Noncompliant Brian

Intel

Tiny Homes and the Building Code

There are many reasons that the buzz around tiny homes is on the rise. It could be to provide affordable housing for the homeless, as in the case of two BC Housing projects we are currently supporting, to downsize as a way to reduce cost of living, or a desire to minimize your environmental footprint. But, do our Building Codes really contemplate and facilitate tiny home design? Have a read through this article that considers some of the Building Code challenges when designing a tiny home.

BCAB #1921 - Rooftop Structures and Building Height

Private rooftop decks on townhouses are a great amenity for home owners looking to maximize their outdoor space where ground level space has become more scarce with increasing densification in urban and suburban areas. With the outdoor space comes a desire for storage, as we have seen in the designs of our clients. However, you should be aware that providing storage can result in increased Building Code requirements, particularly in designs with a rooftop deck above a 3 storey townhouse.

In this appeal decision, the Building Code Appeal Board has confirmed that partially enclosed spaces on a rooftop deck are considered floor area and therefore the rooftop level is considered a storey. Unfortunately, this means that providing a covered space for use by occupants as storage or other purposes, will push a 3 storey Part 9 building into Part 3 which mandates additional exiting at the roof level, a requirement to sprinkler the building, and the use of professional design by an Architect and Engineers.

Lore

Urbanarium City Debate: Reduce Building Code?

In this Urbanarium City Debate, the question is posed "are we too safe; have we gone too far with the building code?" The debaters consider this question and others from the audience with respect to the British Columbia Building Code and provide their rebuttals.

Vancouver Raises Height Limits for Low Carbon, Mass-timber Construction

The City of Vancouver in keeping pace with the Provincial shift to allowing mass-timber buildings 18 storeys in building height in the 2024 British Columbia Building Code Revision 1, has amended their 2019 Building By-Law to follow suit with the Province.

Buildings of major occupancy A-2, C, and D are now permitted to be up to 18 storeys in building height when constructed of encapsulated mass-timber. Unfortunately, it is expected to take several months for the updates to the online version of the 2019 Vancouver Building By-Law to be made. For now, By-Law 14070 must be referenced.

Wisdom

BCBC Adaptable Dwelling Units Course

The new dwelling unit adaptability requirements in the 2024 British Columbia Building Code have been controversial with some of our clients, and we have received many questions about the requirements and their application. Recently, Corie Lubben, RHFAC Professional, presented a great overview webinar on the adaptability changes that will come into force on March 9, 2025.

To further support the new requirements, AIBC, in conjunction with the BC Standards Branch and Ron Bijok Architect AIBC, CP, is now providing a course on the new Adaptable Dwelling Unit requirements of the 2024 British Columbia Building Code on September 11, 2024. Sign-up before September 6th, to secure your spot.

About

Thanks for reading today! With summer time and beautiful weather upon us, 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.

Remember to hit the beach for some summer fun, and see you on the next issue for more Building Code fun!