NEW and Updated Technical Bulletins
New and updated technical bulletins have been released by the Province to provide more detail and help clarify code provisions for builders and building professionals.
To view a list of these click here.
CPD Opportunity – Simplifying Complex Carbs: Examining the Zero Carbon Step Code
This session will dive into the intricacies of the BC Zero Carbon Step Code, what it is, where it stands, why it matters. Armed with comprehensive datasets, the course will paint a picture of the current state of the industry and project where it needs to be and when. The session will also spotlight specific examples of best practices, helping builders and trades navigate the path toward a sustainable, resilient and healthy future.
Provider: CHBA-BC
Date: Multiple Dates
Time Commitment: 7 hours
Location: In-Person, Multiple Locations
Cost: $299
Registration: Register online
CPD Eligibility: 5 CPD points under category A3 (you will need to self-report these points)
CPD Opportunity – Introducing the Gentle Density Housing Bylaw Guide
Across North America, communities are reconsidering zoning rules that have prevented people adding a second small dwelling on their property for an aging family member, or pooling resources with friends to build and live together in a multiplex. These bylaw updates can unlock the potential to build housing in greater numbers and varieties in existing neighbourhoods to better accommodate our growing and changing population.
With our partners at Urban Systems and supported by CMHC, Small Housing has developed the Gentle Density Housing Bylaw Guide: A pathway for local governments. The guide focuses on documenting the “story so far” in the paths being chosen by local governments in British Columbia as they consider changes to their zoning bylaws to allow ‘small-scale multi-unit housing’, as a way to chart potential paths forward for communities in other provinces as they too seek to adjust their zoning rules to achieve a better fit with the needs of the people who want to live there.
Want to explore a practical work plan and find out about additional resources for updating your zoning bylaw for gentle density housing? Join us Monday, April 29, for a 50-minute webinar to learn more about the Guide and how it can help unlock housing in communities from coast to coast to coast.
Provider: Small Housing BC
Date: Monday, April 29, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Pacific)
Location: Zoom Webinar
Cost: Free
Registration: Register online
CPD Eligibility: 1 point – Category A4 (you will need to self-report this point)
CPD Opportunity – Free Webinar: Are Appeals Appealing?
Are appeals appealing? A guide to Building Code Appeal Board processes and outcomes.
Did you know the Building Code Appeal Board reviews appeals of local authority decisions on whether a matter conforms to a provincial building regulation, including the BC Building and Plumbing Codes?
CHBA BC hosts Building Code Appeal Board Chair, Don Pedde, as he explains the appeal application process and outcomes.
Provider: CHBA BC
Date: Thursday, May 9, 2024
Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am (PST)
Location: Online (Zoom)
Cost: Free
Registration: Register online
CPD Eligibility: 1 point – Category A4 (you will need to self-report this point)
CPD Opportunity – Mastering Bylaw Prosecutions
This webinar will cover:
- Mastering Evidence Gathering: Learn how to collect the most compelling evidence to build a solid case.
- Navigating Testimony: Gain insights into effective testimony techniques during direct and cross examination.
- Optimizing Prosecution Outcomes: Explore ways to secure higher fines and restitution for affected neighbours.
- Understanding Legal Procedures:
- Offence Act Prosecutions
- Municipal Ticket Informations
- Bylaw Notices
Provider: Dominion GovLaw
Date: Thursday, April 25, 2024
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm (PST)
Location: Online
Cost: $125+taxes (per person/computer)
Registration: Register online
CPD Eligibility: 1 point – Category A4 (you will need to self-report this point)
CBHCC Recruiting Volunteers for Code Development Committees
The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) is seeking volunteers to serve on its code development committees for the 2030 code cycle.
The CBHCC is looking for volunteers who reflect Canada’s regional and ethnic diversity, have broad knowledge of the National Model Codes, and have technical expertise or lived experience in building design, construction, and use. Committee volunteers are critical to Canada’s code development process.
Code development for the 2030 Codes will include topics such as accessibility, climate change mitigation and adaptation, alterations to existing buildings, housing supply, harmonization of code requirements, performance-based solutions, and other targeted topics and maintenance tasks.
Serving on a code development committee is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the development of Canada’s National Model Codes. Anyone interested in volunteering on a code development committee for the 2030 code cycle can apply through the CBHCC’s website until May 6. Applicants will be asked to submit their professional credentials and a summary of their experience and expertise.
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis in preparation for the 2030 code cycle launch in January 2025. The Standing Codes Coordination Committee (SCCC) – which will support information sharing between code development committees – will be established first, anticipated for summer 2024. The CBHCC aims to establish National Model Code Committees in the fall of 2024 with task groups struck on an as-needed basis as technical work gets underway in 2025.
If you would like more information about volunteering on a code development committee, or if you have any questions, you can email the CBHCC Secretary at CBHCCSecretary-SecretaireCCHCC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca.
BC Building Code Update: New Mass Timber Provisions and Technical Bulletins
Revision 1 to the BC Building Code 2024 and BC Fire Code 2024 was published on April 10, 2024. The revisions expand permissions for encapsulated mass timber construction (EMTC).
The BC Building Code changes:
- Enable taller EMTC buildings, up to 18 storeys for residential and office buildings from the previous 12-storey limit,
- Add new EMTC building types – including schools, community centres, care facilities, retail, and light- and medium-hazard industrial in addition to residential and office buildings, and
- Change encapsulation requirements, allowing for more mass timber to be exposed depending on a building’s height and use.
Changes to the BC Fire Code add new options for course of construction fire protection in EMTC buildings.
The code changes are in force now. You can read more about them on BC Gov News and access Revision 1 of both the BC Building Code and BC Fire Code on the Errata & Revisions page of the Building Codes and Standards website.
Additionally, new Technical Bulletins for BC Building Code 2024 have been published and you can expect to find more added as they are finalized.
The Association is featuring a Mass Timber Updates breakout session as part of the upcoming conference. View the session time and the complete draft agenda on the Conference Webpage.
CPD Opportunity – Builder Forum Series: Zero Carbon Step Code 101
The Township of Langley Green Buildings team is hosting their next Builder Forum Series online educational event on April 25th, 2024 to share information related to on Zero Carbon Step Code, focusing on EL-2 and EL-3 compliance for Part 9 homes.
Emma Conway of E3 Eco Group Inc will deliver the main presentation and will cover the following topics:
- Introduction to Zero Carbon Step Code, covering the different terminologies, pathways and levels.
- Intersection of Zero Carbon Step Code and Energy Step Code and what builders need to know.
- Application of ZCSC to different archetypes
- Compliance methodologies and
- Case studies
In addition, there will be 30 minutes for Township updates on building permit requirements, educational opportunities, and how we are making applying for BP’s easier to apply for. The full length of the webinar is 2 hours and will include time for Q&A.
Provider: Township of Langley
Date: April 25, 2024
Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am (PST)
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Registration: Click here
CPD Eligibility: 2 points – Category A4 (you will need to self-report these points)
For questions, please email: greenbuildings@tol.ca
2024 BOABC Conference Registration is Now Open
The 2024 Conference & Tradeshow will be taking place May 26 to 29, 2024 at the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond, B.C. Register now on the conference webpage.
We are also looking for tradeshow vendors and event sponsors at the Partner, Supporter, and Companion levels. View the conference page for more information and to register for a tradeshow booth or as an event sponsor.
Call for Nominations – BOABC 2024 AGM
The BOABC Annual General Meeting, will be held at 9:00 am on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Unlike past years, the AGM is not being held at the Annual Conference in May. Instead, the AGM will be held online.
Pursuant to section 7(4) of the bylaws, formal notice of the AGM will be distributed to all members at least 30 days before the June 25, 2024, meeting date. The notice will include a registration link for the online meeting and agenda documents for members to review ahead of time.
The Governance and Nominating Committee is calling for nominations of candidates to serve on the BOABC Executive Committee.
If you have any motions to put forward, please complete the Call for Motions form.
Completed and signed nomination and motion forms must be submitted by 3:00 pm on Friday, April 12, 2024, to be considered at the 2024 AGM.
