Around Town: Province Updates Building Code
The provincial government is updating the BC Building Code, effective December 19, 2014. There are four new requirements, and they will apply to new construction in the province:
Example of a house that includes a principal ventilation system including supply (1) and continuous exhaust (2). This schematic reflects ventilation changes in the BC Building Code.
- Energy Efficiency – Energy-efficiency standards have been broadened to include the entire building, and minimum standards have been set for insulation performance, heating and cooling systems, hot water tanks and the performance of doors, windows and skylights.
- Ventilation – Ventilation requirements focus on improved air flow to reduce the likelihood of mould and mildew in new construction.
- Child Care – Buildings containing child-care facilities may be classified as assembly occupancy (A-2), meaning child-care facilities can occupy small wood-frame buildings provided certain fire safety requirements are met.
- Radon Rough-in – Builders will now be required to rough-in radon pipes in known radon hot-spot areas. These pipes must vent outside, instead of being capped.
Builders and developers can learn more about the upcoming changes by reading the technical bulletins for each update: www.housing.gov.bc.ca/pub/bulletins/index.htm
