More topics

Building Code Appeal Board

Last updated on April 8, 2025

The Building Code Appeal Board reviews appeals of local authority decisions related to building regulations. You can submit an appeal to the board for review.

On this page

Building Code Appeal Board's role

The Building Code Appeal Board reviews appeals of local authority decisions on whether a matter conforms to a provincial building regulation. This includes the BC Building and Plumbing Codes. It operates under the Building Act (Part 4, sections 19 to 21).

The board does not hear disputes related to:

  • Local authorities issuing permits
  • Enforcement regimes
  • Local authority bylaw requirements

The board makes decisions independent from government:

  • Board members include subject-matter experts from outside government
  • A member of the Building and Safety Standards Branch serves as board secretary

The board typically meets twice a month to review appeal applications and make decisions.

Make an appeal

An appeal can be made to resolve a disagreement with a decision made by a local authority, such as a building official.

An appeal can only be made by either:

  • The building owner
  • The building owner's counsel
  • Someone under contract or subcontract by the owner to design, construct, alter, repair or demolish their building

The person submitting the appeal application is called the appellant.

The board expects that both the appellant and local authority abide by all applicable legislation, regulations and local enactments, including:

  • The Building Act
  • Laws for professional governance and/or conduct
  • Local authority enactments

Information in the application is available to both parties.

1. Prepare an appeal application

  • Download and complete all sections (A, B, C, D) of the appeal application form (PDF, 502.76KB)
  • Include documentation, saved as a PDF, that could help inform the decision under dispute such as:
    • Building drawings
    • Reports
  • Ensure the application is signed by both the appellant and the local authority

2. Submit an appeal application

Submit completed applications via email, mail or courier to the Building Code Appeal Board. 

Email

 BuildingCodeAppealBoard@gov.bc.ca

Mail or courier 

Building Code Appeal Board
Unit 1270 – 605 Robson Street
Vancouver B.C.  V6B 5J3

Emailed applications are recommended. Incomplete or mailed applications may result in a delay.

Review process

The board will notify the appellant and the local authority if and when the appeal will be considered.

The board has scheduled meetings on the first and third Thursday of each month. Applications received 15 or more calendar days before each meeting will be reviewed at the scheduled meeting.

Incomplete submissions that do not meet requirements will be returned to the appellant and the local authority.

Board decisions

Decisions typically take 2 to 5 weeks from when an application is received. Appellants and local authorities are notified by email of a final decision.

Building Code Appeal Board decisions are final and binding. The board cannot relax, waive or alter any part of the BC Building Code. 

Decisions can only be overruled if it is determined that the basic principles of administrative law had not been followed. 

The board does not approve building materials, products or systems.

Review past decisions

Annual reports

Board remuneration reports

The Administrative Tribunals Act requires board members to be compensated and reimbursed for travel needed to carry out their work. These reports disclose the remuneration rate of Building Code Appeal Board members.

Public interest disclosure reports

Since April 2022, the Building Code Appeal Board has been under the jurisdiction of the Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA). PIDA provides a framework for employees to report specific kinds of serious wrongdoing with legislated protection from reprisal. Section 38 of PIDA requires the Building Code Appeal Board  to report annually on all disclosures of wrongdoing made in the past year.

Contact information

Have a question or need help? Contact the Building Code Appeal Board by email or at the mailing address below.

Email
BuildingCodeAppealBoard@gov.bc.ca
Mailing Address
Building Code Appeal Board
Unit 1270 – 605 Robson Street
Vancouver BC V6B 5J3