BC Codes
BC Codes 2024 take effect March 8, 2024, except for adaptable dwellings and earthquake changes which take effect March 10, 2025. Learn more
Page Updated: December 5, 2023
Provincial codes guide building construction and renovation in British Columbia
Access the codes
- Download the 2024 BC Codes for free
- Download previous BC Codes for free
- Download national codes like the National Building, Fire, Plumbing, and Energy Code for Buildings through the Codes Canada website
- Buy print copies of older BC codes through the Crown Publications online store or borrow them from many BC public libraries
- Buy printed national codes through the National Research Council (NRC) virtual store
About the BC Building Code
The BC Building Code, which includes the BC Plumbing Codes, regulates how new construction, building alterations, repairs and demolitions are done in BC. This code sets minimum requirements for safety, health, accessibility, fire and structural protection of buildings and energy and water efficiency.
The BC Building Code applies to all buildings in B.C. except for
- The City of Vancouver (Vancouver Building Bylaw external link)
- Treaty First Nations that do not reference the Building Code in their agreements
- Federal Lands (National Building Code)
The most recent BC Building Code applies to buildings
- That are constructed (new buildings)
- That are altered or renovated
- Where the use or occupancy changes
- Where components or parts of a building are replaced
If there has not been any changes to an existing building, it should meet the requirements of the BC Building Code that was in place when the building was constructed.
For example, if a building was constructed when the BC Building Code 2012 was in effect, it doesn't need to be upgraded to meet the requirements of the BC Building Code 2018.
The current BC Building Code does apply if an existing building
- Is altered or renovated
- Has a change to its use or occupancy
- Has components replaced
Temporary buildings might not need to meet the BC Building Requirements. Contact your local government for temporary building requirements (external link).
You can learn more about many code provisions on our website:
- Review the code resources [update hyperlink] page for summaries of key topic areas
- Review the technical bulletins
- Review past code interpretations
Learn more about the BC Codes 2024 on our webpage.
The BC Codes 2024 is based on the National Construction Codes 2020, which were released on March 28, 2022. The Construction Codes Reconciliation Agreement commits signers to bring these codes into effect within 24 months from release. BC Codes 2024 take effect March 8, 2024, except for adaptable dwellings and earthquake requirements which take effect March 10, 2025.
About the BC Plumbing Code
The BC Plumbing Code is a part of the BC Building Code that provides minimum requirements for plumbing installations in buildings to protect health and safety. It is also known as Book II of the BC Building Code.
About the BC Fire Code
The BC Fire Code is a provincial regulation on fire safety for existing buildings and facilities and includes requirements for when a building is under construction. The Office of the Fire Commissioner is the leader of fire safety awareness and prevention in BC and is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the BC Fire Code.
The Office of the Fire Commissioner website has more information about fire safety and education guidelines, bulletins and position papers. There you will also find a page that addresses Fire Safety for Construction and Demolition Sites.
Find out more about the BC Codes
Codes in BC are based on the National Codes of Canada (external link) from Codes Canada, but some changes are made to address specific needs for BC.
The model National Codes are developed through a consensus-based committee process with representation from all provinces and territories, related industries and the public. BC participates in the national code development system.
Local governments have authority to enforce the BC Codes. Check with your local government's building department for info about code enforcement or building permits.
Look up local government contact information (external link)
Each code is organized into three sections
- Division A:
- Outlines the main objectives and functional statements for technical building requirements
- Explains why a requirement must be met and how to evaluate other ways to meet the acceptable requirements through alternative solutions
- Division B:
- Outlines Code provisions or acceptable solutions and notes the specific objectives and functional statements used to explain the purpose of each provision
- Division C:
- Outlines administrative requirements under the code such as providing guidance for alternative solutions to the code
For information on how to participate in the development of codes or to submit a code change request, please visit the National Research Council of Canada (external link).
Our website has links to summaries from recent Codes Canada Public Reviews.
BC-specific code changes are open to public review before they are finalized. Information about current or recent BC reviews are found on our Public Review page.
