The province of BC has updated its Building Code. Starting March 10, 2025, all new building permit applications must follow the 2024 BC Building Code. This includes updated seismic design rules and new ‘zero carbon’ GHG emission standards. These provincial requirements apply to any permit applications submitted on or after this date.
Key changes
- Starting March 10, 2025, as mandated by the province, all building permit applications must fully comply with the 2024 BC Building Code, including new seismic design standards
- New buildings must adhere to zero carbon standards by meeting specific greenhouse gas emission level 1 and install systems to track and report these emissions
Seismic design
The 2024 BC Building Code includes significant changes to Section 9.23.13, addressing bracing requirements for lateral loads from wind and earthquakes. These requirements reflect British Columbia’s high seismic hazard values.
The Ministry of Housing will provide additional resources, including an illustrated guide for lateral load design, to help builders and designers implement these new requirements.
New Zero Carbon standards
Starting March 10, 2025, all new buildings must comply with the provincial minimum Level 1 of the Zero Carbon Step Code. This requires:
- Measuring and disclosing operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
- Installing systems to track and report these emissions
The provincial minimum is Level 1, and the PRRD will enforce this provincial requirement.
Background
The 2024 BC Building Code started on March 8, 2024. During a transition period, the seismic and adaptable dwelling unit rules from the 2018 code stayed in place. This transition ends on March 10, 2025, when the entire 2024 code becomes mandatory.
Resources
- Government of BC Bulletin, Application of the 2024 BC Building Code
- Government of BC Bulletin, Transition period for seismic requirements in the British Columbia Building Code 2024
- BC Housing, Illustrated Guide – Seismic Bracing Requirements BC Building Code
- Building Officials Association of BC, Zero Carbon Step Code Update
We are here to help
The PRRD is here to help builders and developers understand and implement the new provincial building code requirements. To get started, please review the provincial code updates and resources provided by the BC government. If you have any questions about how these provincial requirements will be implemented locally, contact us by calling 250-785-8084 or by emailing the Development Services Department at building.inspection@prrd.bc.ca.
Our teams are available for in-person meetings in Fort St. John or Dawson Creek to discuss how these requirements may apply to your project. To schedule an appointment, email building.inspection@prrd.bc.ca or call 250-785-8084.
