Building News and Alerts
BC Energy Step Code
The BC Energy Step Code is currently a voluntary standard that builders across B.C. can use. Local governments can choose, however, to require or encourage builders to meet one or more steps of the Step Code as an alternative to the BC Building Code's requirements.
An amendment to the Building Bylaw is currently in process and has passed three readings at Council, as of 2019-SEP-16. The Building Bylaw amendment will phase in the BC Energy Step Code, beginning with Step One (Enhanced Compliance).
Enhanced Compliance means the builder will need to complete energy modeling and energy benchmark assessments for their projects. Below are compliance report forms produced by the BC Energy Step Code Council for pre-construction and as-built stages of a project. Your energy advisor should fill out the applicable form, which is to be submitted with your building permit application.
Questions?
Contact: Rob Lawrance, Environmental Planner
Phone: 250-755-4429
Email: rob.lawrance@nanaimo.ca
New 2018 BC Building Code
The Province has adopted the 2018 BC Building Code, including Book ll Plumbing Services, which comes into affect 2018-DEC-10 and will apply to building permits applied for on or after that date. Most of the changes are based on updates made to the 2015 National Building Code and Plumbing Code of Canada and address such topics as airborne sound transmission ratings; seismic design and climactic data; and updates to stairs, ramps, handrails and guards, including run dimensions for residential dwellings.
Note that the BC Fire Code is expected to be adopted in the fall of 2018 and also will take affect on 2018-DEC-10.
Related links:
For information on upcoming Building Code change seminars, please visit the BOABC website for upcoming dates and locations.
Questions?
Phone: 250-755-4429
Permit application processing times
Please be advised that due to current volumes of permit applications received, target application processing times are not being met. Staff continue to work diligently and are processing applications as quickly as possible. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, but appreciate your patience during this time.
New Development Cost Charge (DCC) rates
Please be aware that changes to DCC rates are now in effect. The City of Nanaimo implemented new DCC rates under Bylaw 7252 that affect building permit applications received on or after 2018-APR-23. Contact our office for details if you have questions about your application.