2024 Building Code effective March 8, 2024
By ministerial order the 2024 Building Code comes into effect March 8, 2024.
Resources for additional information:
The BC Zero Carbon Step Code: Measures to limit greenhouse gas emissions from new buildings will be in effect for building permit applications starting January 1, 2024.
On January 1, 2024 the CRD enabled Level EL-3 of BC Building Code Sections 9.37 and 10.3 which was introduced in the Code as a revision on May 01, 2023. The Province intends new buildings to be meet zero carbon emissions standards by 2030.
The Level EL-3 requirement limits the primary heating systems and water heating systems for new buildings to electric heating systems or systems meeting the level EL-3 standard for reduced greenhouse gas emissions. It is important to note that fossil fuels and solid wood fuel heating systems will still be permitted for secondary or supplemental heating systems. The use of gas cooking stoves or ovens will not be restricted.
Resources for additional information:
The BC Energy Step Code: Important change affecting all permit applications as of May 1, 2023.
The Province of BC has implemented mandatory revisions to the BC Energy Step Code requiring residential construction to be 20% more energy efficient than the current 2018 Building Code. The province's incremental path is for all new buildings to be net zero by 2032.
Benefits of the BC Energy Step Code:
- Effectively manages temperature and improves comfort.
- Improves fresh air throughout the building.
- Improves energy efficiency and lowers energy bills.
Explore the resources below to learn more:
Building permits are required in order to construct, alter, repair or demolish a building or structure within one of the capital region's three electoral areas.
The homeowner is responsible for carrying out the work or having the work carried out in full accordance with the requirements of the British Columbia Building Code and other applicable regulations.
You may not start any stage of a project, including demolition or excavation, until a building permit has been obtained.
The CRD provides Building Inspection services to the following areas:
- Juan de Fuca
- Malahat
- Salt Spring Island
- Southern Gulf Islands (Galiano, Mayne, Pender, Saturna etc.)
- Willis Point
CRD Administrative Boundaries (PDF)
For building services in other parts of the capital region, contact your municipality for more information.