As of March 10, 2025, all new building permit applications in British Columbia must follow the 2024 BC Building Code.
All building permit applications must fully comply with the BC Building Code 2024 (BCBC), including new seismic design standards and adaptable dwellings. New buildings must adhere to zero-carbon standards by meeting specific greenhouse gas (GHG) emission levels one and installing systems to track and report these emissions.
BCBC 2024 includes significant changes to Section 9.23.13, addressing bracing requirements for lateral loads from wind and earthquakes. These requirements reflect the province’s high seismic hazard values.
Adaptable dwelling unit requirements apply to select residential buildings, most notably condominium and apartment buildings. Hundred per cent of all dwellings in new large apartment and condominium buildings need to follow the requirements for adaptable houses, and this also applies to all first-floor dwelling units in small apartment and condominium buildings.
At least one bathroom in all new dwelling units, including secondary suites, must have the walls reinforced to accommodate the future installation of grab bars conforming to the requirements described in 3.8.3.12(1) (f) and (g) for water closets, 3.8.3.17. (1) (f) for showers, or 3.8.3.18.(1) (f) for bathtubs.
BCBC 2024 came into effect on March 8, 2024. During a transition period, the seismic and adaptable dwelling unit rules from the 2018 code stayed in place. This transition ended on March 10, 2025, when BCBC 2024 became mandatory.
