Construction standards user guides
Last updated on June 9, 2025Access Provincial guides to help you understand key code requirements and the Building Act.
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Accessibility
BC Building Code accessibility requirements set minimum standard for building design and construction to improve usability.
- Adaptable Dwelling Unit Illustrative Design Guide (PDF, 748KB) - 2025
- Space and Cost Impact Report (PDF, 5.8MB) - 2025
- Building Access Handbook 2014 edition (PDF, 3.6 MB) - 2014
- Building Accessibility Handbook 2020 (PDF, 9.9 MB) - 2020
Building Act
The Building Act brings greater consistency for technical building requirements and improves how construction codes are understood and applied around B.C.
- Understanding B.C.'s Building Regulatory System (PDF, 705KB) - 2015
- Modernizing B.C.'s Building Regulatory System (PDF, 701KB) - 2015
- History of British Columbia's Building Regulations (PDF, 232 KB) - 2015
Local government Building Act guides
Building and plumbing officials Building Act guide
Energy
Step Code checklists and user guides
Access checklist and guides for adopting the BC Energy and Zero Carbon Step Codes
- Part 3 building checklist and user guide
- Part 9 building checklist and user guide
- BC Energy Step Code guides for local government and building officials
Single Zone Cooling
The BC Building Code include maximum design temperatures for a minimum of a single living space in a dwelling unit. Access guidelines to support compliance with with these new requirements.
ASHRAE 100
ASHRAE 100 is an international building standard for improving energy efficiency in existing buildings. The user guide provides explanations, examples and reference material to help improve energy efficiency in existing buildings.