BC Codes 2024

On this page

• About the BC Codes 2024
• Access the 2024 Codes
• Timing and relevant regulations

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About the BC Codes 2024

BC Codes 2024 are based on the National Codes 2020 with some BC-specific variations to reflect the province’s geography, climate, local government needs, industry practices, and provincial priorities. Book I (General) and Book II (Plumbing Systems) together form the BC Building Code 2024.

BC-specific changes effective March 2025:

• requiring one in five units (at least 20%) to be adaptable 
• Reinforcement of bathroom walls to allow future installation of grab bars
• Improved earthquake design changes for housing and small buildings with high seismic hazard values

In-stream projects designed to the BC Building Code 2018 are exempt from these BC specific code changes. For more information, please review the B24-10R Application of the 2024 BC Building Code.  

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Access the 2024 Codes

BC Building Code 2024

• Download the BC Building Code 2024 (PDF, 16.6 MB)
• The document will be continually revised to improve usability. Users will be notified if this occurs.

BC Plumbing Code 2024

• To obtain a copy of the BC Plumbing Code 2020, download a copy of the National Plumbing Code (NPC) 2020 and apply the unique to BC amendments established in the 2024 BC Building Code (Part 7 of Division B). Together, the NPC and the BC amendments will be the BC Plumbing Code 2024 (Book II Plumbing Systems).

BC Fire Code 2024

• To obtain a copy of the BC Fire Code 2024, download a copy of the National Fire Code (NFC) 2020 and apply the unique to BC amendments established in the adopting regulation (2024 BC Fire Code Ministerial Order). Together, the NFC and the BC amendments will be the BC Fire Code 2024.
  • BC Fire Code 2024 (PDF, 235.1 KB)

Note: Print publications are anticipated to be available for purchase online. 

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Timing and relevant regulations

The BC Codes 2024 is effective March 8, 2024, for projects with building permits applied for after that date. 

Protections for in-stream projects has been extended to March 8, 2027.

More information on the details of which projects are considered in-stream is provided in Bulletin B24-10-R2 Application of the 2024 BC Building Code. 

Projects for which building permits are applied for on or after March 10, 2025, are subject to the earthquake design and one in five adaptable dwelling unit requirements in the BC Building Code 2024.More information on the application of the Adaptable Dwelling Unit Provisions is available in the Bulletin B25-01 Application of the Adaptable Dwelling Unit Provisions in the 2024 BC Building Code.

• Ministerial Order phasing in adaptable dwelling units (PDF, 193KB)
• Ministerial Order adopting the BC Building Code 2024 (PDF, 337.7 KB)
• Ministerial Order adopting the BC Fire Code 2024 (PDF, 332.8 KB)
• Ministerial Order to extend the effective date of the earthquake design and adaptability provisions of the BC Building Code 2018 to March 8, 2027 (PDF, 189.7 KB)

Please note: The Ministerial Order to extend the effective date of the earthquake design and adaptability provisions of the BCBC to March 8, 2027 amends the Ministerial Order adopting the BCBC 2024.

Please note: The Ministerial Order phased Adaptability Application BC Building Code 2024 amends the Ministerial Order adopting the BCBC 2024.