National Building Code of Canada

Last updated

The National Building Code of Canada is the model building code of Canada. It is issued by the National Research Council of Canada. [1] As a model code, it has no legal status until it is adopted by a jurisdiction that regulates construction.

Contents

History

The Constitution of Canada includes the regulation of building construction as a provincial responsibility. In a few cases, municipalities have been given the historic right of writing their own building code. In the early years of regulating building construction, this caused a patchwork of building codes across Canada.

In 1941, the federal government of Canada published the first National Building Code. This was adopted by the various provinces and municipalities in Canada during the next 20 years.

On 1 August 1947, the Division of Building Research, later named the Institute for Research in Construction (NRC-IRC) and today known as NRC Construction Research Centre, was established to provide a research service to the construction industry and to help ensure affordable and safe housing for a growing population of Canadians. Its founding head was Robert Legget. The new organization was also given the mandate to lead the development of the National Building Code of Canada. Since then, NRC's Construction Research Centre has grown to encompass emergent areas of research in support of the Canadian construction sector. [2] Early photographs of activities are available in the archives. [3]

The Northern Research Program was housed at the Division of Building Research over the period from 1950 to 1986, [4] and information gleaned from the Building Materials Section in York Redoubt made its way into the Code. [5]

Since 1960, there has been a revised document about every five years up to 1995. The 2000 edition of the building code was supposed to be an objective or performance-based building. However, this took considerably longer to write than foreseen and the next edition of the National Building Code of Canada was not published until 2005. The 2010 National Model Construction Codes was published on 29 November 2010. [6] and the National Building Code of Canada 2010 incorporates energy efficiency requirements. [7]

The first National Farm Building Code of Canada (NFBC) was first published in 1960. The Model National Energy Codes for Buildings and Houses were first published in 1997. [8]

The Historical National Construction Codes on-line in PDF format is a single collection provided by the NRC of the English and French editions of all Code documents published between 1941 and 1998. [9]

On behalf of the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) the National Research Council (NRC) Canadian Codes Center publishes national model codes documents that set out minimum requirements relating to their scope and objectives. [10] These include the National Building Code, the National Fire Code, the National Plumbing Code, the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) and other documents. The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) publishes other model codes that address electrical, gas and elevator systems.

Requirements on the specification of structural wood products and wood building systems is set forth in the National Building Code which is concerned with health, safety, accessibility and the protection of buildings from fire or structural damage. The Code applies mainly to new construction, but also aspects of demolition, relocation, renovation and change of building use. The current NBCC was published in 2015, and is usually updated on a five-year cycle. The next update began in 2020. [11] While final public review of proposed changes to the 2015 edition ran from January 13-March 13, 2020, [12] completion was delayed due to covid-19; reportedly the updated edition will be published in December 2021. [13]

Implementation

The National Building Code is the model building code that forms the basis for all of the provincial building codes. Some jurisdictions create their own code based on the National Building Code, other jurisdictions have adopted the National Building often with supplementary laws or regulations to the requirements in the National Building Code.

Alberta

By agreement with the National Research Council of Canada, [14] Alberta is committed to using the National Building Code of Canada as its base document with changes and modifications to suit Alberta needs in regulating the design, construction, alteration, change of use and demolition of buildings.

The Alberta Building Code 2006 was established by the Building Technical Council, a technical council of the Safety Codes Council, [15] after consultation with municipal authorities, provincial government departments, associations, other affected parties and Code users. The Code is published for Alberta by the National Research Council of Canada.

The Alberta Building Code 2006 [16] was adopted by provincial regulation on 2 September 2007. [17]

The National Building Code – 2019 Alberta Edition came into force on December 1, 2019. [18] This code is based on the National Building Code of Canada 2015. It establishes design and construction standards, including barrier-free access in new buildings and energy efficiency for housing and small buildings. It also applies to the alteration, change of use and demolition of existing buildings. [19]

Safety Codes in Alberta are developed and administered by Alberta Municipal Affairs. [20] In addition to the production of the National Building Code - Alberta Edition, Municipal Affairs is responsible for the development and dissemination of code interpretations and alternatives known as STANDATA [21] which come in three forms:

  1. Building Code Variances - acceptable alternative solutions to the prescriptive requirements (known as Alternative Solutions) in Division B.
  2. Building Code Interpretations - interpretations on Code items
  3. Building Code Bulletins - additional explanatory information on Code items or general Code topics

British Columbia

The British Columbia Building Code [22] is based on the core concepts of the National Building Code with some variations specific to the province. The Code applies throughout British Columbia, except for some Federal lands and the City of Vancouver. [23] The Code is published by Crown Publications.

Vancouver

Under the Vancouver Building Bylaw, Vancouver has developed its own building code based on the National Building Code.

Ontario

The Ontario Building Code [24] is administered by the Building and Development Branch of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. [25]

Prior to the enactment of the first Ontario Building Code Act in 1974, individual municipalities were responsible for developing their own building codes, resulting in a fragmented and potentially confusing regulatory environment. The introduction of a provincial Building Code Act and a provincial Building Code addressed this problem by providing for uniform construction standards across Ontario. [26]

As of Jan. 1, 2012 the benchmark requirements for energy efficiency regarding houses and large buildings was enhanced. [27] Updated compliance paths for energy efficiency requirements in large buildings are set out in Supplementary Standard SB-10. [28] Residential buildings intended for occupancy on a continuing basis during the winter months must meet the performance levels specified in Supplementary Standard SB-12. [29]

As of July 1, 2012 the Ontario Building Code was amended to address the issue of balcony glass breaking on newly constructed buildings. [30] The new amendment, Supplementary Standard SB-13, "Glass in Guards" [31] is intended to help minimize the likelihood that balcony glass will break on newly constructed buildings and help reduce the chance of broken pieces falling to the ground below if balcony glass does break.

Quebec

The Building Act provides for the adoption of a Construction Code and a Safety Code for buildings, equipment intended for use by the public, and electric, plumbing, and pressure installations as well as installations intended to use, store, or distribute gas. Whereas the Construction Code applies to plan and estimate designers (architects, engineers, technologists) and contractors, the Safety Code is intended for owners of buildings, equipment, and facilities.

These two codes are adopted chapter by chapter and are progressively replacing the seven laws and thirty-odd regulations that were previously in effect. The goal of this process is, obviously, to simplify regulations, but also to better define the responsibilities of owners and construction professionals.

In force since November 7, 2000, the Code de construction du Québec [32] consists of the National Construction Code – 2005, amended, and includes Part 10 for existing buildings.

The Quebec Code de Construction is not compulsory in the province. Municipalities have the option of adopting the code of their choice, with or without modifications. In fact, many municipalities do not have any building code officially in effect.

For example, since 2013 the Régie du bâtiment du Québec has adopted a new code (Bill 122) that requires all owners of buildings that are 5 storeys and higher which are older than 1958 to conduct a facade inspection of the building by an engineer. This code is exclusive to the province.

Other provinces

Prince Edward Island, [33] Nova Scotia, [34] and Newfoundland and Labrador [35] have legislation enforcing the current version of the National Building Code of Canada. Manitoba, [36] New Brunswick, [37] and Saskatchewan [38] have adopted the 2010 National Building Code as regulations under provincial acts.

Federal jurisdiction

For most construction under federal jurisdiction the National Building Code of Canada is the applicable Code. Property under federal jurisdiction includes military bases, federal government land and airports. First Nations land (as defined by the Indian Act - land set aside for the exclusive use of First Nations) may choose to adopt the National Building & Fire Codes through a Band Resolution or By Law, however the National Building and Fire codes are not legally enforceable.

Content

The intent of the Building Code is to detail the minimum provisions acceptable to maintain the safety of buildings, with specific regard to public health, fire protection, accessibility and structural sufficiency. It is not a textbook for building design. The Building Code concerns construction, renovation, and demolition. It also covers change of use projects where the change would result in increased hazard and/or maintenance and operation in the existing building. The Code sets out technical requirements for the aforementioned project types and does not pertain to existing buildings.

The 1995 National Building Code is split into 9 parts.

Part 1 gives the definitions and describes how the building code is applied. Houses and certain other small buildings (less than 3 storeys high and 600 m2) are considered "Part 9 Buildings" and Part 9 drives the majority of the code requirements, with references to other parts where the scope of Part 9 is exceeded. Larger buildings are considered "Part 3 buildings" and parts 1 through 8 apply. Part 3 is the largest and most complicated part of the building code. It is intended to be used by engineers and architects. Part 9 is very prescriptive and is intended to be able to be applied by contractors.

The building code also references hundreds of other construction documents that are legally incorporated by reference and thus part of the enforceable code. This includes many design, material testing, installation and commissioning documents that are produced by a number of private organizations. Most prominent among these are the Canadian Electrical Code, Underwriters Laboratories of Canada [39] a subsidiary of Underwriters Laboratories, documents on fire alarm design, and a number of National Fire Protection Association documents.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Electrician</span> Tradesperson specializing in electrical wiring

An electrician is a tradesperson specializing in electrical wiring of buildings, transmission lines, stationary machines, and related equipment. Electricians may be employed in the installation of new electrical components or the maintenance and repair of existing electrical infrastructure. Electricians may also specialize in wiring ships, airplanes, and other mobile platforms, as well as data and cable lines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National Research Council Canada</span> Primary national research and technology organization of the Government of Canada

The National Research Council Canada is the primary national agency of the Government of Canada dedicated to science and technology research & development. It is the largest federal research & development organization in Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National Electrical Code</span> Electrical wiring standard

The National Electrical Code (NEC), or NFPA 70, is a regionally adoptable standard for the safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment in the United States. It is part of the National Fire Code series published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a private trade association. Despite the use of the term "national", it is not a Federal law. It is typically adopted by states and municipalities in an effort to standardize their enforcement of safe electrical practices. In some cases, the NEC is amended, altered and may even be rejected in lieu of regional regulations as voted on by local governing bodies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Building code</span> Construction standards for buildings

A building code is a set of rules that specify the standards for constructed objects such as buildings and non-building structures. Buildings must conform to the code to obtain planning permission, usually from a local council. The main purpose of building codes is to protect public health, safety and general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures — for example, the building codes in many countries require engineers to consider the effects of soil liquefaction in the design of new buildings. The building code becomes law of a particular jurisdiction when formally enacted by the appropriate governmental or private authority.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dangerous goods</span> Solids, liquids, or gases harmful to people, other organisms, property or the environment

Dangerous goods, abbreviated DG, are substances that when transported are a risk to health, safety, property or the environment. Certain dangerous goods that pose risks even when not being transported are known as hazardous materials. An example for dangerous goods is hazardous waste which is waste that has substantial or potential threats to public health or the environment.

The International Building Code (IBC) is a model building code developed by the International Code Council (ICC). It has been adopted for use as a base code standard by most jurisdictions in the United States. The IBC addresses both health and safety concerns for buildings based upon prescriptive and performance related requirements. The IBC is fully compatible with all other published ICC codes. The code provisions are intended to protect public health and safety while avoiding both unnecessary costs and preferential treatment of specific materials or methods of construction. The code is updated every three years.

The EGS computer code system is a general purpose package for the Monte Carlo simulation of the coupled transport of electrons and photons in an arbitrary geometry for particles with energies from a few keV up to several hundreds of GeV. It originated at SLAC but National Research Council of Canada and KEK have been involved in its development since the early 80s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Passive fire protection</span> Component or system to passively prevent the spread of fire

Passive fire protection (PFP) is components or systems of a building or structure that slows or impedes the spread of the effects of fire or smoke without system activation, and usually without movement. Examples of passive systems include floor-ceilings and roofs, fire doors, windows, and wall assemblies, fire-resistant coatings, and other fire and smoke control assemblies. Passive fire protection systems can include active components such as fire dampers.

The Canadian Electrical Code, CE Code, or CSA C22.1 is a standard published by the Canadian Standards Association pertaining to the installation and maintenance of electrical equipment in Canada.

The Code for Sustainable Homes was an environmental assessment method for rating and certifying the performance of new homes in United Kingdom. First introduced in 2006, it is a national standard for use in the design and construction of new homes with a view to encouraging continuous improvement in sustainable home building. In 2015 the Government in England withdrew it, consolidating some standards into Building Regulations.

A specification often refers to a set of documented requirements to be satisfied by a material, design, product, or service. A specification is often a type of technical standard.

Impact insulation class is an integer-number rating of how well a building floor attenuates impact sounds, such as footsteps. A larger number means more attenuation. The scale, like the decibel scale for sound, is logarithmic. The IIC is derived from ASTM method E989, which in turn uses a tapping machine specified in ASTM method E492.

Construction law is a branch of law that deals with matters relating to building construction, engineering, and related fields. It is in essence an amalgam of contract law, commercial law, planning law, employment law and tort. Construction law covers a wide range of legal issues including contract, negligence, bonds and bonding, guarantees and sureties, liens and other security interests, tendering, construction claims, and related consultancy contracts. Construction law affects many participants in the construction industry, including financial institutions, surveyors, quantity surveyors, architects, carpenters, engineers, construction workers, and planners.

The California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) is authorized by the state of California, through the California Building Standards Law, to manage the many process relating to development, adoption, approval, publication, and implementation of California's building codes. Created in 1953 by the California Building Standards Law, the CBSC falls under the California Department of General Services within the California Government Operations Agency. The commission is formally defined under the California Building Standards Law.

The Canadian Home Builders' Association (CHBA) is a not-for-profit organization representing residential construction and related industry firms in Canada. It was founded in 1943, following closely the adoption of the National Building Code of Canada in 1941, and today claims a membership of over 9000. The organization represents member interests to local, provincial and federal governments, and develops positions and solutions to support technical currency and solution pathways for members. Member companies include home builders and renovators, land developers, trade contractors, product and material manufacturers, building product suppliers, lending institutions, insurance providers, and service professionals.

A lone worker (LW) is an employee who performs an activity that is carried out in isolation from other workers without close or direct supervision. Such staff may be exposed to risk because there is no-one to assist them and so a risk assessment may be required. Lone workers are now often supported by cloud-based automated monitoring systems and specialised monitoring call centres - often referred to as an 'Alarm Receiving Centre' or 'ARC' in the UK, or 'Emergency Dispatch Center' or 'EDC' in the US.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States building energy codes</span>

United States building energy codes are a subset of building codes that set minimum requirements for energy-efficient design and construction for new and renovated buildings. The intent of these energy codes is to moderate and reduce energy use and emissions throughout the lifetime of a building. Energy code provisions may include various aspects of building design and construction, such as: HVAC systems, building envelope, electrical, and lighting systems. There are building energy codes for both commercial and residential buildings. However, just as the United States does not have a national building code, it also does not have a national building energy code; rather, state, and local governments choose to adopt—and potentially revise—national model energy codes and standards. Consequently, building energy codes, and building codes in general, vary between states and jurisdictions.

The California Building Standards Code is the building code for California, and Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR). It is maintained by the California Building Standards Commission which is granted the authority to oversee processes related to the California building codes by California Building Standards Law. The California building codes under Title 24 are established based on several criteria: standards adopted by states based on national model codes, national model codes adapted to meet California conditions, and standards passed by the California legislature that address concerns specific to California.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BC Energy Step Code</span>

The BC Energy Step Code is a provincial regulation that local governments in British Columbia, Canada, may use, if they wish, to incentivize or require a level of energy efficiency in new construction that goes above and beyond the requirements of the base building code. It is an example of a "stretch code," or "reach code," in that it is an appendix to a mandatory minimum energy code that allows communities to voluntarily adopt a uniform approach to achieving more ambitious levels of energy efficiency in new construction.

Canadian pressure laws, Acts, rules & regulations are enforced by provincial and territorial safety authorities. Unlike the United States where licensed professional engineers (PE) may stamp pressure equipment and pressure system/plant drawings in the non-nuclear sectors for construction, in Canada in general a professional engineer (P.ENG) who is not employed by a safety authority does not have that same right to stamp regulated pressure equipment or pressure system drawings for construction, and doing so may result in fines or professional license revocation, or jail time. The pressure safety design registration approval given by safety authority registrars in Canada is called a Canadian Registration Number (CRN). Pressure equipment must be registered in each province or territory where it will be used.

References

  1. ↑ NRC Website
  2. ↑ archive.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca: "NRC Institute for Research in Construction"
  3. ↑ dr-dn.cisti-icist.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca: "Pictures: Division of Building Research"
  4. ↑ cgs.ca: "Information and Location for Archival Records"
  5. ↑ collections.mun.ca: "National Research Council of Canada, Division of Building Research, Building Materials Section"
  6. ↑ nrc-cnrc.gc.ca: Archived November 29, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  7. ↑ "National Building Code of Canada 2010"
  8. ↑ "NFBC NECB"
  9. ↑ "Historical Editions of the National Construction Codes (1941-1998)"
  10. ↑ nrc-cnrc.gc.ca: "Canadian Codes Centre"
  11. ↑ cwc.ca: "Building Code - Canada’s National Code System"
  12. ↑ "Public Review 2020"
  13. ↑ https://www.efficiencycanada.org/canadas-national-model-building-codes-delayed-until-december-2021: "Canada’s national model building codes delayed until December 2021"]
  14. ↑ National Research Council of Canada
  15. ↑ safetycodes.ab.ca: "Safety Codes Council"
  16. ↑ education.gov.ab.ca:
  17. ↑ "King's Printer"
  18. ↑ www.alberta.ca "Historical code timeline"
  19. ↑ nrc.canada.ca "National Building Code - 2019 Alberta Edition"
  20. ↑ "Alberta Municipal Affairs"
  21. ↑ "Building STANDATA".
  22. ↑ bccodes.ca: "BC Building Code 2012"
  23. ↑ housing.gov.bc.ca: "Ask a Building Code Question"
  24. ↑ e-laws.gov.on.ca: "O. Reg. 350/06: BUILDING COD under Building Code Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, c. 23"
  25. ↑ mah.gov.on.ca: "Ontario Building Code"
  26. ↑ mah.gov.on.ca: "About Ontario’s Building Code"
  27. ↑ CodeNews Issue No. 201
  28. ↑ Supplementary Standard SB-10
  29. ↑ mah.gov.on.ca: "Supplementary Standard SB-12"
  30. ↑ mah.gov.on.ca: "CodeNews Issue No. 204 - Glass Guards"
  31. ↑ mah.gov.on.ca: "Supplementary Standard SB-13, 'Glass in Guards'"
  32. ↑ rbq.gouv.qc.ca: "Construction Code and Safety Code"
  33. ↑ gov.pe.ca: "CHAPTER P-24 - PROVINCIAL BUILDING CODE ACT"
  34. ↑ gov.ns.ca: dead link
  35. ↑ "CONSOLIDATED NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR REGULATION 1140/96"
  36. ↑ "The Buildings and Mobile Homes Act"
  37. ↑ "NEW BRUNSWICK REGULATION 2002-45"
  38. ↑ sboa.sk.ca: "About SBOA"
  39. ↑ Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC)
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.