Code resources
Last updated on June 9, 2025Have a technical question about the BC Codes? There's lots of information that can help you answer it. Let us help direct you to the right place.
I want to:
- Find answers to BC Code questions
- Ask a project-specific question
- Find requirements for existing buildings
- Understand when an architect or engineer is required
- Report a code violation
- Request changes to the BC Codes
Find answers to BC Code questions
Learn about the BC Building Code.
Review BC Codes
The BC Building Code, including Plumbing and Fire Codes, are available for free online.
You can also find print copies at many B.C. public libraries, or buy a print copy from King's Printer.
Access BC Building Code guidance and interpretation tools
Review appeals of local authority decisions related to building regulations.
Review provincial bulletins that help explain and clarify updates to technical code requirement.
Review uniform, province-wide, non-binding interpretations of the BC Building Code, which includes the BC Plumbing Code.
Review guidance, research and licensing information for builders, developers, and owner builders, and resources and home warranty information for homeowners and homebuyers.
Review information and requirements for the safe installation and operation of gas and electrical systems and other high-risk technical systems and equipment in B.C.
Find reports, user guides, letters of assurance, forms and much more.
Work with your industry association
Members of industry associations with practice advisors or other Code experts are encouraged to work within their association.
Ask a project-specific question
For questions about permits, compliance or enforcement of the Code on a specific project, contact your local authority having jurisdiction. The Province does not provide opinions on the compliance of specific projects. Your local authority having jurisdiction determines the application of the Code on all applicable permits. BC Codes don't apply in the City of Vancouver which has its own building bylaw.
Find requirements for existing buildings
The BC Building and Plumbing Codes apply when a building is being built. The BC Codes only apply to existing buildings when making changes to them or changing their use. When renovating or changing part of a building, the codes apply to any new work and any parts of the building affected by the new work.
Before you start any work on an existing building, contact your local government or First Nation.
The BC Codes are based on the National Model Codes. The National Research Council of Canada provides guidelines on how to apply construction codes to existing buildings and to any changes made to them. Although the reports are outdated, they can still be useful guides to help you with your project.
When an architect or engineer is required
Registered professionals (architects and engineers) are:
- Always required for complex buildings (Part 3 buildings in the Code)
- Sometimes required for small buildings (Part 9 buildings in the Code)
You can find the rules about when registered professionals are required in Subsection 2.2.7. of Division C in the BC Building Code. The Professional Governance Act and Architects Regulation may have additional requirements for registered professionals on projects.
Report a code violation
If you suspect a building or building component doesn't comply with the Code, contact the authority having jurisdiction. Authorities having jurisdiction address building permit applications, code compliance and related matters.
Requests to change the BC Codes
The Construction Standards and Digital Solutions Branch participates in a code development process with the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC). The BC Codes contain language that is different from the National Model Codes. You can:
- Send a code change request to the CBHCC for National Model Codes
- Request changes to the B.C.-specific code language by emailing the Construction Standards and Digital Solutions Branch