British Columbia Building Code 2024 PDF

British Columbia BUILDING CODE 2024 Book I: General Revision 1  PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA ORDER OF THE MINISTER OF HOUSING...

British Columbia BUILDING CODE 2024 Book I: General Revision 1  PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA ORDER OF THE MINISTER OF HOUSING Building Act Ministerial Order No. BA 2023 10 I, Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing, order that effective March 8, 2024, the attached British Columbia Building Code Order is made. November 24, 2023 Date Minister of Housing (This part is for administrative purposes only and is not part of the Order.) Authority under which Order is made: Act and section: Building Act, S.B.C. 2015, c. 2, s. 3 Other: page 1 of 3  BRITISH COLUMBIA BUILDING CODE ORDER 1 "2018 Code" means the British Columbia Building Code established by the order of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing numbered BA 2018 1 and dated July 16, 2018; British Columbia Building Code established 2 The British Columbia Building Code is established by adopting, (a) as Book I (General), Divisions A to C of the National Building Code of Canada 2020, as it existed on March 28, 2022, with the changes considered necessary and incorporated in it in the attached Schedule and (b) as Book II (Plumbing Systems), Divisions A to C of the National Plumbing Code of Canada 2020, as it existed on March 28, 2022, with the changes considered necessary and as provided in Part 7 Division B of Book I (General). Application of the British Columbia Building Code 3 The British Columbia Building Code established by section 2 applies except insofar as the 2018 Code applies under section 4. Application of B.C. Reg. BA 2018 1 4 (1) In this section, “building permit” means a building permit issued by (a) a “local authority” as defined in the Building Act, or (b) under the University Endowment Lands Act. (2) The 2018 Code applies only to the construction or alteration of a building as follows (a) if a building permit is required, (i) the building permit is applied for before the effective date of this order, and (ii) the building permit applied for is issued and work commences and continues to completion without interruption, other than work stoppages considered reasonable in the building industry, or (b) if no building permit is required, the construction or alteration of the building has substantially started as of the effective date of this order and work continues to completion without interruption, other than work stoppages considered reasonable in the building industry. (3) All work referred to in subsections 2(a) and (b) must be carried out in conformity with the 2018 Code. (4) Subsection 3.8.5., Subsection 4.1.8., Section 9.23. and Appendix C of Division B of the 2018 Code apply only to the construction or alteration of a building as follows (a) if a building permit is required (i) the building permit is applied for on or after the effective date of this order but before March 10, 2025, and (ii) the building permit applied for is issued and work commences and continues to completion without interruption, other than work stoppages considered reasonable in the building industry, or (b) if no building permit is required, the construction or alteration of the building has substantially started after the effective date of this order but before March 10, 2025 and work continues to completion without interruption, other than work stoppages considered reasonable in the building industry. 2 (5) All work referred to in subsections 4(a) and (b) must be carried out in conformity with (a) the British Columbia Building Code established by Section 2 except Subsection 3.8.5., Subsection 4.1.8., Section 9.23. and Appendix C of Division B, and (b) Subsection 3.8.5., Subsection 4.1.8., Section 9.23. and Appendix C of Division B of the 2018 Code. 3  PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA ORDER OF THE MINISTER OF HOUSING Building Act Ministerial Order No. BA 2024 04 I, Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing, order that Ministerial Order BA 2023 10 is amended as shown in the attached order. August 29, 2024 Date Minister of Housing (This part is for administrative purposes only and is not part of the Order.) Authority under which Order is made: Act and section: Building Act, S.B.C. 2015, c. 2, s. 3 Other: page 1 of 3  BRITISH COLUMBIA BUILDING CODE ORDER 1 "2018 Code" means the British Columbia Building Code established by the order of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing numbered BA 2018 1 and dated July 16, 2018; British Columbia Building Code established 2 The British Columbia Building Code is established by adopting, (a) as Book I (General), Divisions A to C of the National Building Code of Canada 2020, as it existed on March 28, 2022, with the changes considered necessary and incorporated in it in the attached Schedule and (b) as Book II (Plumbing Systems), Divisions A to C of the National Plumbing Code of Canada 2020, as it existed on March 28, 2022, with the changes considered necessary and as provided in Part 7 Division B of Book I (General). Application of the British Columbia Building Code 3 The British Columbia Building Code established by section 2 applies except insofar as the 2018 Code applies under section 6 and 8. Application of B.C. Reg. BA 2018 1 4 (1) In this section, “building permit” means a building permit issued by (a) a “local authority” as defined in the Building Act, or (b) under the University Endowment Lands Act, and (2) “development permit application” means an application, in a form satisfactory to the local authority, for a permit issued in accordance with section 490 of the Local Government Act, and (3) “rezoning application” means an application, in a form satisfactory to the local authority, in relation to a bylaw in accordance with section 479 of the Local Government Act, and (4) “dwelling unit”, “registered professional” and “residential occupancy” have the same meaning as in the BC Building Code established by section 2, and (5) “drawings” means drawings prepared by, or prepared under the supervision of, a registered professional or a registrant of the Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of BC that include any of the following (a) information on the number of dwelling units in a residential occupancy, or (b) information on the dimensions of dwelling units in a residential occupancy, or (c) information on the dimensions of structural components or assemblies that are designed to resist seismic or lateral forces. (6) The 2018 Code applies only to the construction or alteration of a building as follows (a) if a building permit is required, (i) the building permit is applied for before March 8, 2024, and (ii) the building permit applied for is issued and work commences and continues to completion without interruption, other than work stoppages considered reasonable in the building industry, or (b) if no building permit is required, the construction or alteration of the building has substantially started as of the effective date of this order and work continues to 2  completion without interruption, other than work stoppages considered reasonable in the building industry. (7) All work referred to in subsections 6(a) and (b) must be carried out in conformity with the 2018 Code. (8) Subsection 3.8.5., Subsection 4.1.8., Section 9.23. and Appendix C of Division B of the 2018 Code apply to the construction or alteration of a building as follows (a) if a building permit is required (i) the building permit is applied for before March 10, 2025, or (ii) if a development permit application and drawings have been submitted to a local authority in relation to the building before March 8, 2024, and the building permit is applied for before March 8, 2027, or (iii) if a rezoning application and drawings have been submitted to a local authority in relation to the building before March 8, 2024, and the building permit is applied for before March 8, 2027, or (iv) drawings have been prepared for the building before March 8, 2024, and the building permit is applied for before March 8, 2027, and (vi) the building permit applied for is issued and work commences and continues to completion without interruption, other than work stoppages considered reasonable in the building industry, or (b) if no building permit is required, the construction or alteration of the building has substantially started on or after March 8, 2024, but before March 10, 2025, and work continues to completion without interruption, other than work stoppages considered reasonable in the building industry. (9) All work referred to in subsections 8(a) and (b) must be carried out in conformity with (a) the British Columbia Building Code established by Section 2 except Subsection 3.8.5., Subsection 4.1.8., Section 9.23. and Appendix C of Division B, and (b) Subsection 3.8.5., Subsection 4.1.8., Section 9.23. and Appendix C of Division B of the 2018 Code. 3 Table of Contents Volume 1 Preface Division A Compliance, Objectives and Functional Statements Part 1 Compliance Part 2 Objectives Part 3 Functional Statements Division B Acceptable Solutions Part 1 General Part 2 Reserved Part 3 Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Part 4 Structural Design Part 5 Environmental Separation Part 6 Heating, Ventilating and Air-conditioning Part 7 Plumbing Services Part 8 Safety Measures at Construction and Demolition Sites Part 10 Energy Efficiency Appendix C Climatic and Seismic Information for Building Design in Canada Appendix D Fire-Performance Ratings Division C Administrative Provisions Part 1 General Part 2 Administrative Provisions Index Conversion Factors Volume 2 Division B Acceptable Solutions Part 9 Housing and Small Buildings Index Conversion Factors British Columbia Building Codes 2024 British Columbia Building Code 2024 Acknowledgments and Copyright Copyright British Columbia 2024. Includes portions of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) 2020, Copyright National Research Council Canada 2022, reproduced herein with permission. The National Research Council Canada and British Columbia make no representation, warranties, or conditions, statutory or otherwise, as to the accuracy or completeness of its copyright material, the copyright material of others that is included in this publication, or the suitability of any of the published material for any user's requirements. All rights reserved. This Publication contains material that is copyrighted by the Province of British Columbia and no part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the Province of British Columbia. For more information, please contact the Intellectual Property Program for British Columbia: Intellectual Property Program E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.gov.bc.ca/Copyright IMPORTANT NOTICE British Columbia BUILDING CODE 2024 IMPORTANT: To access future revisions, go to gov.bc.ca/buildingcodes, click on BC Codes and then Errata & Revisions. To sign up for email notifications regarding BC Codes, go to gov.bc.ca/buildingcodes, then click Sign up for BC Codes updates. For products and pricing visit the King’s Printer at www.crownpub.bc.ca Preface The following preface is reprinted from the model National Building Code of Canada (NBC), on which the British Columbia Building Code (BCBC) is substantially based. As such, this information also pertains to the BCBC. Material that is not relevant to the BCBC has been deleted; minor BCBC-specific edits within the text have been made. Additional information only relevant to the BCBC has been included in text boxes within the document. The National Building Code of Canada 2020 (NBC), together with the National Plumbing Code of Canada 2020 (NPC), the National Fire Code of Canada 2020 (NFC) and the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020 (NECB), has been developed by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) as an objective-based national model code that can be adopted by provincial and territorial governments. In Canada, provincial and territorial governments have the authority to enact legislation that regulates building design and construction within their jurisdictions. This may involve the adoption of the NBC without change or with modifications to suit local needs, and the enactment of other laws and regulations regarding building design and construction, including requirements for professional involvement. In British Columbia, the NBC, together with the National Plumbing Code of Canada, are adopted, including any variations considered necessary, as Book I (General) and Book II (Plumbing Systems) of the BCBC, pursuant to the Building Act. The National Fire Code of Canada is adopted, including any variations considered necessary, as the British Columbia Fire Code (BCFC), pursuant to the Fire Services Act. The National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) is adopted by reference from Book I (General) of the British Columbia Building Code. The NBC is a model code in the sense that it helps promote consistency among provincial and territorial building codes. Persons involved in the design or construction of a building should consult the provincial or territorial jurisdiction concerned to find out which building code is applicable. This edition of the NBC succeeds the 2015 edition. This edition of the BCBC succeeds the 2018 edition. Development of the National Model Codes The CCBFC, an independent committee established by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), is responsible for the content of the National Model Codes. The CCBFC is made up of volunteers from across the country and from all facets of the Codes-user community. Members of the CCBFC and its standing committees include builders, engineers, skilled trade workers, architects, building owners, building operators, fire and building officials, manufacturers, and representatives of general interests. The CCBFC is advised on scope, policy and technical issues pertaining to the Codes by the Provincial/Territorial Policy Advisory Committee on Codes (PTPACC), which is a committee of senior representatives from provincial/territorial ministries responsible for building, fire, plumbing and energy regulation in their jurisdictions. The PTPACC was created by the provinces and territories, with provision of guidance to the CCBFC as one of its main functions. Through the PTPACC, the provinces and territories are engaged in every phase of the Codes development process. British Columbia Building Codes 2024 Codes Canada staff within the Construction Research Centre at the NRC provide technical and administrative support to the CCBFC and its standing committees, and coordinate the provision of evidence-based research to inform Codes development. The NRC publishes the National Model Codes and periodic revisions to the Codes to address pressing issues. Similar to the Codes themselves, such periodic revisions do not have legal effect until adopted into law by the Province of British Columbia. The broader Codes-user community also makes significant contributions to the Codes development process by submitting requests for changes or additions to the Codes and by commenting on the proposed changes during the public reviews that precede each new edition. The CCBFC takes into consideration the advice received from the provinces and territories as well as Codes users' comments at each stage of Codes development. The scope and content of the National Model Codes are determined on a consensus basis, which involves the review of technical, policy and practical concerns and discussion of the implications of these concerns. More information on the Codes development process is available on the NRC's website. National Building Code of Canada 2020 The NBC sets out technical provisions for the design and construction of new buildings. It also applies to the alteration, change of use and demolition of existing buildings. The NBC establishes requirements to address the following five objectives: safety health accessibility fire and structural protection of buildings environment Code provisions do not necessarily address all the characteristics of buildings that might be considered to have a bearing on the Code's objectives. Through the extensive consensus process used to develop and maintain the National Model Codes (see the section entitled Development of the National Model Codes), the Codes-user community has decided which characteristics should be regulated through the NBC. The provisions of the NBC can be considered as the minimum acceptable measures required to adequately achieve the above-listed objectives, as recommended by the CCBFC. Once they are adopted into law or regulation by an authority having jurisdiction, the provisions become minimum acceptable requirements representing the minimum level of performance required to achieve the objectives that is acceptable to the adopting authority. In context of the preceding paragraph, the terms "authority having jurisdiction" and "adopting authority" refer to the government of the Province of British Columbia. This differs from the context of application and enforcement of the BCBC, for which the Code contains a distinct definition of the term "authority having jurisdiction". (See Article 1.4.1.2. of Division A.) The NBC is a model code which, when adopted or adapted by a province or territory, becomes a regulation. It is not a guideline on building design or construction. The design of a technically sound building depends upon many factors beyond compliance with building regulations. Such factors include the availability of knowledgeable practitioners who have received appropriate education, training and experience and who are familiar with the principles of good building practice and experience using reference manuals and technical guides. British Columbia Building Codes 2024 The NBC does not list acceptable proprietary building products. It establishes the criteria that building materials, products and assemblies must meet. Some of these criteria are explicitly stated in the NBC while others are incorporated by reference to material or product standards published by standards development organizations. Only those portions of the standards related to the objectives of this Code are mandatory parts of the NBC. Relationship between the NBC and the NFC The NBC and NFC each contain provisions that relate to the safety of persons in buildings in the event of a fire and the protection of buildings from the effects of fire. These two model codes are developed as complementary and coordinated documents to minimize the possibility of their containing conflicting provisions. It is expected that buildings comply with both the NBC and the NFC. The NBC covers the fire safety and fire protection features that are required to be incorporated in a building at the time of its original construction. Building codes typically no longer apply once a building is occupied, unless the building is undergoing alteration or change of use, or being demolished. The NFC covers: the ongoing maintenance and use of the fire safety and fire protection features incorporated in buildings the conduct of activities that might cause fire hazards in and around buildings limitations on hazardous contents in and around buildings the establishment of fire safety plans fire safety at construction and demolition sites In addition, the NFC contains provisions regarding fire safety and fire protection features that must be added to existing buildings when certain hazardous activities or processes are introduced into these buildings. Some of the NFC's provisions are incorporated by reference in the NBC and, thus, may apply to original construction, alterations, or changes in use. Relationship between the NBC and the NECB The provisions in Section 9.36. of Division B of the NBC are tied to the environment objective. These provisions, which apply to housing and small buildings, have a similar scope to that of the NECB, except that they do not address lighting and electrical power systems. The NECB is referenced in NBC Section 9.36. as an acceptable solution. Code Requirements Most NBC requirements address at least one of the Code's five stated objectives (safety, health, accessibility, fire and structural protection of buildings, and environment). In processing proposed changes or additions to any of the National Model Codes, the CCBFC considers many issues such as the following: Does the proposed requirement provide the minimum level of performance-and no more than the minimum-needed to achieve the Code's objectives? Will persons responsible for Code compliance be able to act on or implement the requirement using commonly accepted practices? Will enforcement agencies be able to enforce the requirement? British Columbia Building Codes 2024  Are the costs of implementing the requirement justifiable? Have the potential policy implications of the requirement been identified and addressed? Is there broad consensus on this requirement among Code users representing all facets of the design and construction industries as well as among provincial and territorial governments? Guidelines for requesting changes to the NBC are available on the NRC's website. Objective-Based Code Format The NBC has been published in an objective-based code format since 2005. The 2006 BCBC (including plumbing services as Part 7) and the 2006 BCFC were the first objective-based codes adopted by the Province of British Columbia. The following relates also to Book II (Plumbing Systems), of this Code. As described in more detail in the section entitled Structure of the NBC, the Code comprises three Divisions: Division A, which defines the scope of the Code and contains the objectives, the functional statements and the conditions necessary to achieve compliance; Division B, which contains acceptable solutions (commonly referred to as “technical requirements”) deemed to satisfy the objectives and functional statements listed in Division A; and Division C, which contains administrative provisions. Most of the requirements in Division B are linked to three types of information: objectives (Code objectives, such as safety or health, which individual requirements help to address), functional statements (statements of the functions of the building that a particular requirement helps to achieve), and intent statements (detailed statements of the specific intent of the requirement). Objectives The NBC's objectives are fully defined in Section 2.2. of Division A. The objectives describe, in broad terms, the overall goals that the NBC's requirements are intended to achieve. They serve to define the boundaries of the subject areas the Code addresses. However, the Code does not address all the issues that might be considered to fall within those boundaries. The objectives describe undesirable situations and their consequences, which the Code aims to prevent from occurring in buildings. The wording of most of the definitions of the objectives includes two key phrases: “limit the probability” and “unacceptable risk.” The phrase “limit the probability” is used to acknowledge that the NBC cannot entirely prevent those undesirable situations from happening. The phrase “unacceptable risk” acknowledges that the NBC cannot eliminate all risk: the “acceptable risk” is the risk remaining once compliance with the Code has been achieved. The objectives are entirely qualitative and are not intended to be used on their own in the design and approval processes. The objectives attributed to the requirements or portions of requirements in Division B are listed in a table following the provisions in each Part of Division B. Objectives have also been attributed to any requirements specific to British Columbia. British Columbia Building Codes 2024 Functional Statements The NBC's functional statements are listed in Section 3.2. of Division A. The functional statements are more detailed than the objectives. They describe conditions in the building that help satisfy the objectives. The functional statements and the objectives are interconnected. There may be several functional statements related to any one objective, and a given functional statement may describe a function of the building that serves to achieve more than one objective. Like objectives, functional statements are entirely qualitative and are not intended to be used on their own in the design and approval processes. The functional statements attributed to the requirements or portions of requirements in Division B are listed in a table following the provisions in each Part of Division B. Functional Statements have also been attributed to any requirements specific to British Columbia. Intent Statements Intent statements explain the basic thinking behind each Code provision contained in Division B. Intent statements, each of which is unique to the provision with which it is associated, explain how requirements help to achieve their attributed objectives and functional statements. Like the objectives, the intent statements are expressed in terms of risk avoidance and expected performance. They offer insight into the views of the responsible standing committees on what the Code provisions are intended to achieve. The intent statements serve explanatory purposes only and do not form an integral part of the Code provisions. As such, they are similar in function to the explanatory Notes at the end of each Part. Due to the sheer volume of intent statements-thousands for the NBC alone-they are made available as a separate electronic document entitled “Supplement to the NBC 2020: Intent Statements,” which is posted on the NRC's website. "Supplement to the NBC 2020: Intent Statements" is not available at the time of printing of this Code. Intent statements have not been attributed to any requirements specific to British Columbia. All this additional information-objectives, functional statements and intent statements-is intended to facilitate the implementation of the Code in two ways: Clarity of intent: The objectives, functional statements and intent statements linked to a Code requirement clarify the reasoning behind that requirement and facilitate understanding of what must be done to satisfy that requirement. This added information may also help avoid disputes between practitioners and officials over these types of issues. Flexibility: The additional information allows for flexibility in Code compliance. A person seeking to propose a new method or material not described or covered in the Code will be able to use the added information to understand the expected level of performance that their alternative solution must achieve to satisfy the Code. Structure of the NBC The NBC is organized into three Divisions, which are distributed across two volumes. The remainder of this section relates also to Book II (Plumbing Systems) of this Code. British Columbia Building Codes 2024 Division A: Compliance, Objectives and Functional Statements Division A defines the scope of the NBC and presents the objectives that the Code addresses and the functions the building must perform to help to satisfy those objectives. Division A cannot be used on its own as a basis for designing and constructing a building, or for evaluating a building's compliance with the Code. Division B: Acceptable Solutions The term “acceptable solutions” refers to the technical requirements contained in the Code. It reflects the principle that building codes establish an acceptable level of risk or performance and underlines the fact that a code cannot describe all possible valid design and construction options. Acceptable solutions represent the minimum level of performance that will satisfy the NBC's objectives and that is acceptable to an authority that adopts the NBC into law or regulation. In context of the preceding paragraph, the phrase "authority that adopts the NBC into law or regulation" refers to the government of the Province of British Columbia. This differs from the context of application and enforcement of the BCBC, for which the Code contains a distinct definition of the term "authority having jurisdiction". (See Article 1.4.1.2. of Division A.) Most of the requirements in Division B-the acceptable solutions-are linked to at least one objective and functional statement found in Division A. These linkages play an important role in allowing objective-based codes to accommodate innovation. It is expected that the majority of Code users will primarily follow the acceptable solutions presented in Division B and that they will consult Division A only when seeking clarification on the application of Division B's requirements to a particular situation, when considering an alternative solution, or when looking up the definition of selected terms in the context of the NBC. Division C: Administrative Provisions Division C contains administrative provisions relating to the application of the Code. Many provinces and territories establish their own administrative provisions upon adopting or adapting the NBC; having all the administrative provisions in one Division facilitates their customization to suit jurisdictional needs. The BCBC contains some unique administrative provisions in Division C. In addition, a separate document entitled Administrative Requirements for Use with the National Building Code of Canada 1985 is automatically adopted, in accordance with Article 2.2.1.1. of Division C, if the authority having jurisdiction does not provide other administrative requirements. Relationship between Division A and Division B Sentence 1.2.1.1.(1) of Division A is a very important sentence: it is a precise statement of the relationship between Divisions A and B and is central to the concept of objective-based codes. 1) Compliance with this Code shall be achieved by a) complying with the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B (see Note A-1.2.1.1.(1)(a)), or British Columbia Building Codes 2024  b) using alternative solutions that will achieve at least the minimum level of performance required by Division B in the areas defined by the objectives and functional statements attributed to the applicable acceptable solutions (see Note A-1.2.1.1.(1)(b)). See Article 1.2.1.1. of the BCBC, which differs from above. Additional requirements apply in British Columbia. Clause (a) makes it clear that the acceptable solutions in Division B are automatically deemed to satisfy the linked objectives and functional statements of Division A. Clause (b) makes it clear that alternative solutions can be used in lieu of compliance with the acceptable solutions. However, to do something different from the acceptable solutions described in Division B, a proponent must show that their proposed alternative solution will perform at least as well as the acceptable solution(s) it is replacing. The objectives and functional statements attributed to the acceptable solution(s) identify the areas of performance where this equivalence must be demonstrated. Parts in Division B and Professional Disciplines Division B is organized into Parts that are largely related to professional disciplines. However, this does not mean that a person belonging to a certain profession who is executing the design or construction of a particular building component can necessarily work with only one Part of the Code in isolation since provisions related to that building component may be found in more than one Part. For example: Provisions pertaining to fire safety issues related to heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems are located in Part 3, Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility, and not in Part 6, Heating, Ventilating and Air-conditioning. Structural requirements related to loads on handrails and grab bars are located in Part 3, Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility, while structural requirements related to loads on guards and handrails are located in Part 4, Structural Design. For this reason, the Part-based structure of Division B is not well suited for use as the basis for allocating responsibilities to different professions or as the basis for contractual arrangements. Additional Information Numbering System A consistent numbering system has been used throughout the National Model Codes. The first number indicates the Part of the Code; the second, the Section in the Part; the third, the Subsection; and the fourth, the Article in the Subsection. The detailed provisions are found at the Sentence level (indicated by numbers in brackets), and Sentences may be broken down into Clauses and Subclauses. This structure is illustrated as follows: 3 Part 3.5. Section 3.5.2. Subsection 3.5.2.1. Article 3.5.2.1.(2) Sentence 3.5.2.1.(2)(a) Clause 3.5.2.1.(2)(a)(i) Subclause British Columbia Building Codes 2024 Meaning of the Words “And” and “Or” between the Clauses and Subclauses of a Sentence Multiple Clauses and Subclauses are connected by the word “and” or “or” at the end of the second last Clause or Subclause in the series. Although this connecting word appears only once, it is meant to apply to all the preceding Clauses or Subclauses within that series. For example, in a series of five Clauses-(a) to (e)-in a Sentence, the appearance of the word “and” at the end of Clause (d) means that all Clauses in the Sentence are connected to each other with the word “and.” Similarly, in a series of five Clauses-(a) to (e)-in a Sentence, the appearance of the word “or” at the end of Clause (d) means that all Clauses in the Sentence are connected to each other with the word “or.” In all cases, it is important to note that a Clause (and its Subclauses, if any) must always be read in conjunction with its introductory text appearing at the beginning of the Sentence. Moreover, the connecting words “and” and “or” must be read in the context of the Sentence. In particular, the use of the word “and” as a connecting word does not necessarily mean that all Clauses (or Subclauses) are applicable for compliance with the Sentence. Change Indication As a courtesy to Code users, efforts have been made to identify technical changes relative to the 2015 edition. Where a technical addition or revision has been made, a vertical line has been added in the margin next to the affected provision to indicate the approximate location of the new or revised content. No change indication is provided for editorial revisions or for renumbered or deleted content. In addition to the above noted vertical lines, which indicate a change to the NBC, further unique to British Columbia technical changes, additions, and variations relative to the 2024 edition of the BCBC are identified. These changes are shown by a bold vertical line added in the margin next to the affected provision to indicate the approximate location of the unique to B.C. content, wherever practical. The bold vertical lines are for convenience only and have no legal effect. No change indication is provided for renumbered or deleted provisions. The term "reserved" is included in place of certain deleted Codes Canada model content which has not been adopted. The term "reserved" is generally used so that the numbering structure of the model National Codes is maintained, easing comparability and harmonization. Units All values in the NBC are given in metric units. Some of the metric values in the Code have been converted and rounded from imperial values. A conversion table of imperial equivalents for the most common units used in building design and construction is located at the end of the Code. Complementary Publications The following publications are referenced in the NBC 2020 or facilitate the application of its requirements: National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020 National Farm Building Code of Canada 1995 National Fire Code of Canada 2020 National Plumbing Code of Canada 2020 Illustrated User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 9 of Division B, Housing and Small Buildings Structural Commentaries (User's Guide – NBC 2020: Part 4 of Division B) Supplement to the NBC 2020: Intent Statements British Columbia Building Codes 2024 These and other Code documents published by the NRC are made available in free electronic format on the NRC's website. Commercial Reproduction Copyright for the NBC is owned by the NRC. All rights are reserved. Commercial reproduction by any means of the NRC's copyright material is prohibited without the written consent of the NRC. To request permission to reproduce the NBC, please contact: Production and Marketing Manager Codes Canada National Research Council of Canada 1200 Montreal Road Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6 E-mail: [email protected] Contact Information The CCBFC welcomes comments and suggestions for improvements to the NBC. Persons interested in requesting a change to an NBC provision should refer to the guidelines available on the NRC's website. To submit comments or suggestions, please contact: The Secretary Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes 1200 Montreal Road Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6 E-mail: [email protected] British Columbia Building Codes 2024 Relationship of the NBC to Standards Development and Conformity Assessment The development of many provisions in the NBC and the assessment of conformity to those provisions are supported by several of the member organizations of Canada's National Standards System (NSS). The NSS is a network of accredited organizations concerned with standards development, certification, testing and inspection that is established under the auspices of the Standards Council of Canada Act. Activities of the NSS are coordinated by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), which accredits standards development organizations, certification bodies, testing and calibration laboratories, and inspection bodies, among others. The SCC is a non-profit federal Crown corporation responsible for the coordination of voluntary standardization in Canada. It also coordinates Canadian participation in voluntary international standardization activities. The remainder of this section relates also to Book II (Plumbing Systems) of this Code Canadian Standards Many of the standards referenced in the NBC are published by standards development organizations accredited in Canada. As part of the accreditation requirements, these organizations adhere to the principle of consensus, which generally means substantial majority agreement of a committee comprising a balance of producer, user and general interest members, and the consideration of all negative comments. The standards development organizations also have formal procedures for the balloting and second-level review of standards prepared under their oversight. The following organizations are accredited as standards development organizations in Canada: Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) ASTM International Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ) Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB) CSA Group International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) ULC Standards Underwriters' Laboratories Inc. (UL) Tables 1.3.1.2. and D-1.1.2. of Division B list the standards referenced in the NBC. Standards proposed to be referenced in the NBC are reviewed to ensure that their content is compatible with the Code. Thereafter, referenced standards are reviewed as needed during each Code cycle. Standards development organizations are asked to provide information on any changes in the status of their standards referenced in the NBC- withdrawals, amendments, new editions, etc. This information is passed on to the CCBFC, its standing committees, the provinces and territories, and interested stakeholders, all of whom are given the opportunity to identify any problems associated with the changes. These bodies do not necessarily review in detail the revised standards; rather, the approach relies on the consensus process involved in the maintenance of the standards and on the extensive knowledge and experience of committee members, provincial or territorial staff, NRC staff, and consulted stakeholders to identify changes in the standards that might create problems in the Code. British Columbia Building Codes 2024 Non-Canadian Standards A number of subject areas for which the standards development organizations accredited in Canada have not developed standards are covered in the NBC. In these cases, the Code often references standards developed by organizations in other countries, such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). These standards are developed using processes that may differ from those used by the standards development organizations accredited in Canada; nevertheless, the standards have been reviewed by the relevant standing committees and found to be acceptable. Conformity Assessment The NBC establishes minimum measures, which are set out within its own text or within referenced standards. However, the NBC does not set out who is responsible for assessing conformity to the measures or how those with this responsibility might carry it out. This responsibility is usually established by the governing legislation of the adopting provinces and territories. Provincial or territorial authorities should be consulted to determine who is responsible for conformity assessment within their jurisdiction. In British Columbia, local authorities are authorized to, by bylaw, regulate construction and to enforce the requirements of the BCBC. Those persons responsible for ensuring that materials, appliances, systems and equipment meet the requirements of this Code have several means available to assist them, ranging from on-site inspection to the use of certification services provided by accredited third-party organizations. Test reports or mill certificates provided by manufacturers or suppliers can also assist in the acceptance of products. Engineering reports may be required for more complex products. Requirements for Registered Professionals are located in Division C of the BCBC Testing The SCC accredits testing and calibration laboratories that are capable of reliably testing products to specified standards. The test results produced by these organizations can be used in the certification, evaluation and qualification of products for compliance with Code provisions. The SCC's website (www.scc.ca) lists accredited testing and calibration laboratories, along with their scope of accreditation. Certification Certification is the confirmation by an independent organization that a product, process, service or system meets a requirement. Certification may entail physical examination, testing as specified in appropriate standards, an initial plant inspection, and/or follow-up unannounced plant inspections. This procedure leads to the issuing of a formal assurance or declaration, by means of a certification mark or certificate, that the product, process, service or system is in full conformity with specified provisions. In some cases, a product for which no standard exists can be certified using procedures and criteria developed by an accredited certification body and specifically designed to measure the performance of that product. Certification bodies publish lists of certified products and companies. The SCC's website (www.scc.ca) lists accredited certification bodies, along with their scope of accreditation. Several organizations, including the Canadian Construction Materials Centre (CCMC) at the NRC, offer product certification services. British Columbia Building Codes 2024 Evaluation An evaluation is a written opinion by an independent professional organization that a product will perform its intended function. An evaluation is often done to determine the ability of an innovative product, for which no standards exist, to satisfy the intent of a Code requirement. Follow-up plant inspections are not normally part of the evaluation process. Qualification Qualification evaluates the ability of a product to perform its intended function by verifying that it meets the requirements of a standard. Qualification normally includes some follow-up plant inspection. Some organizations publish lists of qualified products that meet the specified requirements. Some organizations qualify product manufacturing and/or testing facilities for compliance with the Code and relevant standards. British Columbia Building Codes 2024 Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes and Standing Committees Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes D. Crawford (Chair) C. Gray T. Ross Codes Canada staff R. Arsenault H. Griffin R. Rymell who provided assistance K. Block K. Griffiths B. Sim to the Commission A. Borooah T. Harper S. Stinson M. Dumoulin R. Brooks L. Holmen D. Sullivan G. Gosselin J. Chauvin C. Joseph A. Tabet A. Gribbon M. Cianchetti K. Lee P. Thorkelsson P. Jago T. Cochren B. Lorne M. Tovey A. Laroche V. de Passillé D. MacKinnon C. Tye F. Lohmann R. Dulmage M. McSweeney E. Whalen P. Rizcallah C. Fillingham G. Morinville G. Yoshida R. Tremblay S. Garcia S. Ottens K. Gloge R. Richard Standing Committee on Earthquake Standing Committee on Energy Efficiency Design in Buildings (continued) J. Sherstobitoff (Chair) J. Montgomery N. Lessard R. Ullah P. Adebar B. Neville Rd. Marshall M. Zeghal T. Allen T. Onur Rt. Marshall D. Carson C. Sewell H. Dutrisac R. Tremblay Standing Committee on Energy Efficiency L. Finn C. Ventura A. Pride (Chair) A. Oding J. Humar J. Wang P. Andres C. O'keefe J. Hutchinson A. Wong D. Bailey M. Peer R. Jonkman T. Yang R. Bortolussi J. Pockar E. Kisilewicz J. Comtois D. Rambaruth G. Krsmanovic Codes Canada staff S. Crowell M. Roy R. Mayfield who provided assistance L. Dalgleish L. Wynder J.B.-W. McFadden to the Committee B. Deeks R. McGrath J. Singh S. Dueck Codes Canada staff A. Metten L. Hasan who provided assistance D. Mitchell T. Imhoff to the Committee S. Kemp Y. Carrier Standing Committee on Energy Efficiency D. Krauel S. Gibb in Buildings C. Kuruluk E. Girgis A. Pride (Chair) A. Pape-Salmon T. Lau R. Hassan D. Bailey J. Pockar N. Lessard H. Martin D. Bartel M. Roy W. Leung M. Nazim N. Brisson T. Ryce J. Mantyla R. Ullah A. Cameron P. Sectakof Rd. Marshall M. Zeghal R. Cardinal M. Slivar Z. May J. Comtois A. Syed L. Dalgleish Standing Committee on Environmental B. Darrell Codes Canada staff Separation F. Genest who provided assistance D. Watts (Chair) R. Rocheleau H. Hayne to the Committee R. Baker B. Stamatopoulos C. Kahramanoglu E. Girgis M. Ball D. Stones M. Kelly M. Mihailovic S. Ciarlo G. Sturgeon T. Lau P. Tardif M. Gumienny J. Wade British Columbia Building Codes 2024  Standing Committee on Environmental Standing Committee on Housing and Separation (continued) Small Buildings (continued) D. Ionescu J. Wells B. Deeks L. Semko R. Jutras A. Doyle G. Sharp T. Lee Codes Canada staff S. Dueck M. Stiller D. MacDonald who provided assistance J. Fontaine L. Strobl R. MacMillan to the Committee R. Gratton Rd. Marshall R. Hassan S. Grbac Codes Canada staff M. Zeghal L. Hasan who provided assistance J. Hockman to the Committee Standing Committee on Fire Protection K. Hykawy N. Belrechid R. Brown (Chair) R. Nielsen R. Jonkman C. Carson K. Bailey A. Pelletier R. Kadulski B. Craig M. Bodnar B. Schultz K. Koo G. Fairthorne C. Campbell P. Shinkoda A. Lanteigne F. Lohmann R. Cheung E. Sopeju M. Lasalle M. Mihailovic A. Crimi J. Zorko B. Maling G.-L. Porcari G. Frater B. Maltby J. Urquhart P. Gautreau Codes Canada staff L. Hamre who provided assistance Standing Committee on HVAC and A. Harmsworth to the Committee Plumbing R. Jacobs D. Esposito T. White (Chair) R. Roberts F. Jeffers M. Fortin H. Bouchard C. Roy J. Jeske S. Hyde-Clarke F. Di Folco A. Spurrell N. Khan A. Laroche Y. Duchesne G. Stasynec M. Kohli G.-L. Porcari L. Gill S. Steele M.-A. Langevin B. Potvin R. Gill K. Wong H. Locke A. Robbins X. Hao R. McGrath S. Shalabi E. Howard Codes Canada staff R. McPhee S. Yu D. Hui who provided assistance D. Lima to the Committee Standing Committee on Hazardous S. Manning T. Achour Materials and Activities R. Moulton D. Green A. MacLellan-Bonnell (Chair) E. Piecuch P. Tardif P. Chamberland J. Selann T. Pringle R. Croome R. Stephenson D. Edgecombe B. Trussler Standing Committee on T. Espejo Structural Design G. Fawcett Codes Canada staff M. Allen (Chair) R. McGrath E. Fernandes who provided assistance R. Baynit G. Newfield M. Gagné to the Committee M. Braiter A. Nicolajsen P. Gauthier D. Esposito M. Buckley M. Rosseker K. Jess M. Fortin J. Collins S. Salem M. Mailvaganam S. Hyde-Clarke G. Doudak P. Shek M. Ng A. Laroche K.R. Drysdale J. Sherstobitoff P. Parent G.-L. Porcari D. Dundas I. Smith M. Parker B. Potvin A. El Aghoury A. Steen S. Porter A. Robbins G. Fenton C. Tollett P. Richards S. Shalabi J. Galsworthy A. Wong W. Rodger S. Yu H. Hong R. Jonkman Standing Committee on Housing and R. Klassen Codes Canada staff Small Buildings K. Kooner who provided assistance H. Bromberg (Chair) J. Mantyla G. McClure to the Committee M. Baker Z. May J.B.-W. McFadden A. Attar C. Bélanger C. McLellan R. Bortolussi W. McLeod Standing Committee on Use and Egress M. Brown L. McQuade E. Domingo (Chair) R. Strickland Y. Chui R. Monsour S. Bourdeau R. Thompson S. Crowell L.-A. Robertson K. Calder B. Topping L. Dalgleish F. Scrafield A. Cavers British Columbia Building Codes 2024  Standing Committee on Use and Egress Technical Translation Verification (continued) Committee S. Destroismaisons Codes Canada staff G. Harvey (Chair) Codes Canada staff B. Dupuis who provided assistance F. Genest who provided assistance E. Esselink to the Committee B. Lagueux to the Committee B. Everton M. Fortin N. Lessard I. Bastien R. Fraser S. Hyde-Clarke I. Wagner M. Gingras W. Johnston C. Joseph K. Le Van W. Kuffner G.-L. Porcari G. Mougeot-Lemay I. MacDonald B. Potvin S. Veilleux J. Redmond A. Robbins J. Rubes S. Yu U. Seward 1. Resigned on September 23, 2016, due to employment opportunity with Codes Canada. 2. Term ended on June 4, 2018. 3. Term started on May 10, 2018. British Columbia Building Codes 2024 British Columbia Building Codes 2024  Division A Compliance, Objectives and Functional Statements British Columbia Building Codes 2024 Part 1 Compliance 1.1. General 1.1.1. Application of this Code............................1-2 1.1.2. Internal References to this Code...............1-9 1.1.3. Appendices, Notes and Annotations...... 1-10 1.2. Compliance 1.2.1. Compliance with this Code...................... 1-10 1.2.2. Materials, Appliances, Systems and Equipment................................................. 1-10 1.2.3. Installation of Plumbing Systems........... 1-11 1.3. Divisions A, B and C of this Code 1.3.1. General...................................................... 1-11 1.3.2. Application of Division A......................... 1-12 1.3.3. Application of Division B......................... 1-12 1.3.4. Application of Division C......................... 1-13 1.4. Terms and Abbreviations 1.4.1. Definitions of Words and Phrases.......... 1-13 1.4.2. Symbols and Other Abbreviations..........1-25 1.5. Referenced Documents and Organizations 1.5.1. Referenced Documents............................1-27 1.5.2. Organizations............................................1-27 Notes to Part 1....................... 1-28 British Columbia Building Codes 2024 British Columbia Building Codes 2024 Part 1 Compliance Section 1.1. General 1.1.1. Application of this Code 1.1.1.1. Application of this Code 1) This Code applies to any one or more of the following: a) the design and construction of a new building, b) the occupancy of any building, c) a change in occupancy of any building, d) an alteration of any building, e) an addition to any building, f) the demolition of any building, g) the reconstruction of any building that has been damaged by fire, earthquake or other cause, h) the correction of an unsafe condition in or about any building, i) all parts of any building that are affected by a change in occupancy, j) the work necessary to ensure safety in parts of a building i) that remain after a demolition, ii) that are affected by but that are not directly involved in alterations, or iii) that are affected by but not directly involved in additions, k) except as permitted by the British Columbia Fire Code, the installation, replacement, or alteration of materials or equipment regulated by this Code, l) the work necessary to ensure safety in a relocated building during and after relocation, m) safety during construction of a building, including protection of the public, n) the design, installation, extension, alteration, renewal or repair of plumbing systems, and o) the alteration, rehabilitation and change of occupancy of heritage buildings. 2) This Code does not apply to the following: a) sewage, water, electrical, telephone, rail or similar public infrastructure systems located in a street or a public transit right of way, 1-2 Division A British Columbia Building Codes 2024  b) utility towers and poles, and television, radio and other communication aerials and towers, except for loads resulting from their being located on or attached to buildings, c) mechanical or other equipment and appliances not specifically regulated in these regulations, d) flood control and hydro electric dams and structures, e) accessory buildings less than 10 m2 in building area that do not create a hazard, f) with the permission of the authority having jurisdiction, temporary buildings including i) construction site offices, ii) seasonal storage buildings, iii) special events facilities, iv) emergency facilities, and v) similar structures, g) factory built housing and components complying with CSA-Z240 MH Series standard, but this exemption does not extend to on site preparations (siting, foundations, mountings), connection to services and installation of appliances, and h) areas that are specifically exempted from provincial building regulations by provincial or federal enactments. 3) This Code applies to both site-built and factory-constructed buildings. (See Note A-1.1.1.1.(3).) 4) Farm buildings shall conform to the requirements in the National Farm Building Code of Canada 1995. 5) For heritage buildings, the Alternate Compliance Methods for Heritage Buildings in Table 1.1.1.1.(5) may be substituted for requirements contained elsewhere in this Code. (See Note A-1.1.1.1.(5).) Table 1.1.1.1.(5) Alternate Compliance Methods for Heritage Buildings Forming Part of Sentence 1.1.1.1.(5) No No.. Code R Requir equirement ement in Division B Alt Alter ernat nateeC Compliance ompliance Method 1 Fire Separations Except for F1 occupancies, 1 h fire separation is Sentence 3.1.3.1.(1), Table 3.1.3.1., Subsection 9.10.9. acceptable, provided the building is sprinklered. 2 h fire separation required between some major occupancies. 2 Fire Separations 30 min fire separation is acceptable if the building is Sentence 3.1.3.1.(1), Table 3.1.3.1., Subsection 9.10.9. sprinklered. 1 h fire separation required between some major occupancies. 3 Noncombustible Construction 1. Roofs may be of combustible construction provided Subsection 3.1.5., Article 9.10.6.1. the building is sprinklered. All materials used in noncombustible construction 2. Up to 10% gross floor area to a maximum of 10% of must be noncombustible unless otherwise permitted. any one floor area may be of combustible construction provided the building is sprinklered. 4 Fire-resistance Rating A fire-resistance rating may also be used based on: Sentence 3.1.7.1.(1), Article 9.10.3.1. (a) HUD No. 8 Guideline on Fire Ratings of Archaic Where a material, assembly of materials or structural Materials and Assemblies., (b) Fire Endurance of Protected Steel Columns and Beams, DBR Technical Paper No. 194., British Columbia Building Codes 2024 Division A 1-3  Table 1.1.1.1.(5) (continued) No No.. Code R Requir equirement ement in Division B Alt Alter ernat nateeC Compliance ompliance Method member is required to have a fire-resistance rating it (c) Fire Endurance of Unit Masonry Walls, DBR shall be tested in accordance with CAN/ULC-S101, "Fire Technical Paper No. 207., Endurance Tests of Building Construction Materials." (d) Fire Endurance of Light-Framed and Miscellaneous Assemblies, DBR Technical Paper No. 222. 5 Rating of Supporting Construction Heavy timber construction is permitted to have a fire- Article 3.1.7.5., Article 9.10.8.3. resistance rating less than would be required by the Supporting assemblies to have fire-resistance rating at Code provided the building: least equivalent to that of the supported floor. (a) is sprinklered, and (b) does not exceed 6 storeys in building height. 6 Continuity of Fire Separations Fire separations are not required to be continuous Sentence 3.1.8.3.(1), Sentence 3.1.8.3.(2), Article above a ceiling space where 9.10.9.2. (a) the ceiling space is noncombustible construction, Fire separations are required to be continuous above (b) both fire compartments are sprinklered, or the ceiling space. (c) the ceiling has a minimum rating of 30 minutes. 7 Wired Glass For fixed transoms or sidelights, 6 mm wired glass fixed Sentence 3.1.8.5.(1), Sentence 3.1.8.14.(2), Article to a wood frame of at least 50 mm thickness with steel 9.10.13.1., Article 9.10.13.5. stops is permitted in a required fire separation. 6 mm wired glass in steel frame required in fire separations. 8 Mezzanines Enclosed mezzanines may be up to 40% of the storey Sentence 3.2.1.1.(4) and Sentence 3.2.1.1.(7), Article in which they occur and not be considered a storey in 9.10.4.1. building height if the building is sprinklered. Mezzanines enclosing more than 10% above the horizontal plane are considered as storey in building height. 9 Building Height Buildings may be of combustible construction up to 6 Article 3.2.2.20. to Article 3.2.2.90. storeys provided: Noncombustible construction required for some (a) the building is sprinklered, buildings. (b) the building contains Group C, D, E, F, Division 2 or F, Division 3 occupancies, and (c) floor assemblies not required to exceed 1 h fire separation requirements may be of heavy timber construction. 10 Spatial Separation The area of unprotected opening is not limited Subsection 3.2.3., Subsection 9.10.14. provided: The area of unprotected opening shall not exceed the (a) the limiting distance is a minimum 1 m, limits in Tables 3.2.3.1.A to Table 3.2.3.1.E (b) the building has a supervised sprinkler system in conformance with Sentence 3.2.4.9.(3), and (c) the sprinkler system is connected to the fire department in conformance with Sentence 3.2.4.7.(4). 11 Construction of Exposing Building Face Exposing building face is not required to have a fire- Article 3.2.3.7., Article 9.10.14.5. resistance rating if the building is sprinklered. Also, The exposing building face is required to have a fire- the exposing building face is not required to be of resistance rating and/or be of noncombustible noncombustible construction if it is protected by an construction. exterior sprinkler system conforming to NFPA 13, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems.” 12 Roof Covering Rating For existing roofs not covered by a Class A, B or C Sentence 3.1.15.2.(1) roofing a manually operated deluge system in Class A, B or C roof covering in conformance with CAN/ accordance with NFPA 13, “Installation of Sprinkler ULC-S107, “Fire Tests of Roof Coverings” required. Systems” is permitted. 1-4 Division A British Columbia Building Codes 2024  Table 1.1.1.1.(5) (continued) No No.. Code R Requir equirement ement in Division B Alt Alter ernat nateeC Compliance ompliance Method 13 Smoke Alarms Smoke alarms may be battery operated in single family Sentence 3.2.4.20.(7), Sentence 9.10.19.4.(1) homes only. Smoke alarms are required to be connected to an electric circuit. 14 Interconnected Floor Space 1. Open stairs in buildings of maximum 4 storeys in Subsection 3.2.8., Sentence 9.10.1.3.(6) building height need not comply with Subsection 3.2.8., provided (a) the building contains a Group C or D occupancy, (b) the building is sprinklered with fast-response sprinklers, (c) corridors opening into the interconnected floor space are separated from the interconnected floor space by a fire separation with the rating required for the corridor, and (d) smoke detectors are installed in the rooms opening into the interconnected floor space and the smoke detectors are connected to the fire alarm system.2. Open stairs in buildings of maximum 3 storeys in building height, or first 2 storeys and basement, need not comply with Subsection 3.2.8. of Division B, provided: (a) the building contains a Group C or D occupancy, (b) the building is sprinklered with fast response sprinklers, (c) smoke detectors are installed in the rooms opening into the interconnected floor space and the smoke detectors are connected to the fire alarm system, and (d) at least one means of egress is not through the interconnected floor space. 15 Separation of Suites Existing fire separations of 30 min, such as wood lath Article 3.3.1.1., Article 9.10.9.13., Article 9.10.9.14. and plaster in good condition, are acceptable in Suites are required to be separated from adjoining sprinklered buildings not exceeding 6 storeys in suites by a fire separation having a fire resistance building height. rating of 45 min or 1 hr. 16 Corridor fire separation Existing corridors with 30 min fire resistance ratings, Article 3.3.1.4., Article 9.10.9.15. such as wood lath and plaster in good condition, are Public corridors are required to be separated from the acceptable in residential occupancies provided the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a building: fire-resistance rating of at least 45 min. (a) does not exceed 6 storeys in building height, and (b) is fully sprinklered with fast response sprinklers. 17 Corridor Width Public corridors and exit corridors are permitted with a Article 3.3.1.9., Subsection 3.4.3., Article 9.9.3.3. minimum width of 800 mm provided: Public corridors and exit corridors are permitted to have (a) the occupant load of the building is maximum 20 a minimum width of 1 100 mm. people, and (b) the building does not exceed 3 storeys in building height. 18 Door Swing 2nd egress door from a room is not required to swing in Article 3.3.1.10., Article 3.4.6.12., Article 9.9.6.5. the direction of exit travel provided: Doors required to swing in the direction of exit travel. (a) the building is sprinklered and the system is supervised in conformance with Sentence 3.2.4.9.(3), and (b) the occupant load of the building is maximum 100 people. British Columbia Building Codes 2024 Division A 1-5  Table 1.1.1.1.(5) (continued) No No.. Code R Requir equirement ement in Division B Alt Alter ernat nateeC Compliance ompliance Method 19 Stairs, Ramps, Handrails and Guards Existing conditions that do not comply fully with the Article 3.3.1.14., Article 3.3.1.16., Article 3.3.1.18., requirements are permitted if they are acceptable to the Articles 3.4.6.5 to 3.4.6.79., Section 9.8. authority having jurisdiction. 20 Transparent Doors and Panels Existing glass or transparent panels that do not comply Article 3.3.1.19., Article 9.6.1.4. fully with the requirements are permitted if sufficiently Safety glass required. discernible or guards are provided in hazardous situations. 21 Dead-end Corridors 1. Dead-end corridors are permitted to a maximum length Sentence 3.3.1.9.(7), Article 9.9.7.3. of 10 m in Group C occupancies provided: Dead-end corridors are permitted to a maximum length (a) the building is sprinklered with fast response of 6 m. sprinklers, and (b) smoke detectors are installed in the corridor system. 2. Dead-end corridors are permitted to a maximum of 15 m in length in Group D, E, F, Division 2 and F, Division 3 occupancies provided: (a) the building is sprinklered with fast response sprinklers, and (b) smoke detectors are installed in the corridor system. 22 Exits Article 3.4.2.1., Article 9.9.8.2. Floor areas may be served by a single exit within the Floor areas shall be served by not fewer than 2 exits limits of Sentence 3.4.2.1.(2) provided: except as permitted by Sentence 3.4.2.1.(2). (a) the building does not exceed 3 storeys in building height, (b) the building is sprinklered with fast response sprinklers, and (c) all floor areas are protected by a system of smoke detectors connected to a fire alarm system. 23 Reduction of Exit Width Existing swinging doors in their swing are permitted to Sentence 3.4.3.3.(2), Article 9.9.6.1. reduce the effective width of exit stairs and landings to a Swinging doors in their swing shall not reduce the minimum of 550 mm provided: effective width of exit stairs and landings to less than 750 (a) they serve Group C or D occupancies, mm. (b) the building does not exceed 4 storeys in building height, and(c) the building is sprinklered. 24 Fire Separation of Exits 1. Buildings of 3 storeys or less may have exits that are Article 3.4.4.1., Subsection 9.9.4. separated by a fire separation that does not have a Exits are required to be separated from the remainder of fire-resistance rating provided: the floor area by a fire separation having a fire- (a) the building is sprinklered with fast response resistance rating of not less than required by sprinklers, and Subsection 3.2.2. , but not less than 45 min. (b) the sprinkler system is supervised in accordance with Sentence 3.2.4.9.(3). 2. Buildings not exceeding 6 storeys in building height may have exits that are separated by a fire separation having a fire resistance rating of not less than 45 min provided the building is sprinklered. 25 Exits Through Lobbies Rooms adjacent to the lobby are not required to be Article 3.4.4.2., Article 9.9.8.5. separated by a fire separation provided: Rooms adjacent to the lobby are required to be (a) the floor area is sprinklered with fast response separated by a fire separation. sprinklers, and (b) smoke detectors are installed in the adjacent rooms. 26 Rooms Opening into Exit Service rooms and ancillary rooms may open directly Sentence 3.4.4.4.(7), Article 9.9.5.9. into an exit provided: Service rooms and ancillary rooms are not permitted to (a) the room is sprinklered with fast response sprinklers, open directly into an exit. and (b) weatherstripping is installed on the door to prevent the passage of smoke. 1-6 Division A British Columbia Building Codes 2024  Table 1.1.1.1.(5) (continued) No No.. Code R Requir equirement ement in Division B Alt Alter ernat nateeC Compliance ompliance Method 27 Illumination of Exit Signs Where exit signage may compromise historic Sentence 3.4.5.1.(3) and 3.4.5.1.(4) , Sentence appearances, or authenticity of displays, exit signs may 9.9.11.3.(3) and 9.9.11.3.(4) be installed to light only on an emergency condition, Exit signs are required to be illuminated continuously such as by the fire alarm system or due to power failure. while the building is occupied. 28 Clearance from Exit Doors Except as permitted in Sentences 3.4.6.11.(3) or Sentence 3.4.6.11.(1), Article 9.9.6.6. 9.6.6.(2), existing exit doors shall not extend beyond the Stair risers shall not be closer than 300 mm from an exit first riser. door. 29 Fire Escapes Existing fire escapes that do not completely conform to Subsection 3.4.7., Sentence 9.9.2.1.(2) Subsection 3.4.7. are acceptable provided: Fire escapes are required to conform to Subsection (a) the fire escapes are acceptable and 3.4.7. (b) the building is sprinklered. 30 Fire Escape Construction Existing combustible fire escapes are permitted if the Article 3.4.7.2., Sentence 9.9.2.1.(2) building is permitted to be of combustible construction by Part 3, Part 9 or by this Table. 31 Protection of Fire Escapes Existing openings in the exterior wall adjacent to the fire Article 3.4.7.4., Sentence 9.9.2.1.(2) escape are not required to be protected by closures Openings in the exterior wall adjacent to the fire escape provided: are required to be protected by closures. (a) the building is sprinklered, and (b) a sprinkler head is located within 1.5 m of the opening required to be protected by Article 3.4.7.4. 32 Vertical Service Space Existing vertical service spaces that do not completely Article 3.6.3.1. conform to the rated fire separation requirements are Vertical service spaces are required to be separated acceptable provided the vertical service spaces are from the adjacent floor area by a rated fire separation. sprinklered. 33 Height of Rooms Existing rooms are not required to comply to the Subsection 3.7.1., Section 9.5. minimum dimension requirements of Subsection 3.7.1. The height of rooms is required to comply to minimum or Subsection 9.5.3. dimension requirements. 34 Washroom Requirements Existing facilities are not required to completely comply to Subsection 3.7.2., Section 9.31. the requirements of Subsection 3.7.2. or Section 9.31. Buildings are required to be provided with a minimum provided it is acceptable to the authority having number of washroom fixtures. jurisdiction. 35 Access for Persons with Disabilities Article 3.8.4.5. shall apply to existing buildings. Section 3.8. of Division B 36 Seismic Anchorage of Exterior Decoration Existing exterior decorations are not required to fully Subsection 4.1.8. comply to the anchorage requirements of Subsection 4.1.8. provided: (a) adequate means of protection is provided, or (b) there is no exposure to the public. 37 Mechanical and Plumbing Systems Existing mechanical and plumbing systems in Part 6 and Part 7 buildings are not required to fully comply to the requirements of Parts 6 or Part 7 provided: (a) it is not an unsafe condition and (b) it is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. British Columbia Building Codes 2024 Division A 1-7  6) For the design and construction of alterations to existing buildings to add a secondary suite, not including the design and construction of new additions or new buildings, the Alternate Compliance Methods for Alterations to Existing Buildings to Add a Secondary Suite in Table 1.1.1.1.(6) may be substituted for requirements contained elsewhere in this Code. (See Note A-1.1.1.1.(6).) Table 1.1.1.1.(6) Alternate Compliance Methods for Alterations to Existing Buildings to Add a Secondary Suite Forming Part of Sentence 1.1.1.1.(6) No Code R Requir equirement ement in Division B Alt Alter ernat nateeC Compliance ompliance Method (R (Ref efer erences ences tto o Division B) 1 Reinforcement for Grab Bars Sentence 3.8.5.1.(2) Reinforcement to accommodate the future installation of One bathroom in a secondary suite shall have walls grab bars is not required in existing bathrooms serving a adjacent the water closer and shower or bathtub secondary suite. location reinforced to accommodate the future installation of grab bars. 2 Ceiling Heights of Rooms or Spaces Except as required by Sentence 9.9.3.4.(3), the minimum Sentence 9.5.3.1.(1) and Table 9.5.3.1. ceiling heights in a secondary suite over the required area Ceiling height shall be not less than 2.1 m over the as indicated in Table 9.5.3.1. shall be not less than 1.95 m. minimum area required in Table 9.5.3.1. It shall be possible to travel from the required area of one room to the required areas of all other rooms within the secondary suite without reduction of the ceiling height to less than 1.95 m.Except as required by Sentence 9.9.3.4.(3), the minimum clear height under beams and ducting, including where located over stairs, in a secondary suite shall be not less than 1.85 m. 3 Doorway Opening Sizes Except for exit doors and for doors serving public Sentence 9.5.5.1.(1) and Table 9.5.5.1. corridors and exit corridors that serve a house with a Doorway openings shall be designed to accommodate secondary suite, doorway openings within a secondary swing-type and folding doors not less than 1 980 mm suite shall be designed to accommodate swing-type and high. folding doors not less than 1 890 mm high. 4 Height over Stairs Except for stairs in a public corridor or exit corridor that Sentence 9.8.2.2.(3) serve a house with a secondary suite, the clear height The clear height over stairs shall be not less than 1950 over stairs that are located under existing beams and mm. existing ducting in a house with a secondary suite shall be not less than 1 850 mm. 5 Openings Near Unenclosed Exterior Exit Stairs Protection of the unprotected openings as described in and Ramps Sentence 9.9.4.4.(1) is not required when all smoke Sentence 9.9.4.4.(1) alarms within a house with a secondary suite are of Unprotected openings in exterior walls that are within p