Close X
Thursday, November 28, 2024
ADVT 
National

Building Code Changes To Help Build More Safe, Affordable Homes

Darpan News Desk, 22 Nov, 2019 09:26 PM

    New updates to the B.C. Building and Plumbing Code (B.C. Building Code) support innovative construction methods to help build more affordable homes faster, while enhancing building standards for energy efficiency and safety for British Columbians.

     

    “People deserve to have a safe, affordable and secure home, and we are working to make that a reality for all British Columbians,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “These changes to the building code will help create more affordable housing, while ensuring buildings in B.C. meet world-class health, safety and energy efficiency standards.”


    One of the changes to the building code enables local governments to allow 12-storey tall wood buildings, up from the previous limit of six storeys. Thirteen communities have signed on to be early adopters of tall wood buildings using mass timber technology.


    “Increasing and finding new uses of British Columbia forestry products means we are creating beautiful energy efficient homes, while supporting jobs and local economies,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “Changes to the building code to promote efficiency is part of our CleanBC plan to reduce emissions in new construction, while improving energy efficiency in existing buildings.”


    Another change will help increase the supply of homes people need by allowing secondary suites in multi-family buildings, like thousands of duplexes and townhouses around the province. The regulations also remove maximum size restrictions in the building code.


    “Secondary suites are a critically important source of rental housing in communities across B.C.,” said David Hutniak, chief executive officer, LandlordBC. “We are pleased to see that the Province is extending the new regulations to existing buildings and is removing barriers to this form of rental housing.”


    Additionally, new regulations for secondary suites will require fire separations between residences to improve safety for everyone in the homes.


    Energy Step Code requirements have also been introduced for public sector buildings, such as hospitals, schools, community centres and university classrooms. This aligns with the Province’s CleanBC commitment to protect its communities and set B.C. on the path to a stronger, more sustainable future.


    B.C. Building Code changes that enhance safety include:

    requirements for carbon monoxide detectors in commercial buildings and assembly buildings, such as schools, offices and places of worship;
    increased lighting in recycling rooms; and


    additional requirements for fire alarms and exits on roof-top enclosures, like patios.


    The building code changes apply to building permit applications on or after Dec. 12, 2019.


    Acting on climate change is a shared priority with the BC Green Party caucus and is part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement.


    Quick Facts:


    The B.C. Building Code establishes minimum requirements for health, safety, accessibility, fire and structural protection, and energy and water efficiency.


    The code applies to building construction and renovation throughout B.C., except for some federal lands and the City of Vancouver (the city has its own building bylaw).


    New editions of the B.C. Building and Plumbing Code are based on the most recent edition of the National Building and Plumbing Code of Canada.


    Online versions of the B.C. Building Codes are available free of charge and printed copies are available at a reduced rate, making it easier for students, contractors, businesses and local governments to access the code for their studies and work.

     

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Letting Ski Resort Sell Mountain Water From Park Is Risky, Say Environmentalists

    Letting Ski Resort Sell Mountain Water From Park Is Risky, Say Environmentalists
    EDMONTON - An environmental group says Alberta's decision to allow a ski hill in a provincial park to sell water it's not using and have it trucked away sets a bad precedent.    

    Letting Ski Resort Sell Mountain Water From Park Is Risky, Say Environmentalists

    Charge Dropped Against Raptors Fan Who Made Vulgar Comment About Ayesha Curry

    A Toronto Raptors fan who made a vulgar comment on live television about Ayesha Curry, wife of NBA star Stephen Curry, has had his charge withdrawn.

    Charge Dropped Against Raptors Fan Who Made Vulgar Comment About Ayesha Curry

    Mob Attack In Surrey: Man Beaten, Cars Vandalized, RCMP Investigating - WATCH VIDEO

    Video Begins With A Mob Of People Running Toward The Parking Lot Of The Kwantlen Plaza Strip Mall, Located On 128 Street. The Men Can Then Be Seen Wailing On A Number Of Fleeing Cars, And Swarming A Driver Who Steps Out Of His Vehicle.

    Mob Attack In Surrey: Man Beaten, Cars Vandalized, RCMP Investigating - WATCH VIDEO

    Metro Vancouver Transit Dispute: Job Action Escalates, Overtime Ban By Bus Drivers Begins

    Escalating job action was expected across Metro Vancouver on Friday as Unifor bus drivers planned to stage a one-day overtime ban.    

    Metro Vancouver Transit Dispute: Job Action Escalates, Overtime Ban By Bus Drivers Begins

    N.B. Moves Toward Privatization Of Cannabis Sales Following Losses In First Year

    Finance Minister Ernie Steeves says today that after a careful analysis, the government concluded the best approach was to turn to the private sector.

    N.B. Moves Toward Privatization Of Cannabis Sales Following Losses In First Year

    B.C. Forest Industry Trade Mission To Asia Seeks To Calm Concerns About Downturn

    B.C. Forest Industry Trade Mission To Asia Seeks To Calm Concerns About Downturn
    VICTORIA - A forest industry trade mission to Asia faces fewer political tensions this year than last December after the arrest of a top Chinese executive, but concerns about supply issues are now on the table, says British Columbia's forests minister.    

    B.C. Forest Industry Trade Mission To Asia Seeks To Calm Concerns About Downturn