Noncompliant Brian

Intel

BCAB #1928 - Accessory Building Exception to application of Building Code

Very small (10 sqm or less) accessory buildings that do not create a hazard, are excepted from application of the building code. In this appeal, a sauna building accessory to a dwelling is considered, and the appeal board rules that the use did not create a hazard. What would create a hazard? Well, that needs to be determined on a case-by-case basis, though no criteria is provided by the Building Code.

In general, I have only seen this exemption applied for residential type uses such as garden sheds, saunas, offices, play structures, tree forts, and similar. Typically, most municipalities also waive the requirement for a Building Permit when the Building Code is not required to be applied.

CBHCC - Public review of proposed changes to the 2020 National Model Codes

The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes has posted proposed changes to the 2020 National Codes in its Fall 2024 Public Review.

Get involved and have your say in the proposed changes!

Lore

NRCan consulting on EV-ready requirements for Building Code

The construction of the electrical infrastructure to support the transition to electric vehicles is a challenging one. As electric vehicles require substantially more time to re-charge compared to gasoline or diesel vehicles, there is a natural push to move this energy transfer from the current gas station model to charging where our vehicles spend the most time stationary and unused: at home or at work.

On the home front, newer single family homes generally will have an adequate electrical service to accommodate a Level 2 charger. Older single family homes often will require an electrical service upgrade, which can be costly.

In general, the existing multi-family building stock was simply not designed with sufficient electrical power to accommodate charging of electric vehicles. Vancouver has lead the charge with a recent requirement for parking stalls to be "EV-ready" in new buildings, and a few other jurisdictions in BC have followed. The cost to upgrade electrical sub-stations and building wiring systems will be expensive and may not be possible in many cases.

Maybe diesel powered electric charge stations are the solution, as shown in the picture above...

Wisdom

The Renovation Fire Problem

Are you responsible for addressing fire safety on a major construction site? While the design team is not responsible for construction means and methods and site fire safety in the Canadian system, the failure to involve the appropriate design professionals on the contractor side to address complex or unique hazards can result in a major unrecoverable loss.

The National Fire Protection Association publishes many standards focused on fire safety. This Article discusses the use of NFPA 241 "Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations", as a means to addressing fire risks during construction projects.

The NFPA 241 measures can help protect high value cultural buildings during renovation from a major loss event. If your projects includes one of these buildings, we can help you navigate the measures and develop an appropriate fire protection plan.

About

Happy Halloween!

Thanks for reading today! It is wonderful that you have taken time out of your busy day to educate yourself on some of the current issues in our industry.

I appreciate your support and if you found this information useful, please forward this newsletter to a colleague!

If you have any comments, please let me know by emailing me at bfraser@celerity.ca.