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The Building Act

Last updated on April 8, 2025
The Building Act brings greater consistency for technical building requirements and improves how construction codes are understood and applied around B.C. Learn more about the Act, local governments’ roles and qualification requirements for building officials.
 

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About the Building Act

The Building Act brings greater consistency for technical building requirements and includes qualification requirements for building officials.

The Building Act applies in all parts of B.C. except the City of Vancouver and federal lands.

Under the Act:

Building Act Guide

The Building Act Guide provide more information about the Building Act for:

  • Local governments
  • Building officials
  • People working in the building construction sector

Technical requirements

Technical building requirements specify how new construction, building alterations, repairs and demolitions are done. They are found in:

These requirements can define building:

  • Methods
  • Materials
  • Products
  • Assemblies
  • Dimensions
  • Performance 

Local governments' role in creating building requirements

With limited exceptions, a technical building requirement in a local government bylaw has no legal force if the matter is also addressed by the BC Building Code.
 
The Building Act includes some flexibility for local governments to meet local needs.

How local governments can set technical requirements

Set local bylaws for unrestricted matters

Local governments can establish local building requirements within their bylaws for unrestricted matters. 

Unrestricted matters are defined in Part 1 — Local Authority Jurisdiction of the Building Act General Regulation.

Request a local authority variation

There are 4 steps in the application process for a local government variation from the BC Building Code.

  1. Review the application guide (PDF, 419KB). Complete the application to request a local authority variation (WORD, 172KB)
  2. Gather supporting information for your application 
  3. Email your completed application and supporting documents. Use the subject 'Local Authority Variation Request'
  4. You should receive a confirmation receipt within 10 days. Record the application number you receive for future reference

Need to update your application? Review the Addendum to application to request a local authority variation (WORD, 160KB)

Joint applications

Two or more local authorities can work together and submit a joint application. Consider working with other local authorities before applying alone.

Posting variation requests

If your variation request goes to a full review, you can ask to have a summary posted on this website. This allows other local authorities to contact you if they are interested in joining your variation request.

Qualification requirements for building officials

The Building Act sets qualification requirements for building and plumbing officials. This helps increase consistency in the interpretation and application of the Building Code and building regulations.

Find support

Submit feedback, request more information or get help by emailing Building.Safety@gov.bc.ca.

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