Building Inspection News: changes to the BC Building Code

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2024 BC Building Code changes as of March 10, 2025

The 2024 BC Building Code came into effect on March 8, 2024; however, seismic and adaptable dwelling unit provisions from the 2018 BC Building Code remained in effect for projects with building permits applied for before March 10, 2025. Projects with building permits applied for on or after March 10, 2025 will need to comply with the entirety of the BC Building Code 2024 including the seismic design.

Seismic Design 

All new buildings built in the Province of BC, including in areas that formerly did not have to consider seismic activity, now need to be built to comply with BCBC 2024 9.23. The redesign of Section 9.23. is substantially changed to accommodate higher seismicity, mainly Subsection 9.23.13 - Bracing to Resist Lateral Loads Due to Wind and Earthquake. Localities within BC have the highest seismic hazard values in all of Canada. It was determined the increase in seismicity warranted a redesign of the methods for resisting lateral loads and new solutions are offered so designers can continue to design within the parameters of Part 9. 

The Ministry of Housing is working with industry partners and Codes Canada to develop a new illustrated guide for lateral load design for Part 9 buildings. Other partners are producing additional learning materials. The current Illustrated Guide - Seismic Bracing Requirements BC Building Code Part 9 is still valid, but for use only with the 2018 edition of Section 9.23. 

Find additional information on seismic design