The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) is conducting a consultation regarding proposed changes to the 2020 editions of the National Model Codes - the National Building Code, the National Fire Code, the National Energy Code for Buildings, and the National Plumbing Code until April 29, 2024.

When the changes to the National Model Codes are approved, the Province plans on incorporating them into future editions of their equivalent BC Codes - the BC Building Code, BC Fire Code, and BC Plumbing Code.

The proposed changes to the National Model Codes cover a wide range of matters, including:

• Adaptable and visitable dwelling units;
• Seismic issues;
• Performance requirements for post-disaster buildings;
• Energy use intensity and operational greenhouse gas emissions;
• Airtightness;
• Alterations of existing buildings;
• Radon/soil gas mitigation;
• Vapour barrier standards;
• Pipe sizing and spacing; and
• Water-use efficiency.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact CBHCC. You can also submit comments to them using their online comment form. CBHCC has also provided guidelines and instructions for submitting comments as well as a combined file of all of their proposals.