The Province has adopted the 2024 edition of the British Columbia Building Code, including Book II Plumbing Systems (BC Codes 2024). A news release announcing adoption is available on BC Gov news.
The BC Codes 2024 will come into effect on March 8, 2024, and will apply to building permits applied for on or after that date. Buildings with permits in place under the BC Codes 2018 will generally not be affected by the adoption of the new BC Codes.
The effective date for the new adaptable dwellings and earthquake design changes will be deferred to March 10, 2025, to allow additional engagement and sufficient training to support innovative and cost-effective design solutions.
To download a free copy of the BC Codes 2024, please visit the Building and Safety Standards’ website. Print publications are anticipated to be available for purchase online later in 2024. The Province will notify code users and industry professionals when the print publications are available.
Although the 2024 BC Building Code includes most of the 2020 National Building Code requirements, some BC-specific code changes include:
New National Code content for large farm buildings and farm building equipment as well as un-sprinklered home-type care occupancies have not been adopted. The Province will be conducting further analysis on these matters. The National Farm Building Code of Canada 1995 continues to apply to farm buildings.