
Lunch & Learn – December 12, 2023
The BOABC will be hosting its’ final Lunch & Learn of the year, which will focus on Secondary Suites and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s). The session will highlight the BC Housings Suite Incentive program, as well as minimum code requirements for new, alterations, and legalizing suites and ADU’s based on BOABC Forum discussions. Code items to be reviewed will be fire/sound separations, exterior exiting, fire department access, and how newer code requirements may impact renovations to create suites and ADU’s.
For those unaware of the BC Housings Suite Incentive program, please click here Secondary Suite Incentive Program.
Also, for the discussion on ADU conversions, please have a look at this Video – Suite Addition Pro (based on Ontario Building Codes).
In order to focus on learning objectives for this session and to provide assistance in the form of generic guide templates for those communities who do not have capacity to create them, Ken is requesting information (website, bulletins, policies) related to Secondary Suites and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) – new, conversions and enforcement for illegal units. Please forwards links/attachments to kkunka@boabc.org.
Additionally could you also confirm if your community:
· allows for Short Term Rentals in Secondary Suites or ADU’s,
· has a licensing program for Long Term Rentals – Homes, Suites, ADU’s.
To register, please click Lunch & Learn Registration. The meeting link will be sent out to all registrants a few days prior.

Save the Date: 2024 BOABC Conference
2024 BOABC Conference & Annual General Meeting
May 26 to 29, 2024
River Rock Casino Resort
Richmond, B.C.
Mark the dates in your calendar! The annual Association conference is bringing building and plumbing officials, staff from municipal and provincial governments, engineers, architects, representatives from industry associations, and other stakeholders together in Richmond for learning opportunities and networking. The event is typically attended by 200 delegates from across B.C. and provides an excellent opportunity to showcase your organization if you choose to participate in the tradeshow or become an event sponsor.
Information about trade show and sponsorship opportunities will be available soon.
CPD Opportunity – Inspector Skills
In addition to a solid understanding of technical codes and standards, developing effective soft skills is essential for code officials to support the construction of safe and sustainable housing. Developed specifically for construction inspectors, the Inspector Skills course offered through the International Code Council focuses on effective communication, diplomacy, customer service, problem solving, and time management. This session will teach individual skills, and provide information that local authorities can use to develop policy and procedures that support professional and consistent inspections.
Provider: International Code Council (ICC)
Presentation: Inspector Skills
Date: Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Time: 8:30am – 4:00pm (PST)
Location: Online (the Zoom link will be sent out to all registrants a few days prior)
Cost: $100 plus GST
Registration: Click here
CPD Eligibility: 5 points – Category A3 (automatically uploaded when you register)
Course Objectives
- Identify principles of code administration for achieving safe buildings
- Evaluate general approaches to inspection
- Determine strategies for getting along with construction staff with inspecting the jobsite
- Apply principles of customer service
- Identify ethical behavior in the workplace
- Develop effective communication with clients and governmental staff
Presenter: John Gibson

CPD Opportunities – Cascadia Windows and Doors
For a list of webinars being offered by Cascadia Windows and Doors, please click on each link below to view the dates and to register. All of these webinars qualify for Professional Development (CPD) points.
- An Active Approach to Passive House Windows
- Tackling Window Pane: Understanding the Benefits of High Performance Fenestration
- Mind the Gap: Better Exterior Wall Performance Through Cladding Attachments
- Navigating Emerging Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS)
- Combustible Windows & Facade Components in Non-Combustible Construction – Testing, Research, and Expanding Methods

Asbestos Abatement Licensing and Certification
WorkSafeBC is implementing mandatory training, certification, and licensing for asbestos abatement work in relation to buildings, to help keep workers safe from the danger of asbestos. As of January 1, 2024, asbestos abatement contractors must be licensed to operate in British Columbia, and anyone performing asbestos abatement work must complete mandatory safety training and obtain certificates.
Learn more:
Resources:

CPD Opportunity – Lunch & Learn Presentations
To register for the December 12, 2023, Lunch & Learn, which will focus on Secondary Suites and Accessory Dwelling Units, please click here.
To view the Lunch & Learn presentations, please click on the links below.
CPD Eligibility: 1 point/presentation (Category A4). You will need to self report this point. Initial next to the presentation and then save it as a pdf to upload as proof.
October 26, 2023 Commercial Tenant Alterations & Change of Occupancy
September 28, 2023 Ken Kunka Presentation and PSD Citywide – Digital Revolution of Permitting
March 9, 2023 BCABD – Architects Regulation and Ken Kunka – The Architects Regulation & Part 9 Construction
December 8, 2022 In the Know & Part 9 Level 2 Project Overview
September 23, 2022 Level 2 Review
September 23, 2022 Level 2 Building Review Layout
April 21, 2022 Spatial Calculator, Occupancy Classification & Grade Clearances
March 3, 2022 BOABC Information and Balconies & Decks hosted by Ken Kunka
December 2, 2021 Fire Stopping – Dampers (Part 2) hosted by Ken Kunka
October 28, 2021 Best Practices for Collecting and Deliver Evidence hosted by Ken Kunka
September 23, 2021 Plumbing Code Appeals and Interpretations hosted by Doug Vance
August 26, 2021 Fire Blocking – Stopping – Dampers (Part 1) hosted by Ken Kunka
July 29, 2021 BOABC Information & Study Session hosted by Ken Kunka
June 24, 2021 Building Code Session hosted by Ken Kunka

CPD Opportunity – Energy Step Code Presentations
To watch the six Energy Step Code breakout sessions from the BOABC May 2022 Annual Conference, please click on the links below. These are available to watch for free courtesy of BC Hydro and can be submitted as material to earn continuing professional development (CPD) points.
CPD Eligibility: 1.5 points/session (Category A4). You will need to self report these points and take a screenshot during the presentation to upload as proof.
Monday, May 16, 2022:
Session #1 – Step Code is Only the Start – Building Officials and Evolving Regulations
Session #2 – Using Data to Cut Through Noise on Codes
Tuesday, May 17, 2022:
Session #1 – Integrated Design Process
Session #2 – Navigating Building Energy Performance Standards
Wednesday, May 18, 2022:
Session #1 – Factory-Built Housing – What a Building Officials Needs to Know
Session #2 – Hydronic Heat Pumps

Public Review of Proposed Changes to National Building Code
The next public review of proposed changes to the 2020 National Model Codes is now open. Please click here to examine the proposed changes and provide your feedback no later than December 18, 2023.
Comments received will be reviewed by technical committees, and changes, if approved, will be included in the 2025 editions of the National Model Codes.
Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes
Staff from the Building and Safety Standards Branch made members aware of changes to the national code development system through previous presentations at Association zone meetings and conferences.
The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) is the new body responsible for the development of Canada’s National Model Codes, which contain objectives related to health, safety, the protection of buildings from fire and structural damage and the protection of the environment.
The CBHCC, which is made up of representatives from provincial, territorial, and federal public services, approves the content of the National Model Codes and works within a system of groups that provide oversight, advice, and develop proposed changes.

BOABC Refund Policy
The Association is committed to providing a transparent and well-defined refund management process. To meet this commitment, the Executive Committee recently approved an updated Refund Policy. The updated policy balances the Association’s ability to refund fees and other payments with its need to pay costs incurred to develop and deliver sustainable programs and educational offerings for members.
You can access the updated policy here and it is also posted in the listing of Association policies on the website.
Please contact the Association at info@boabc.org or (604) 270-9516 if you have any questions.