BC Codes  

Alternate Titles: British Columbia Building Code, Plumbing Code and Fire Code, Vancouver Building By-law

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The British Columbia (BC) Codes include 2018 editions of the following:

• the BC Building Code 
• the BC Plumbing Code
• the BC Fire Code

The City of Vancouver Building By-laws (VBBL) include 2019, 2014 and 2007 editions of the following:

• the Vancouver Buidling By-law
• the Vancouver Plumbing By-law

The 2019 edition of the VBBL based on the 2018 BC Building Code is forthcoming. 

The BC Building Code (BCBC) is a provincial regulation that governs how new construction, building alterations, repairs and demolitions are completed. This code establishes minimum requirements for safety, health, accessibility, fire and structural protection of buildings and energy and water efficiency. It applies throughout the province except for some federal lands and the City of Vancouver.

The BC Fire Code (BCFC) is a provincial regulation containing technical requirements for the construction, use or demolition of buildings and facilities and the design, construction and use of specific elements of facilities related to certain fire hazards, and protection measures for the current or intended use of buildings.

The BC Plumbing Code (BCPC) sets out technical provisions for the design and installation of new plumbing systems to protect health and prevent water or sewer damage. It also applies to the extension, alteration, renewal and repair of existing plumbing systems. The BCPC is applicable throughout the province except for some federal lands and the City of Vancouver.

The Vancouver Building By-law (VBBL) 2019 is based on the British Columbia Building Code 2018 (based on the National Building Code) and includes the unique to Vancouver By-law provisions regulating the design and construction of buildings in the City of Vancouver, British Columbia.

The VBBL addresses the following six broad objectives:

• safety
• health
• accessibility for persons with disabilities
• fire protection of buildings and facilities
• energy efficiency
• existing and heritage buildings

Related resources: Codes Canada 

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