March 19th, 2024

This year, the provincial government did something different when introducing changes to the BC Building Code.

While National Code updates were ushered in as usual for 2024, the Province split its 2024 BC Building Code updates into two parts: the first came into effect this month, and the second has been delayed one year while the Province consults with the builders, engineers, architects and other stakeholders to balance out the potential impacts.

Here’s what came into effect March 8, 2024:

• Incorporated from the National Code:
  • Enabling mass timber construction;
  • Province-wide requirement for radon safety rough-ins;
• Provincially-initiated changes effective March 2024:
  • Stronger language for constructing extended rough-ins for radon subfloor depressurization systems;
  • Cooling requirements in one living space per home, not to exceed 26 degrees Celsius;
  • Retaining single dwelling unit ventilation requirements.

Effective March 10, 2025, the BC Building Code will also include:

• Requirements for 100% adaptable dwellings in large condos and apartment buildings, as well as first floor units in new small apartments and condos;
• Requirements that bathroom walls be reinforced to allow future installation of grab bars;
• Early adoption of the national provisions to improve earthquake resilience for housing and small buildings in areas based on updated seismic hazard values.

These are positive changes from a safety and accessibility perspective, and we support them—but we’re also well aware that they could lead to some very large unintended consequences.

That’s why we asked the Province to pause on those changes when the Ministry of Housing engaged us on the Code last April.

And they listened.

Now, we have a year to help the Province understand the scale of the potential impacts, and to work with them on coming up with offsetting measures.

The seismic and adaptability code changes create a unique challenge.

As elements of new buildings will have to be larger to accommodate the requirements, this impacts the livable space within units.

Left unmitigated, it will lead to fewer units within a building and rising costs as unit sizes increase. Alternatively, units may become less desirable (think small, single-sink vanities and tiny closet space). Both outcomes put pressure on the marketability of new homes, and ultimately, could lead to lower housing supply and decreased affordability—exactly the direction British Columbians cannot afford to move in.

Additionally, the new seismic requirements put some municipalities on uneven ground, so to speak. Communities positioned on fault lines with challenging soil conditions may find that the core structures of new buildings will need increased space, materials, and expertise to meet the new requirements.

As UDI prepares for future engagement from the Province on this issue, it’s important that we quantify how big of an issue this is.

Many of our members are already compiling examples and analysis that shows the impact of the new Code requirements: number of units, cost, and floorspace within your portfolios.

This information will be invaluable to our nuanced understanding of the issue so that the upcoming consultations between UDI and the Province can lead to innovative, effective solutions. For example, density offsets, or floorspace exclusions, and design guideline flexibility.

Our strong relationship with the Ministry of Housing branch responsible for the BC Building Code is already based on collaboration. We were successful in demonstrating the need to spend some time mitigating impacts of the Code, and now we’re prepared to use this time well.

UDI’s approach will continue to be proactive and collaborative—and we will be part of the conversation until there is a solution.

Sincerely,

Anne and the UDI Team