2006 BC Building Code and 2006 BC Fire Code

The 2006 British Columbia Building Code and 2006 British Columbia Fire Code came into effect on December 15, 2006, replacing the 1998 Codes. To view more information regarding the 2006 Codes, click on the link below.
2006 BC Building Code and 2006 BC Fire Code Information

New BC Fire Code provisions
New Smoke Alarm provisions were enacted by Ministerial Order on March 25, 2010 and took effect on May 1, 2010.

The B.C. Fire Code now requires every private dwelling, hotel and motel room built before 1979 to have working smoke alarms installed. Battery-operated smoke alarms – rather than hard-wired, interconnected devices – may be installed in these older homes and buildings. Battery-operated alarms are easier and less expensive to install than hard-wired alarms, and are an affordable way to improve safety. Buildings built after 1979 were already required to have smoke alarms, and most municipalities have bylaws on installation and maintenance. The change increases public safety and reduces the risk of property damage from fire in older buildings. Homeowners are reminded that it is important to test smoke alarms monthly to ensure that they are working properly. Also, check the date of manufacture. If your smoke alarm is more than 10 years old, it should be replaced.

New BC Building Code provisions
New Mid-Rise Wood Frame Building provisions were enacted by Ministerial Order in early January 2009 and took effect on April 6, 2009. For more information see the Building and Safety Standards Branch website Housing and Construction Standards.

Contact the Office of the Fire Commissioner