The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) has announced that it will be implementing the province’s new building code requirements starting March 10.
The changes apply to all new building permits and come in response to the latest provincial mandates aimed at improving safety, accessibility, and reducing carbon emissions of construction projects.
Updates to the building code were rolled out in March of last year, with a ‘transition period’ allowing builders to follow seismic and adaptable dwelling unit rules from the 2018 code.
The new rules will require improved earthquake resilience for housing and small buildings in areas prone to high seismic hazard values.
The reinforcing of bathroom walls to allow for the installation of grab bars and ensuring that the first floor of small apartments are fully accessible rank among other specific changes, according to the province.
Implementing seismic design changes will increase a project’s total cost by approximately one to five percent, according to the Canadian Home Builders Association of British Columbia.
In addition to the seismic upgrades, the PRRD will also enforce Level One of the Zero Carbon Step Code.
This new provincial regulation mandates that builders measure and disclose greenhouse gas emissions and install systems that track and report emissions.
Developers will be required to submit information to the PRRD before getting a Building Permit. There is no pass or fail, according to Development Services, but meant to raise awareness of greenhouse gas usage in buildings.
The PRRD will not issue any fees associated with the changes, adding that they will support developers in navigating these changes, helping them understand and comply with the new code requirements.