Online BC Building Codes Now Free

The Government of British Columbia recently announced that electronic versions of the 2018 BC Building Code, BC Fire Code, and BC Plumbing Code are now available at no cost—and it plans to issue refunds to those who purchased the electronic versions of these documents on or after September 5, 2018.
 
The BC Government is also offering a substantial refund for those who purchased a printed copy. In the future, digital versions of the codes will be free of charge and printed copies will be available at a reduced rate.
 
The BC Building Code is a provincial regulation that governs new building construction, building alterations, repairs, and demolitions. The BC Plumbing Code comprises Part II of the BC Building Code. The BC Fire Code is a separate code that outlines the 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.

Each code is based on the equivalent Canadian National Model Code, with some modifications specific to BC. The BC Building Code 2018, which is based on the Government of Canada’s National Building Code 2015, was published in September 2018 and took effect in December 2018.

“We’re giving $2.5 million back to British Columbians and making it easier for students, contractors, businesses and local governments to access these important codes for their studies and work – work that helps grow local economies and create good-paying jobs,” said Jinny Sims, Minister of Citizens’ Services.

As well, for students of 15 educational institutions across the province where building code knowledge is central to training and education, printed copies of the codes will be offered free of charge.

For more information, or to access 2018 BC Codes, visit www.bccodes.ca.