then by ensuring the provisions of the Codes support the objectives. All requirements in the updated Codes are linked to one or more main objectives:
BC Building Code: health; safety; accessibility; fire and structural protection of buildings; and protection of the building or facility from water and sewer damage.
BC Fire Code: health; safety; and fire protection of buildings and facilities.
A. The objective-based code format is intended to help users better understand the reasons why a particular requirement must be met. This is done by linking technical requirements to at least one objective and functional statement. Further, the new format is intended to assist with alternative solutions.
“Alternative solution” replaces the term “equivalency” used in the 1998 BC Building Code. Code users may propose alternative solutions to Code requirements. These proposals require local authority approval. Local government contact information may be found at: www.civicinfo.bc.ca/11.asp
Education and training
- A coalition of industry organizations, coordinated by the Building Officials’ Association of BC (BOABC), is offering seminars in various locations around BC, highlighting changes in the 2006 BC Building Code. For more information see Code Change Seminars 2007
- Additionally, check with your professional/industry associations for sector-specific information and training opportunities regarding the new Codes.
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