Step Code is coming to Courtenay in Around Town
The City of Courtenay has approved the BC Energy Step Code as part of the changes to the City’s Building Bylaw anticipated in early 2020. Staff at the Town of Comox and the City of Courtenay are proposing a coordinated approach that would see both municipalities implementing the Energy Step Code with similar schedules.
The new bylaw in Courtenay is anticipated to be adopted in March with the Energy Step Code requirements taking effect upon adoption for all new building permits. Three key points that can be expected for construction, once the new bylaw is adopted are: Part 9 buildings will be required to meet Step 2 for the remainder of 2020 with Step 3 as of January 1, 2021; Part 3 buildings, will be required to meet Step 2 for the remainder of 2020 and into 2021; Mid construction blower door tests requirements for Part 9 builds.
For projects that fall short of the required Step, the bylaw is expected to include wording to permit a building to receive occupancy, provided every reasonable effort has been made to bring the project into compliance but not issue a final inspection and register an encumbrance on title notifying any potential purchasers that the building does not fully comply with the Building Code.
For more information contact the City of Courtenay’s Manager or Building and Administrative Services, Trevor Sweeney, at tsweeney@courtenay.ca.
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