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A new version of the BC Building Code is in effect as of March 8, 2024.
Highlights include:
- cooling facilities
- one cooling room per dwelling unit
- soil gas protection (radon) to follow CAN/CGSB-149.11-2019
- PVC piping required to be Schedule 40
- where vertical pipe is installed in the cavity a wood-frame or steel-frame wall, the top and bottom plates and horizontal framing members (such as blocking) shall have hidden steel
shield plate installed to protect the pipe - pipes shall be insulated where located in the unconditioned space
- horizontal runs to be minimized fittings be used so that the stack momentum is maintained
- termination cap to have corrosion resistant screen or
grill with an opening 10 mm to 12.5 m in size
More details are available in the Highlighted Changes to the 2024 BC Building Code or you can download a full version of the 2024 BC Building Code.
BC Building Code 2024 secondary suite definition
- completely separated from other parts of the building by a vertical fire separation that has a fire-resistance rating of not less than one hour and extends from ground or lowermost assembly continuously through or adjacent to all storeys and spaces including service spaces of the separated portions,
- of only residential occupancy that contains only one other dwelling unit and common spaces, and
- where both dwelling units constitute a single real estate entity
Suites cannot be connected by breezeway, enclosed corridor, garage or unconditioned space to a single detached dwelling.
BC Building Code acceptable suite configurations
