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Accessibility

Last updated on March 10, 2025

The BC Building Code helps make sure buildings are designed and constructed so everyone can:

  • Approach, enter and move throughout
  • Use the facilities and services
  • Exit buildings

On this page:

BC Building Code

The BC Building Code sets the rules for how buildings are built. New buildings must meet the BC Building Code that is in force when they are constructed.

The BC Building Code does not set the rules for building operation and management or rules for furniture design and placement.

The BC Building Code does not apply to existing buildings, unless they:

  • Undergo changes or renovations
  • Have portions or parts replaced
  • Experience changes to use or occupancy

Please contact the Accessibility Directorate for accessibility matters outside the BC Building Code scope.

The new 2024 BC Building Code accessibility requirements are based on the 2020 National Building Code with some BC-specific changes to help make new buildings are more accessible for all people.

Learn more about the new BC Building Code 2024 accessibility and adaptability requirements.

Accessibility in buildings

Learn more about the accessibility requirements that will be required in new commercial and public buildings and their common spaces to enable access for customers and staff:

  • All building entrances and entrances to accessible washrooms must provide a power-operated door
  • An elevator is required in large two and three-storey buildings
  • Full-sized changing space in universal washrooms

These accessibility requirements are effective as of March 8, 2024.

Adaptable dwellings

Effective March 10, 2025, one in five units to be adaptable dwellings in large condominium and apartment buildings and one in five first floor dwelling units in smaller apartments and condominiums to be adaptable.

First floor suites in smaller apartment buildings (not including small condominiums that are more likely to have separate entrances and exits) will need:

  • Accessible clearances through doorways and along paths of travel to living space
  • Space in a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen
  • Switches and other controls at accessible heights
  • Reinforcement of bathroom walls to allow future installation of grab bars

Providing more adaptable dwellings helps increase accessible housing options.

Adaptable dwellings:

  • Helps people stay in their home through illness, injury or aging
  • Provides accessible housing options for people living with disabilities
  • Minimizes future retrofitting costs

More information about adaptable dwellings, refer to B24-09-R4 ADU FAQ. Information on the application of the adaptable dwelling unit provisions is available in Bulletin B25-01 Application of the Adaptable Dwelling Unit Provisions in the 2024 BC Building Code. 

Fact sheets, check lists and guides from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation show you ways to adapt your home to meet your changing needs.

Building Accessibility Handbook

The 2020 Building Accessibility Handbook specifically applies to the BC Building Code 2018. The Building Accessibility Handbook 2020 print publication is available for purchase from King's Printer on BC Codes.

Learn about the BC Building Code 2018 accessibility requirements in the Building Accessibility Handbook 2020 (PDF, 9.9MB). The 2020 handbook includes illustrations and explanatory text to support users to apply the BC Building Code 2018 requirements to make buildings more accessible.

Find illustrations and explanations related to accessibility requirements in the BC Building Code 2012 in the Building Access Handbook 2014 edition (PDF, 3.6MB).

BC Building Code 2024 Illustrative Design Guide

The Building and Safety Standards Branch has worked in partnership with consultants to develop an illustrative design guide to support implementation of the 2024 BCBC adaptable dwelling unit and earthquake requirements. 

The illustrative guide is intended to be a complementary resources to the Space and Cost Impact Report and provide design solutions and commentary supporting implementation. 

Adaptable Dwelling Unit Illustrative Design Guide

Please Note: Although the illustrations and commentary within the illustrative design guide were developed assuming a 100% dwelling unit application, the design solutions and commentary still provide helpful solutions that apply to a phased adaptable dwelling unit approach. 

BC Building Code 2024 Space and Cost Impact Report

We have conducted a space and cost impact study of the 2024 BC Building Code adaptable dwelling unit and earthquake design provisions. The full report and analysis can be found at the link below. 

Space and Cost Impact Report

Engagement

No current engagement underway. 

Collaboration

Work continues to develop new and better accessibility requirements. Partners include provincial ministries and national partners. Collaboration will help to create a more consistent approach to accessibility in future building codes.

In June 2022, the Province signed an agreement with Accessibility Standards Canada. The agreement will help support both parties to collaborate on efforts to improve accessibility building codes and standards.

To read a news release with more information, visit:

BC Housing develops, managers and runs a range of subsidized housing options across the province. The BC Rebate for Accessible Home Adaptations is accepting applications until March 31, 2024. For more information, please visit BC Housing’s website.

Review the BC Housing Design and Construction Guidelines for information to develop or renovate affordable housing.

Read about B.C.'s new accessibility legislation.