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 largely 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.

National Code changes incorporated into BC Building Code 2024:

• Enabling mass timber construction
• Requiring rough-ins for radon safety province-wide

BC-specific changes effective March 2024:

• More complete and specific language for constructing extended rough-ins for radon subfloor depressurization systems
• Adopting cooling requirements to provide one living space that does not exceed 26 degrees Celsius
• Retaining existing ventilation requirements for systems serving single dwelling units

BC-specific changes effective March 2025:

• 100 per cent adaptable dwellings in large condominium and apartment buildings and the first floor dwelling units in new small apartments and condominiums to be adaptable
• Reinforcement of bathroom walls to allow future installation of grab bars
• National provisions to improve 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 B24-10 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 later in 2024. The Building and Safety Standards Branch will notify code users when the print publications are available.

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Timing and relevant regulations

The BC Codes 2024 will come into effect on March 8, 2024, for projects with building permits applied for after that date. 

The effective date for the adaptable dwellings and earthquake design changes 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 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 seismic and adaptable dwelling unit requirements in the BC Building Code 2024.

This measured approach aims to balance accessibility and housing supply priorities and considers human rights, equity for all people, accessibility engagement feedback, product availability and affordability, and moderate-to-minimal impacts for industry.

• 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.