National Model Codes
Last updated on April 9, 2025Learn about Canada's National Model Codes, their impact on BC Codes and how you can provide feedback or suggest changes.
On this page:
- Governance of National Model Codes
- Construction Codes Reconciliation Agreement
- Training seminars for national codes
Governance of National Model Codes
The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes is responsible for developing Canada’s National Model Codes.
Canada's National Model Codes include the:
- National Building Code of Canada
- National Fire Code of Canada
- National Plumbing Code of Canada
- National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings
- National Farm Building Code of Canada
Learn more about the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes
Visit their website to:
- Get to know the board members, governance and structure
- Explore current code development committees
- Find out how to submit a code change request or participate in a public review
Construction Codes Reconciliation Agreement
British Columbia signed the Construction Codes Reconciliation Agreement under the Canada Free Trade Agreement. The Construction Codes Reconciliation Agreement supports the harmonization of building, plumbing, fire and other construction codes in Canada.
Harmonizing construction codes, or removing differing requirements between construction codes, will help to:
- Decrease construction costs
- Reduce barriers related to manufacturing, operation, inspection, education and training
The Construction Codes Reconciliation Agreement (PDF, 134KB) recognizes that provinces and territories have unique policy goals and that some variations in the construction codes are necessary.
Some examples of these code variations in B.C. include the BC Energy and Zero Carbon Step Codes, accessibility, and greater use of mass timber construction.
Impact to B.C.
The agreement will affect BC Codes adopted after 2022, including the:
- BC Building Code
- BC Plumbing Code
- BC Fire Code
Training seminars for national codes
Educational seminars are available from Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes on important technical changes to help code users understand new code provisions and their impacts.