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Earthquake and wind rules in the BC Building Code

Last updated on September 15, 2026

The BC Building Code sets out clear rules for earthquake and wind design to help protect people and keep buildings safe. These rules lower the risk of injury and death and reduce damage from building failure. Learn about B.C.'s earthquake and wind rules. 

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​Earthquake and wind in the BC Building Code

The BC Building Code includes earthquake and wind design to help protect people and support building safety.  Natural Resources Canada provides the latest information on earthquakes, active faults, and wind-related wind hazards, and B.C. bases its rules on these national standards. In addition to snow and rain loads, buildings must be designed to resist lateral forces caused by expected wind and earthquake loads. 

Part 4 earthquake and wind rules

Part 4 earthquake and wind rules in the BC Building Code apply to larger and more complex buildings. These buildings must be designed by registered professionals.

The BC Building Code includes updated earthquake and wind hazard values from Natural Resources Canada that must be considered in structural design. These updates align with national standards and reflect current scientific data and help ensure buildings can safely withstand expected earthquake and wind forces.

The impact of these changes will vary depending on:

  • Building height and size
  • Type of construction
  • Soil conditions (site classification)
  • Location in B.C.

Approaches to reduce structural loads:

Several design approaches can reduce structural loads but are sometimes not  used in practice. Greater use of these approaches may improve material efficiency and overall building performance, which can lead to overall cost reduction.

Examples include:

  • Geotechnical optimization
  • Reducing or eliminating concrete topping and other heavy construction methods in wood frame buildings
  • Using additional lateral load-resisting elements

Check with your local government and professional associations (Engineers and Geoscientists BC, Architectural Institute of BC) for current requirements of professional engineering services for Part 4 structural design.

Refer to the Structural Commentaries (User's Guide for the National Building Code of Canada 2020: Part 4 of Division B) - NRC Publications Archive - Canada.ca for more information.

Space and Cost Impact Report

A study was completed to review the space and cost impacts of the 2024 BC Building Code related to adaptable dwelling units and earthquake design provisions.

Note: This study is based on earlier assumptions and does not reflect the most recent Code updates, including newer seismic and lateral bracing requirements. For current requirements, refer to the most recent BC Building Code, related revisions, bulletins, and updated guidance materials.

Research Towards a Simplified Procedure to Determine Seismic Design Spectrum for Tall Buildings with Deep Embedment in B.C. (Vs30 site classification) (coming soon!)

This Vs30 Study (coming soon!) summarizes research that was done to develop a simplified procedure for determining the seismic design spectrum for tall buildings with deep foundations constructed directly on the bedrock of building sites that are typical in downtown Victoria, BC. Limited research was also done to examine a site that is typical of portions of downtown Vancouver, BC and some other locations in the Greater Vancouver area.

Soil conditions affect how buildings respond to earthquakes. Designers may use Vs30 data (a measure of soil stiffness) to help classify a site and determine design requirements.

Part 9 earthquake and wind requirements

Part 9 earthquake and wind rules in the BC Building Code apply to houses and small buildings. Sections 9.4 and 9.23. of the BC Building Code provide prescriptive structural requirements for construction.

The BC Building Code includes updated requirements for lateral bracing to improve how buildings resist earthquake and wind forces. These updates apply to all Part 9 buildings in B.C.   

What has changed

  • Lateral design requirements apply across the Province
  • Updated requirements for braced wall panels
  • Minimum requirements for wall construction
  • Stronger focus on connections between walls, floors and roofs
  • Approaches that reflect practices already used in higher seismic regions

What to consider

  • Location and layout of exterior and interior walls
  • Design and placement of braced wall panels
  • Materials and construction methods
  • Connections between structural elements
  • Soil conditions

These elements work together to help buildings resist earthquake and wind forces.

Designers will need to consider these requirements when creating the form of the exterior walls, as well as the dimensions and locations of interior walls. Builders will need to understand the material requirements, as well as the construction methods necessary to fabricate braced wall panels at required locations throughout the structure.

Check with your local government for local requirements and professional associations (Engineers and Geoscientists BC, Architectural Institute of BC) where professional services may be required.

Refer to the Illustrated Guide: Lateral Bracing Requirement - Part 9 of the BC Building Code 2024 produced by BC Housing in an effort to clearly describe the new Code requirements for the lateral bracing of houses in BC. The guide includes diagrams, examples, and design guidance.

Bulletins about earthquake and wind rules

Learn more about earthquake and wind rules in these bulletins:

Additional resources and tools

The following offers users supports and resources to understand and apply earthquake and wind requirements.

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