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National Building Code of Canada

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

Contents
History
Implementation
Alberta
British Columbia
Vancouver
Ontario
Québec
Other provinces
Federal jurisdiction
Content
References

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), 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-IRC 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]

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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.[8]

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.[9] 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 2010, and is usually updated on a five-year cycle. The next update is
expected in 2015.[10]

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,[11] 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,[12] 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[13] was adopted by provincial regulation on 2 September 2007.[14]

The Alberta Building Code 2006 is developed and administered by Alberta Municipal and Public Affairs.[15] In addition to
the production of the Alberta Building Code, Municipal Affairs is responsible for the development and dissemination of
code interpretations and alternatives known as STANDATA[16] 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[17] 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.[18] The Code is published by Crown Publications.
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Vancouver
Under the Vancouver Building Bylaw, Vancouver has developed its own building code based on the National Building
Code.

Ontario
The Ontario Building Code[19] is administered by the Building and Development Branch of the Ministry of Municipal
Affairs and Housing.[20]

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.[21]

As of Jan. 1, 2012 the benchmark requirements for energy efficiency regarding houses and large buildings was
enhanced.[22] Updated compliance paths for energy efficiency requirements in large buildings are set out in
Supplementary Standard SB-10.[23] Residential buildings intended for occupancy on a continuing basis during the winter
months must meet the performance levels specified in Supplementary Standard SB-12.[24]

As of July 1, 2012 the Ontario Building Code was amended to address the issue of balcony glass breaking on newly
constructed buildings.[25] The new amendment, Supplementary Standard SB-13, "Glass in Guards"[26] 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.

Québec
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 Quebec[27] Consisting 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 regis du batiment 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 of Québec.

Other provinces

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Prince Edward Island,[28] Nova Scotia,[29] and Newfoundland and Labrador[30] have legislation enforcing the current
version of the National Building Code of Canada. Manitoba,[31] New Brunswick,[32] and Saskatchewan[33] 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 Scope and Definitions

Part 2 General Requirements
Part 3 Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
Part 4 Structural Design
Part 5 Environmental Separation
Part 6 Heating, Ventilating and Air-conditioning
Part 7 Plumbing Services
Part 8 Safety Measures at Construction and Demolition Sites
Part 9 Housing and Small Buildings
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[34] a subsidiary of Underwriters Laboratories, documents on fire
alarm design, and a number of National Fire Protection Association documents.

References
1. NRC Website (http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/publications/codes_centre/2010_national_building_code.html)
2. archive.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca: "NRC Institute for Research in Construction" (http://archive.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/ibp/irc.html)
3. dr-dn.cisti-icist.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca: "Pictures: Division of Building Research" (http://dr-dn.cisti-icist.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/brow
se/images/?al=Division+of+Building+Research&cn=nrcarchivesphotographs)

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4. cgs.ca: "Information and Location for Archival Records" (http://www.cgs.ca/archival-records.php)

5. collections.mun.ca: "National Research Council of Canada, Division of Building Research, Building Materials Section"
(http://collections.mun.ca/cdm/ref/collection/sjcarew/id/459)
6. nrc-cnrc.gc.ca: (http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/ibp/irc/ci/v15no3/1.html) Archived (https://web.archive.org/web/201011
29044618/http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/ibp/irc/ci/v15no3/1.html) November 29, 2010, at the Wayback Machine.
7. nrc-cnrc.gc.ca: "National Building Code of Canada 2010" (http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/publications/codes_centre/20
10_national_building_code.html)
8. nrc-cnrc.gc.ca: "Historical Editions of the National Construction Codes (1941-1998)" (http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/p
ublications/codes_centre/historical_codes.html)
9. nrc-cnrc.gc.ca: "Canadian Codes Centre" (http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/solutions/advisory/codes_centre_index.html)
10. cwc.ca: "Building Code - Canada’s National Code System" (http://cwc.ca/design-with-wood/building-code/)
11. National Research Council of Canada (http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca)
12. safetycodes.ab.ca: "Safety Codes Council" (http://www.safetycodes.ab.ca)
13. education.gov.ab.ca: (http://www.lrc.education.gov.ab.ca/pro/resources/item.htm?item-no=683161)
14. qp.gov.ab.ca: "Alberta.ca > Service Alberta > Queen's Printer" (http://www.qp.gov.ab.ca/documents/Regs/2007_117.cf
m?frm_isbn=9780779724154)
15. Alberta.ca Municipal Affairs (http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca)
16. municipalaffairs.alberta.ca: "Building STANDATA" (http://www.municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/cp_building_standata.cfm)
17. bccodes.ca: "BC Building Code 2012" (http://www.bccodes.ca/building-code.aspx?vid=QPLEGALEZE:bccodes_2012
_view)
18. housing.gov.bc.ca: "Ask a Building Code Question" (http://www.housing.gov.bc.ca/building/code_questions/index.htm
#01)
19. e-laws.gov.on.ca: "O. Reg. 350/06: BUILDING COD under Building Code Act, 1992, S.O. 1992, c. 23" (http://www.e-la
ws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_060350_e.htm)
20. mah.gov.on.ca: "Ontario Building Code" (http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page7393.aspx)
21. mah.gov.on.ca: "About Ontario’s Building Code" (http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page9263.aspx)
22. CodeNews Issue No. 201 (http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page9715.aspx?DateTime=634608476400000000&PageMode=
View)
23. Supplementary Standard SB-10 (http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/AssetFactory.aspx?did=9227)
24. mah.gov.on.ca: "Supplementary Standard SB-12" (http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Asset9372.aspx?method=1)
25. mah.gov.on.ca: "CodeNews Issue No. 204 - Glass Guards" (http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page9962.aspx?DateTime=63
4758940800000000&PageMode=View)
26. mah.gov.on.ca: "Supplementary Standard SB-13, 'Glass in Guards'" (http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/AssetFactory.aspx?di
d=9717)
27. rbq.gouv.qc.ca: "Construction Code and Safety Code" (https://www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca/en/laws-regulations-and-codes/con
struction-code-and-safety-code.html)
28. gov.pe.ca: "CHAPTER P-24 - PROVINCIAL BUILDING CODE ACT" (http://www.gov.pe.ca/law/statutes/pdf/p-24.pdf)
29. gov.ns.ca: dead link (http://www.gov.ns.ca/legislature/legc/statutes/buildcod.htm)
30. "CONSOLIDATED NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR REGULATION 1140/96" (http://www.assembly.nl.ca/legislati
on/sr/regulations/rc961140.htm:)
31. "The Buildings and Mobile Homes Act" (http://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/ccsm/b093e.php:)
32. "NEW BRUNSWICK REGULATION 2002-45" (http://laws.gnb.ca/en/ShowPdf/cr/2002-45.pdf:)
33. sboa.sk.ca: "About SBOA" (http://www.sboa.sk.ca/)
34. Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) (http://www.ulc.ca/)

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