How the BC Building Code 2024 is shaking up the construction industry

May 12, 2025

How the BC Building Code is shaking up the construction industry, from foundations to roofs

New codes on dwelling adaptability and seismic resilience are in effect after year-long postponement

The 2024 British Columbia Building Code (BCBC) marked an evolution in the province's construction industry, reshaping building practices from foundations to roofs.

 The recent updates prioritize sustainability, accessibility, and climate resiliency, addressing the province's unique geographical needs while aligning with national standards. The majority of the province is subject to the new code, with the exception of Vancouver, which has its own.

The BCBC, an update to the 2018 codes, came into effect on March 8, 2024, with the exception of new seismic design standards and adaptable dwellings, which came into effect March 10, 2025. As of that date, new building permit applications in British Columbia must follow all elements of the code.

Here are the most impactful changes the new code has had on B.C.’s building industry.

Advancements in mass timber construction

The BCBC 2024 expanded the use of mass timber in two ways. First, it allowed encapsulated mass timber construction (EMTC) buildings to reach up to 18 storeys for residential and office use, an increase from the previous 12-storey limit. It also expanded what kinds of buildings could be built with EMCT, including schools, libraries, retail, light- and medium-industrial occupancies and care facilities.

The benefits of this change are twofold. In addition to using sustainable materials that reduce carbon emissions – a win for the environment – it also supports the province’s essential forestry sector.

Enhanced energy efficiency, climate and seismic resilience

There are other ways the new code aims to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

It requires a majority of new buildings to be 20 per cent more energy efficient than base 2018 BCBC numbers, keeping with B.C.’s commitment to zero-carbon new construction by 2030. Builders will also be required to install systems to track and report building emissions.

A key part of achieving this goal centres on code requirements enhancing thermal performance, window and glazing requirements, and improved mechanical system efficiencies. In practice, this will look like providing at least one living space designed not to exceed 26°C.

Managing energy use is also a cornerstone of the province’s approach to climate resiliency, as average annual temperatures continue to climb and major weather events increase.

B.C. also contains specific regions prone to seismic risks, like the Capital Regional District and parts of the Lower Mainland. As of March 10, 2025, these areas are subject to new earthquake design provisions for housing and small buildings, to prevent structure collapse during these major weather and seismic events. This includes new bracing requirements for lateral loads from wind and earthquakes.

Enhanced accessibility standards

With an aging population and an increased prevalence of disability in B.C., improving accessibility to residential buildings is essential.

As noted above, effective March 10, 2025, the BCBC 2024 requires at least one in five suites – or 20 per cent of units in multi-residential buildings, must be adaptable. This marks the start of a phased approach, with the ultimate goal to make 100 per cent of new builds accessible.

Designs for these spaces include set clearances that allow residents to manoeuvre in space with accessibility aids, and reinforced bathroom walls to accommodate future installations, like grab bars.

Implications for the construction industry

At the end of the day, concern for safety is at the centre of the comprehensive updates to B.C.’s building codes.

From foundation preparation to roof building and maintenance, the construction industry continues to adjust to the changes, as does the province.

It’s not always an easy process, but together, they are working out the kinks as the codes go from being on paper to being used in projects.