Appendix and Introduction

APPENDIX A — DIVISION A
EXPLANATORY MATERIAL
A-1.1.1.1.(3) Factory-Built Houses
• Portions of the CSA-Z240 series of
standards on mobile homes resemble a
building code. These
• portions contain requirements in many
of the areas where the British Columbia
Building Code also has

• requirements and frequently the requirements are
different. Other portions of the Z240 standards
deal
• with special requirements for mobile homes related
to the fact that these houses are intended to be
• periodically moved over roads. The British
Columbia Building Code considers mobile homes
certified to the Z240 standard as acceptable
housing and they are permitted under Clause
1.1.1.1.(2)(g).

A-1.1.1.2.(1) Application to Existing
Buildings

This Code is most often applied to existing or
relocated buildings when an owner wishes to
rehabilitate a building, change its use, or build
an addition, or when an enforcement authority
decrees that a building or class of buildings be
altered for reasons of public safety. It is not
intended that the British Columbia Building
Code be used to enforce the retrospective
application of new requirements to

existing buildings or existing portions of
relocated buildings, unless specifically
required by local regulations or bylaws. For
example, although the British Columbia Fire
Code could be interpreted to require the
installation of fire alarm, standpipe and hose,
and automatic sprinkler systems in an
existing building for which there were no
requirements at the time of construction, it is
the intent that

the British Columbia Fire Code should not be applied
in this manner to these buildings unless the authority
having jurisdiction has determined that there is an
inherent threat to occupant safety and has issued an
order to eliminate the unsafe condition, or where
substantial changes or additions are being made to
an existing building or the occupancy has been
changed. (See also Appendix Note A-1.1.1.1.(1) of
Division A of the British Columbia Fire Code.)

Relocated buildings that have been in use in another
location for a number of years can be considered
as existing buildings, in part, and the same analytical
process can be applied as for existing buildings.
It should be noted, however, that a change in
occupancy may affect some requirements (e.g. loads
and fire separations) and relocation to an area with
different wind, snow or earthquake loads will

require the application of current code requirements.
Depending on the construction of the building
and the changes in load, structural modifications
may be required. Similarly, parts of a relocated or
existing building that are reconstructed, such as
foundations and basements, or parts being modified
are required to be built to current codes.

Whatever the reason, Code application to existing or
relocated buildings requires careful consideration
of the level of safety needed for that building. This
consideration involves an analytical process similar
to that required to assess alternative design
proposals for new construction. See Clause
1.2.1.1.(1)(b) and its Appendix Note for information
on achieving compliance with the Code using
alternative solutions.

In developing Code requirements for new buildings,
consideration has been given to the cost they
impose on a design in relation to the perceived benefits in
terms of safety. The former is definable; the latter difficult to
establish on a quantitative basis. In applying the Code
requirements to an existing building, the benefits derived are
the same as in new buildings. On the other hand, the
increased cost of implementing in an existing building a
design solution that would normally be intended for a new
building may be prohibitive.

The successful application of Code requirements to
existing construction becomes a matter of
balancing the cost of implementing a requirement
with the relative importance of that requirement to
the overall Code objectives. The degree to which any
particular requirement can be relaxed without
affecting the intended level of safety of the Code
requires considerable judgment on the part of both
the designer and the authority having jurisdiction.

Further information on the application of Code
requirements to existing or relocated buildings may
be found in the following publications:

• User's Guide - NBC 1995, Fire Protection, Occupant Safety
and Accessibility (Part 3)
• Guidelines for Application of Part 3 of the National Building
Code of Canada to Existing Buildings
• “Commentary L, Application of NBC Part 4 of Division B for
the Structural Evaluation and Upgrading of Existing
Buildings” of the User's Guide - NBC 2010, Structural
Commentaries (Part 4 of Division B)
• User's Guide - NBC 1995, Application of Part 9 to Existing
Buildings CBD 230, “Applying Building Codes to Existing
Buildings”

Heritage Buildings

Many local governments have identified conservation
of selected heritage properties, or protection
of the heritage character of certain areas, as being
community planning objectives. The Province's
planning objectives and growth strategy encourage
and support local government in this effort.
The key is to find ways to make restoration and
rehabilitation of heritage buildings economically
viable for the properties' owners.

It is generally recognized that the present British
Columbia Building Code was primarily written for
new construction and provides for a performance
level that is significantly higher than what exists
with many older buildings. To apply present Code
provisions to existing buildings is, in many cases,
impractical and with heritage buildings may
compromise historic appearances or authenticity.

Therefore, the Table of Alternate Compliance
Methods for Heritage Buildings was developed to
provide alternate methods for complying with the
performance level intended by the Code. The use
of sprinklers is advocated as one of the primary
methods in assuring this performance level for
heritage buildings. Sprinkler systems not only control
the fire, which aids evacuation, but also
provides the added benefit of protecting the building
from possible destruction by fire.

The Table of Alternative Compliance Methods for
Heritage Buildings represents some of the ways that
restoration and rehabilitation of heritage buildings can be
facilitated without compromising the objectives of the
Code. Only buildings which have been identified by the
provincial or a local government are included in the
definition of “heritage building.” For these buildings,
conservation is also a public objective. Heritage buildings
often offer unique problems and opportunities, and each
situation must be assessed individually.

The use of the Alternate Compliance Methods in
Table A-1.1.1.2.(1) is not mandatory, and an
owner may choose
 to apply acceptable solutions in Division B,
 to apply alternate solutions under Clause
1.2.1.1.(1)(b),
 to apply alternate compliance methods in Table
A-1.1.1.2., or
 to combine these options.

Table A-1.1.1.2.(1)
Alternate Compliance Methods for Heritage Buildings
No.
Code Requirement in Division B
Alternate Compliance Method
1 Fire Separations Sentence 3.1.3.1.(1) and
Table 3.1.3.1. of Division B, Subsection 9.10.9. of
Division B
2 h fire separation required between some major
occupancies.
Except for F1 occupancies, 1 h fire separation is
acceptable, provided the building is sprinklered.
2 Fire Separations Sentence 3.1.3.1.(1) and
Table 3.1.3.1. of Division B, Subsection 9.10.9. of
Division B
1 h fire separation required between some major
occupancies.
1/2 h fire separation is acceptable if the building is
sprinklered.
3 Noncombustible Construction Subsection
3.1.5. of Division B and Article
9.10.6.1. of Division B All materials used in
noncombustible construction must be
noncombustible unless otherwise permitted.
1.Roofs may be of combustible construction
provided the building is sprinklered.
2.Up to 10% gross floor area to a maximum of 10%
of any one floor area may be of combustible
construction provided the building is sprinklered.
4 Fire-resistance Rating Sentence 3.1.7.1.(1),
Article 9.10.3.1. of Division B
A fire-resistance rating may also be used based
on:
(a) HUD No. 8 Guideline on Fire Ratings of
Archaic Materials and

Where a material, Assemblies.,
assembly of materials or (b) Fire Endurance of Protected
structural member is Steel Columns and Beams, DBR
required to have a fire Technical Paper No. 194.,
resistance rating it shall be (c) Fire Endurance of Unit Masonry
tested in accordance with Walls, DBR Technical Paper No. 207.,
CAN/ULC-S101 (d) Fire Endurance of Light-Framed
and Miscellaneous Assemblies, DBR
Technical Paper No. 222.
5 Rating of Supporting Heavy timber construction is
Construction permitted to have a fire resistance
Article 3.1.7.5. of Division rating less than would be required
B, Article 9.10.8.3. of by the Code provided the building:
Division B (a) is sprinklered, and
Supporting assemblies to (b) does not exceed 6 storeys in
have fire resistance rating building height.
at least equivalent to that
of the supported floor.
6 Continuity Of Fire Fire separations are not required to
Separations be continuous above a ceiling space
Sentence 3.1.8.3.(1) and where
Sentence 3.1.8.3.(2), (a) the ceiling space is non-
Article 9.10.9.2. of Division combustible construction,
B (b) both fire compartments are
Fire separations are sprinklered, or
required to be continuous (c) the ceiling has a minimum rating
above the ceiling space. of 30 minutes.

Where a material, Assemblies.,
assembly of materials or (b) Fire Endurance of Protected
7 Wired Glass For fixed transoms or sidelights, 6
Sentences 3.1.8.5.(1) and mm wired glass fixed to a wood
3.1.8.14.(2), Articles frame of at least 50 mm thickness
9.10.13.1. of Division B with steel stops is permitted in a
and 9.10.13.5. of Division required fire separation.
B
6 mm wired glass in steel
frame required in fire
separations.
8 Mezzanines Enclosed mezzanines may be up to
Sentences 3.2.1.1.(3) to 40% of the storey in which they
Sentence 3.2.1.1.(6), occur and not be considered a storey
Article 9.10.4.1. of Division in building height if the building is
B sprinklered.
Mezzanines enclosing more
than 10% above the
horizontal plane are
considered as storey in
building height.

• A-1.2.1.1.(1)(a) Code Compliance via Acceptable
Solutions
If a building design (e.g. material, component, assembly or
system) can be shown to meet all provisions of the applicable
acceptable solutions in Division B (e.g. it complies with the
applicable provisions of a referenced standard), it is deemed to
have satisfied the objectives and functional statements linked to
those provisions and thus to have complied with that part of the
Code. In fact, if it can be determined that a design meets all the
applicable acceptable solutions in Division B, there is no need to
consult the objectives and functional statements in Division A to
determine its compliance.

• A-1.2.1.1.(1)(b) Code Compliance via Alternative
Solutions
Where a design differs from the acceptable solutions in Division B,
then it should be treated as an “alternative solution.” A proponent
of an alternative solution must demonstrate that the alternative
solution addresses the same issues as the applicable acceptable
solutions in Division B and their attributed objectives and
functional statements. However, because the objectives and
functional statements are entirely qualitative, demonstrating
compliance with them in isolation is not possible. Therefore, Clause
1.2.1.1.(1)(b) identifies the principle that Division B establishes the
quantitative performance targets that alternative solutions must
meet.

In many cases, these targets are not defined very
precisely by the acceptable solutions—certainly far less
precisely than would be the case with a true
performance code, which would have quantitative
performance targets and prescribed methods of
performance measurement for all aspects of building
performance. Nevertheless, Clause 1.2.1.1.(1)(b) makes
it clear that an effort must be made to demonstrate that
an alternative solution will perform as well as a design
that would satisfy the applicable acceptable solutions in
Division B— not “well enough” but “as well as.”

In this sense, it is Division B that defines the boundaries between
acceptable risks and the “unacceptable” risks referred to in the
statements of the Code's objectives, i.e. the risk remaining once
the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B have been
implemented represents the residual level of risk deemed to be
acceptable by the broad base of Canadians who have taken part in
the consensus process used to develop the Code.
• Level of Performance
Where Division B offers a choice between several possible designs,
it is likely that these designs may not all provide exactly the
same level of performance. Among a number of possible designs
satisfying acceptable solutions in Division B, the design providing
the lowest level of performance should generally be considered to

establish the minimum acceptable level of performance to be
used in evaluating alternative solutions for compliance with the
Code.
Sometimes a single design will be used as an alternative solution
to several sets of acceptable solutions in Division B. In this case,
the level of performance required of the alternative solution
should be at least equivalent to the overall level of performance
established by all the applicable sets of acceptable solutions
taken as a whole.
Each provision in Division B has been analyzed to determine to
what it applies and what it is intended to achieve.

The resultant application and intent statements clarify what
undesirable results each provision seeks to preclude. These
statements are not a legal component of the Code, but are
advisory in nature, and can help Code users establish performance
targets for alternative solutions. They are published as a separate
document entitled “Supplement to the NBC 2010:
Application and Intent Statements,” which is available on-line at
www.nationalcodes.nrc.bc.ca .

• Areas of Performance
A subset of the acceptable solutions in Division B may establish
criteria for particular types of designs (e.g. certain types of
materials, components, assemblies, or systems). Often such
subsets of acceptable solutions are all attributed to the same
objective: Fire Safety for example. In some cases, the designs
that are normally used to satisfy this subset of acceptable solutions
might also provide some benefits that could be related to some
other objective: Fire Protection of the Building for example.
However, if none of the applicable acceptable solutions are linked
to Objective OP1, Fire Protection of the Building, it is not necessary
that alternative solutions proposed to replace these acceptable

solutions provide a similar benefit related to Fire Protection of the
Building. In other words, the acceptable solutions in Division B
establish acceptable levels of performance for compliance with the
Code only in those areas defined by the objectives and functional
statements attributed to the acceptable solutions.
• Applicable Acceptable Solutions
In demonstrating that an alternative solution will perform as well
as a design that would satisfy the applicable acceptable solutions
in Division B, its evaluation should not be limited to comparison
with the acceptable solutions to which an alternative is proposed. It
is possible that acceptable solutions elsewhere in the Code also
apply. The proposed alternative solution may be shown to perform

as well as the most apparent acceptable solution which it is
replacing but may not perform as well as other relevant
acceptable solutions. For example, an innovative sheathing
material may perform adequately as sheathing in a wall system
that is braced by other means but may not perform adequately as
sheathing in a wall system where the sheathing must provide the
structural bracing. All applicable acceptable solutions should be
taken into consideration in demonstrating the compliance of an
alternative solution.

• A-1.2.1.2.(1) Responsibility of Owner
Sentence 1.1.1.1.(1) is not intended to imply that a person who
becomes the owner of a building must bring the entire building
into compliance with the Code. The Code applies only in the cases
and to the extent specified by Article 1.1.1.1., and the owner of a
building is therefore made responsible for ensuring the building
complies with the Code by Sentence 1.2.1.2.(1) only in the cases
and to the extent specified by Article 1.1.1.1. If none of the
provisions in Sentence 1.1.1.1.(1)" apply to the building, the
owner is not required to make any changes to the building.

• A-1.3.3.4.(1) Buildings Divided by Firewalls
This concept relates to the provisions directly regulated by this
Code and does not apply to electrical service entrance
requirements, which are regulated by other documents.
• A-1.3.3.4.(2) Buildings on Sloping Sites
Application of the definition of grade to stepped buildings on
sloping sites often results in such buildings being designated as
being greater than 3 storeys in building height even though there
may be only 2 or 3 storeys at any one location. The diagrams
below illustrate this application compared to a similar building on
a flat site.

Under this Sentence, Building A can be considered as being 3
storeys in building height instead of 6 storeys in building height.
Both Building A and B are comparable with regard to fire safety
and egress.
This relaxation applies to the determination of building height only.
All other requirements continue to apply as appropriate.

Figure A-1.3.3.4.(2)
Application of the definition
of grade

• A-1.4.1.2.(1) Defined Terms
Care Occupancy
Support services rendered by or through care facility management
refer to services provided by the organization that is responsible
for the care for a period exceeding 24 consecutive hours. They
do not refer to services provided by residents of dwelling units or
suites, or to services arranged directly by residents of dwelling
units or suites with outside agencies.

In the context of care occupancies, these services may include
a daily assessment of the resident’s functioning, awareness of
their whereabouts, the making of appointments for residents
and reminding them of those appointments, the ability and
readiness to intervene if a crisis arises for a resident,
supervision in areas of nutrition or medication, and provision of
transient medical services. Services may also include activities
of daily living such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and
assistance in the use of washroom facilities, etc. No actual
treatment is provided by or through care facility management.

• Exit
Exits include doors or doorways leading directly into an exit stair or
directly to the outside. In the case of an exit leading to a separate
building, exits also include vestibules, walkways, bridges or
balconies.
Farm Building
Farm buildings as defined in Article 1.4.1.2. include, but are not
limited to, produce storage and packing facilities, livestock and
poultry housing, milking centres, manure storage facilities, grain
bins, silos, feed preparation centres, farm workshops, greenhouses,
farm retail centres, and horse riding, exercise and training facilities.
Farm buildings may be classed as low or high human occupancy,
depending on the occupant load.

• Examples of farm buildings likely to be classed as low human
occupancy as defined in Article 1.2.1.2. of the National Farm
Building Code of Canada are livestock and poultry housing, manure
and machinery storage facilities and horse exercise and training
facilities where no bleachers or viewing area are provided.
Examples of farm buildings that would be classed as other than
low human occupancy include farm retail centres for feeds,
horticultural and livestock produce, auction barns and show areas
where bleachers or other public facilities are provided. Farm work
centres where the number of workers frequently exceeds the limit
for low human occupancy will also be in this category.

It is possible to have areas of both high and low human occupancy
in the same building provided that the structural safety and fire
separation requirements for high human occupancy are met in
the part thus designated.
Fire Separation
A fire separation may or may not have a fire-resistance rating.
Grade
Localized depressions that need not be considered in the
determination of the elevation of grade include such features as
vehicle and pedestrian entrances and other minor depressions that
do not affect accessibility for firefighting or evacuation.

Mechanically Vented
The definition of this term is intended to include all types of
appliances and venting systems that rely entirely on fans to
evacuate the products of combustion. Systems variously referred
to as “forced draft,” “power vented” and “induced draft” in
standards and industry terminology may be covered by this
definition. The key characteristic of such systems is that they are
more resistant to depressurization-induced spillage of combustion
products into the building in which they are housed because the
combustion venting system downstream of the fan is “sealed,” i.e.
includes no draft hood or draft control device.

Post-disaster Building
There may be circumstances where the authority having
jurisdiction would choose to exempt certain types of buildings or
parts thereof from being designated as post-disaster buildings in
order to permit them to be governed by Part 9 rather than by the
rest of the Code. Such is the case in the following examples: an
ambulance that is stored at a volunteer's residence or a police
station that is housed in a small shopping mall. The circumstances
where such exemptions are permitted are intentionally limited by
the definition of post-disaster building.

Public Corridor
A covered mall is considered to be a public corridor and, as such, is
subject to the same requirements as a public corridor。
Rim Joist
In the field, rim joists may also be referred to as rim boards,
headers or header joists.
Secondary Suite
DELETED.
Service Room
Typical examples of service rooms include boiler rooms, furnace
rooms, incinerator rooms, garbage handling rooms and rooms to
accommodate air-conditioning or heating appliances, pumps,
compressors and electrical equipment. Rooms such as elevator
machine rooms and common laundry rooms are not considered to
be service rooms.

Storage Garage
Entrances at which vehicles stop for a short time beneath an unenclosed
canopy to pick up and drop off passengers are not considered as storage
garages. As a subsidiary use, storage garages may also contain space for
parking or storing other vehicles (bicycles, boats, etc.).
Suite
Tenancy in the context of the term “suite” applies to both rental and ownership
tenure. In a condominium arrangement, for example, dwelling units are
considered separate suites even though they are individually owned. In order
to be of complementary use, a series of rooms that constitute a suite must be
in reasonably close proximity to each other and have access to each other
either directly by means of a common doorway or indirectly by a corridor,
vestibule or other similar arrangement.

The term “suite” does not apply to rooms such as service rooms,
common laundry rooms and common recreational rooms that are
not leased or under a separate tenure in the context of the
Code. Similarly, the term “suite” is not normally applied in the
context of buildings such as schools and hospitals, since the entire
building is under a single tenure. However, a room that is
individually rented is considered a suite. A warehousing unit in a
mini-warehouse is a suite. A rented room in a nursing home could
be considered as a suite if the room was under a separate
tenure. A hospital bedroom on the other hand is not considered to
be under a separate tenure, since the patient has little control of
that space, even though he pays the hospital a per diem rate
for the privilege of using the hospital facilities, which include the
sleeping areas.

For certain requirements in the Code, the expression “room or
suite” is used (e.g., travel distance). This means that the
requirement applies within the rooms of suites as well as to the
suite itself and to rooms that may be located outside the suite. In
other places the expression “suite, and rooms not located within a
suite” is used (e.g., for the installation of smoke and heat
detectors). This means that the requirement applies to individual
suites as defined, but not to each room within the suite. The rooms
“not within a suite” would include common laundry rooms,
common recreational rooms and service rooms, which are not
considered as tenant-occupied space.

Treatment
The ability to evacuate unassisted implies that a person is capable
of recognizing and responding to an emergency given their
physical, cognitive and behavioural abilities, and able to move to a
safe location without the assistance of another person. For
example, such persons must be able to arise and walk, or transfer
from a bed or chair to a means of mobility, and leave the building
or move to a safe location on their own.
Treatment Occupancy
“Treatments” may include such things as surgery, intensive care,
and emergency medical intervention. Treatment services differ
from the services provided by care occupancies like personal care
assistance or the administration of medication, and from those
provided by business and personal services occupancies like
dentistry or day procedures.

A-1.5.1.1.(1) Application of Referenced Documents
Documents referenced in the British Columbia Building Code may
contain provisions covering a wide range of issues, including issues
that are unrelated to the objectives and functional statements
stated in Parts 2 and 3 of Division A respectively; e.g. aesthetic
issues such as colour-fastness or uniformity.
Sentence 1.5.1.1.(1) is intended to make it clear that, whereas
referencing a document in the British Columbia Building Code
generally has the effect of making the provisions of that document
part of the Code, provisions that are unrelated to buildings or to
the objectives and functional statements attributed to the
provisions in Division B where the document is referenced are
excluded.

Furthermore, many documents referenced in the BCBC contain
references to other documents, which may also, in turn, refer to
other documents. These secondary and tertiary referenced
documents may contain provisions that are unrelated to buildings
or to the objectives and functional statements of the BCBC: such
provisions—no matter how far down the chain of references they
occur—are not included in the intent of Sentence 1.5.1.1.(1) of
Division A.
A-2.2.1.1.(1) Objectives
Listing of objectives
Any gaps in the numbering sequence of the objectives are due to
the fact that there is a master list of objectives covering the four
principal National Code Documents—the National Building Code,
the National Fire Code, the National Plumbing Code, and the
National Energy Code for Buildings— but not all objectives are
pertinent to all Codes.

The building
Where the term “the building” is used in the wording of the
objectives, it refers to the building for which compliance with the
British Columbia Building Code is being assessed.
Emergency
The term “emergency”—in the context of safety in buildings—is
often equated to the term “fire emergency;” however, the wording
of objectives OS3.7 and OS5.9 makes it clear that the Code
addresses any type of emergency that would require the rapid
evacuation of the building, such as a bomb threat or the presence
of intruders.

A-3.2.1.1.(1) Functional Statements
Listing of functional statements
The numbered functional statements are grouped according to
functions that deal with closely related subjects. For example, the
first group deals with fire risks, the second group deals with
emergency egress and response, etc. There may be gaps in the
numbering sequence for the following reasons:
• Each group has unused numbers which allows for the possible
future creation of additional functional statements within any
one group.
• There is a master list of functional statements covering the four
principal National Code Documents— the National Building Code,
the National Fire Code, the National Plumbing Code and the
National Energy Code for Buildings.

APPENDIX A — DIVISION C
A-2.2.1.2.(1) Structural Design
Part 4 of Division B is written on the assumption that structural
design will be carried out by a professional who is qualified to
perform such design. Sentence 2.2.1.2.(1) is not intended to imply
that a professional may not also be required in the application of
requirements in other Parts of the British Columbia Building Code.

A-2.2.6.2.(1) Information Required on Drawings and Specifications
Examples of information that should be shown on architectural
drawings and drawings for heating,
ventilating and air-conditioning systems are:
a)the name, type and location of the building,
b)the name of the owner,
c)the name of the architect,
d)the name of the engineer or designer,
e)north point,
f)the dimensions and height of all rooms,
g)the intended use of all rooms,
h)the details or description of the wall, roof, ceiling and floor
construction, including insulation,
i)the details or description of the windows and outside doors,
including the size, weatherstripping, storm sashes, sills and storm
doors,

j)the size and continuity of all pipes, ducts, shafts, flues and
fire dampers,
k)the location, size, capacity and type of all principal units of
equipment,
l )the size, shape and height of all chimneys and gas vents,
m)the size and location of all combustion air and ventilation
openings, and
n)the location and fire-resistance rating of required fire
separations.

A-2.2.7. Professional Design and Review
This Subsection provides for the use of what are generally called
Letters of Assurance. The letters themselves, known as Schedules
A, B, C-A and C-B and located at the end of Division C, are
intended to put on paper the responsibilities of the owner and the
various registered professionals in a construction project. The
Letters of Assurance do not impose any additional responsibilities
on the registered professionals nor are they intended to alter the
roles and responsibilities of the authorities having jurisdiction.

The Schedules have been very carefully scrutinized by the Province
of British Columbia, Union of BC Municipalities, Building Officials’
Association of British Columbia, Architectural Institute of British
Columbia, Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists
of British Columbia and their respective legal counsel. The precise
wording in the letters is extremely critical and must not be
modified. Any notations on these Schedules which are absolutely
necessary to suit a particular project must be clearly and legibly
marked in ink on the copies.

It is typical that the registered professional responsible for the
design is also responsible for the field review. There are instances
where this is not the case and having a different registered
professional doing the field reviews is unavoidable. Schedule C-B
requires that the registered professional who provides the field
review provide assurance that the building as finally constructed is
in substantial conformance with the Code. In the event that
another registered professional is to provide field review,
the field reviewer takes on the responsibility to confirm that the
construction substantially complies with the plans and supporting
documents that were submitted for the building permit. The
responsibility for code compliance of the design remains with the
original registered professional who undertook the design. In this
event, the Schedule C-B must be modified by the field reviewer by
crossing out and initialling Clause (b)(i) and providing the effective
transition date.

Note that Schedules A, B, C-A & C-B, as required by Subsection
2.2.7., must be signed, sealed and submitted to the authority
having jurisdiction, as applicable for each specific project.
Conditional or qualified Schedules are not typically acceptable. Any
fire and life safety issue relative to the Schedule B disciplines is to
be remedied before the Schedules C-A / C-B are released, not
accommodated by conditions or qualifications placed on the
Schedule or by any attached document. See the Guide to
Letters of Assurance, available from the Building and Safety
Standards Branch Web site, for more details.

A-2.2.7.1.(1)(c)(i) Structural Components
The reference to “structural components of buildings that fall
within the scope of Part 4” includes the situation where a building
is classified under Part 9 due to its size and occupancy but also
contains some structural components (such as beams supporting
concentrated loads) which must be designed under Part 4. In this
situation only Schedules B and C-B for the structural components
are required. Schedule A and Schedules B, C-A and C-B relating to
non-structural components are not required.

A-2.2.7.2.(1)(a) Coordinating Registered Professional
The coordinating registered professional is responsible to ascertain
that all Code related aspects which are relevant to the project are
clearly identified by each of the registered professionals in the
collection of Schedules B. If a registered professional of record has
crossed out any item on their Schedule B, the coordinating
registered professional must confirm this item is not applicable to
the project or resolve the issue with the registered professional of
record.

A-2.2.7.2.(1)(b) Schedule B
The purpose of Schedule B is to clearly identify the appropriate
registered professional of record who has the overall responsibility
in each discipline for compliance with the various Code related
aspects of the project. Detailed design of certain building
components may be undertaken by other registered
professionals. The registered professional of record is responsible
for monitoring the design work and field review of the other
registered professionals within their discipline for components
listed in Schedule B. In the event that the other registered
professionals provide design and field review, the registered
professional of record must be satisfied that such design and field
reviews have been performed and is responsible for Schedule C-B.

A-2.2.7.2.(2) Schedule C-A
Schedule C-A provides confirmation that the coordinating
registered professional has completed the obligation to coordinate
the various registered professionals engaged in the project. It also
confirms that the testing of the interrelated fire and life safety
systems, such as fire alarms and sprinklers, has been completed
and the systems function as intended.
A-2.2.7.3. Demonstration of the Coordinated Fire and Life Safety
Systems
The design drawings and supporting documents must clearly
indicate all essential details of the Coordinated Fire and Life Safety
Systems prior to the construction of or the alteration to a building.
Demonstration of the proper, integrated operation of the Fire and
Life Safety Systems must be conducted prior to occupancy.

Note that Schedules A, B, , C-A & C-B, as required by Subsection
2.2.7., must be signed and sealed and submitted to the authority
having jurisdiction, as appropriate for each specific project.
The following is an example of the steps required to coordinate the
installation and testing of fire and life safety systems in buildings.
1.0. General
Referencing Schedule B:
Item No. 1.14 "Functional Testing of Architecturally Related Fire
Emergency Systems and Devices,"
Item No. 3.4 "Functional Testing of Mechanically Related Fire
Item No. 4.5 "Functional Testing of Plumbing Related Fire
Item No. 5.14 "Functional Testing of Fire Suppression Systems and
Devices," and

Item No. 6.3 "Functional Testing of Electrical Related Fire
Emergency Systems and Devices."
The Coordinating Registered Professional (CRP) and Registered
Professionals of Record (RPRs) must demonstrate that the Fire and
Life Safety Systems' design has been coordinated prior to the
issuance of the Building Permit. That is, the CRP/RPRs must
accumulate and submit the necessary documentation, such as:
• complete drawings,
• schedules,
• schematic diagrams,
• a fire alarm system sequencing description showing coordination
between mechanical and electrical fire protection and life safety
systems,
• mechanical fire protection and life safety schematic riser
diagrams,

• an electrical fire alarm riser diagram,
• a motor data list coordinated with fire alarm system sequencing,
and
• other documentation, as appropriate,
to demonstrate that the interface of the Fire and Life Safety
Systems has been designed and coordinated so that when built
correctly they will function as an integrated system. Further, it is
intended that when the construction of the Fire & Life Safety
Systems is indicated by the Contractor to be complete, the
RPRs/CRP witness the demonstration of the testing of the Fire and
Life Safety Systems to confirm compliance that the as-built
systems function as intended by the design.

The required list of items will depend on the simplicity or
complexity of the Project. The following is a comprehensive list of
items for Fire and Life Safety Systems for a complex project, which
must be coordinated in order to demonstrate compliance:
Notes: It is the responsibility of the Coordinating Registered
Professional (CRP) and Registered Professionals of Record (RPRs)
to determine the best method of "How To" demonstrate to the
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) that the Fire and Life Safety
Systems have been coordinated for each project. That is, the
method(s) used (i.e., charts, drawings, matrices, tables, etc.) for
demonstration purposes should be project-specific and relate only
to that project.
It is not the intent of this Appendix material to dictate or produce
"checklists" or other prescriptive methods for demonstrating
compliance since this is best left to the professional discretion of
the appropriate CRP/RPRs.

2.0. Design Phase — Building Permit Application Stage & Final
Construction Phase — Occupancy Permit Application Stage
2.1. Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
2.1.1. Automatic Sprinkler Systems
• design requirements to appropriate Standard
2.1.2. Standpipe Systems
• Class I/Class II
• locations
• coverage
• F.D. connections
2.1.3. Fire Pump Systems

2.1.4. Fire Alarm Systems
• one/two stage system(s)
• no. of systems
• sequence of operation
• F.A. system zoning
• location of F.A. system devices
• annunciator panel (location and design criteria)
• annunciator panel shop drawings (detail design)
• sprinkler zone/waterflow device
• smoke detectors
• smoke alarms
• manual pull stations
• signals to Fire Department via an acceptable central monitoring
station
• activation of ancillary devices

2.1.6. Emergency Telephone System
• each exit stair
2.1.7. Emergency Power
• supervisory provisions for fire alarm
• emergency electrical load
• emergency generator
2.1.8. Emergency Lighting
• exits
• access to exits
• public corridors
• other floor areas

2.1.9. Exit Signs
2.2. Additional Requirements for High Buildings
2.2.1. Interface Condition between Highrise and Lowrise
Components (Measure 'N' Vestibules)
2.2.2. Smoke Control — Measure A
• venting above-grade stairs
• separation of above-grade and below-grade stairs
• venting below-grade stairs
• pressurization of below-grade stairs at bottom
• above-grade elevator shaft serving below-grade protected with
a "protected" vestibule
• additional controls at CACF (annunciator panel shop drawings

2.2.3. Smoke Venting
2.2.4. Fire Fighters' Elevators
• fire fighting controls
• emergency recall
2.2.5. Protection of Emergency Electrical Conductors
• highrise elevator
• emergency generator(s)
• fire pump(s)
• smoke control systems
• smoke venting systems
• fire alarm and emergency voice communication systems

2.2.6. Emergency Voice Communications
• integrated with F.A. system
• audible to appropriate Standard
• zoning of speakers
3.0. Roles and Responsibilities for the Demonstration of the
Coordinated Fire and Life Safety Systems
3.1. Roles and Responsibilities for the Design, Commissioning and
Functional Testing of Fire and Life Safety Systems

3.1.1. Design Phase
RPRs will clearly indicate on their drawings and supporting
documents the details of the fire and life safety systems for each
applicable item of Section 2 for their particular discipline. RPRs will
also coordinate the design of the components in their system with
the designs of other RPRs on the project. RPRs are to indicate what
functional testing, system verification, etc., must be performed by
the Contractor or subtrades and establish the documentation to be
provided.
The CRP will develop the project-specific test protocol and
procedures in consultation with the RPRs. The CRP will act as the
facilitator for the coordination of the design of the fire and life
safety systems among the various RPRs.

3.1.2. Construction Phase
The Contractor will coordinate the activities of the subtrade
contractors for the installation of the fire and life safety systems in
accordance with the contract documents.
RPRs will provide field reviews to ascertain that the construction of
the fire and life safety systems substantially complies with their
design. RPRs will review shop drawings of the fire and life safety
systems to determine that they accurately reflect their design
intent. They will also coordinate their reviews with those of the
other RPRs on the project.
The CRP will coordinate the shop drawing reviews and field reviews
by the RPs with the objective that the entire fire and life safety
system will correctly operate as an integrated system.

3.1.3. Occupancy Phase
The Contractor will coordinate the subtrade contractors for the
commissioning and functional testing of the fire and life safety
systems. The Contractor will also collect all of the required
Occupancy Permit submission documents from the various
subtrade contractors and forward them to the CRP.
The CRP will take the lead role in coordinating the activities of the
RPRs required for the commissioning and functional testing of the
fire and life safety systems. The CRP will distribute the test
protocol and test procedures, as developed in the Design Stage, to
the various parties involved in the process.

RPRs will ascertain that the appropriate commissioning and
functional testing of the fire and life safety systems of the
components in their disciplines have been satisfactorily completed
by the sub trade contractors. They will also determine that the
appropriate Occupancy Permit submission documents
have been submitted and filled in correctly.
The CRP will be responsible for collecting all of the required
Occupancy Permit submission documents, reviewing them for
completeness and accuracy, and forwarding them to the AHJ in a
complete package at least 24 hours prior to the Coordinated Final
AHJ Review.

3.2. Sample Summary of Roles and Responsibilities for
Demonstration of the Coordinated Fire and Life Safety Systems
The following is a sample summary (only) of the roles and
responsibilities for a typical highrise building with underground
parking. The precise roles and responsibilities for each project will
vary depending on the complexity. The CRP will ascertain that the
appropriate roles and responsibilities for each project are fulfilled
by the RPRs.
3.2.1. Coordinating Registered Professional
Design Phase
• Determine the appropriate RPRs required for the project and
make arrangements with the owner for their services.
• Clarify the roles and responsibilities of the various RPRs.
• Coordinate the design of the fire and life safety systems by the
RPRs.

• Coordinate and develop the test protocol and procedures for
functional testing of the fire and life safety systems.
• Coordinate the submission of the design drawings and
supporting documents for the Building Permit application.
Construction Phase
• Coordinate and monitor the field reviews of the RPRs.
• Coordinate and monitor the review of shop drawings by the
RPRs.
• Facilitate the information flow among the RPRs and Contractor.
Occupancy Phase
• In conjunction with the RPRs, finalize the project-specific test
protocol and procedures for the fire and life safety systems, and
review the requirements with the Contractor, subtrades and
RPRs.

• Finalize the list of project-specific occupancy permit submission
documents and the schedule for submissions and confirm
completeness with AHJ.
• Organize the "Coordinated Final Consultant Review" at least one
week prior to "Coordinated AHJ Final Review."
• Take a lead role in coordinating the functional testing of the fire
and life safety systems during the "Coordinated Final Consultant
Review."
• Coordinate the RPRs' review of Occupancy Permit submission
documents for completeness and accuracy.
• Coordinate Certification of Equivalencies, if applicable.
• Collect all of the required Occupancy Permit submission
documents and submit them in a complete package to the AHJ.

• Organize the "Coordinated AHJ Final Review."
• Record any deficiencies identified at the "Coordinated AHJ Final
Review" and monitor RPRs' field review of the corrective actions
by the subtrades.
• Assist in finalizing the list of outstanding requirements which
need to be met for the issuance of the Occupancy Permit.
• Follow-up on minor deficiencies post-Occupancy.
3.2.2. Architectural Design Phase
• Establish the conceptual design for the fire and life safety
systems in consultation with RPRs.
• Determine equivalency reports required and coordinate the
implementation on the drawings and supporting documents.
• Clearly indicate on drawings and supporting documents:
• Major occupancies and code classifications.
• Fire separations and fire-resistance ratings.

• Closures:
Fire-protection rating
Temperature rise requirements
Amount of glazing
• Hardware for closures
Panic hardware
Hold-open devices
Electromagnetic locks
• Hardware for closures
• Panic hardware
• Hold-open devices
• Electromagnetic locks

Construction Phase
• Provide field reviews of architectural components.
• Review shop drawings for architectural components and
coordinate requirements with other RPRs.
• Review shop drawings for other disciplines which may influence
architectural components.
Occupancy Phase
• Ascertain that the architectural components substantially
conform to the architectural drawings and supporting documents.
• Perform an active role in witnessing the functional testing of the
architectural components of the fire and life safety systems.
• Coordinate the signage with the fire alarm annunciator and the
fire safety plans.

• Review the architecturally-related Occupancy Permit submission
documents provided by the Contractor and subtrades for
completeness and accuracy.
• Prepare and forward to the CRP the architectural Schedule C-B
and other assurance letters required for the Occupancy Permit.
3.2.3. Mechanical/Plumbing Design Phase
• Coordinate mechanical/plumbing clearances and functional
requirements with other RPRs.
Details of the mechanical/plumbing components of the fire and
life safety systems.
Schematic diagram of the smoke venting system showing all
fans, ducts, motorized dampers, fusible link dampers and
backdraft dampers.

Location and fire-protection ratings of fusible link fire dampers
and fire stop flaps.
Location and fire-protection ratings of motorized fire dampers.
Location and fire-resistance ratings of fire-rated duct enclosures.
Fire stop systems for mechanical/plumbing penetrations of fire
separations.
Kitchen exhaust system/suppression system.
• Mechanical fans/motorized dampers sequence of operations:
• Describe operation under normal mode
• Describe operation under fire alarm mode
• Indicate fire alarm initiation devices that activate change of
operation

Construction Phase
• Provide field reviews of mechanical/plumbing components.
• Review shop drawings for mechanical/plumbing components and
coordinate requirements with other RPRs.
mechanical/plumbing components
Occupancy Phase
• Ascertain that the mechanical/plumbing components
substantially conform to the mechanical/plumbing drawings and
supporting documents.
mechanical/ plumbing components of the fire and life safety
systems.
• Review the mechanical/plumbing related occupancy permit
submission documents provided by the Contractor and
subtrades for completeness and accuracy.

• Prepare and forward to the CRP the mechanical/plumbing
Schedule C-B and other assurance letters and documentation
required for the Occupancy Permit.
3.2.4. Fire Suppression
The design of sprinkler systems can be accomplished by at least
two possible scenarios:
Scenario 1
• The engineer of record undertakes the complete detailed design
prior to the building permit application.
• The engineer of record submits Schedule B with the BP
application.
• The engineer of record provides field reviews during
construction and submits a Schedule C-B prior to Occupancy
Permit.

Scenario 2
• The engineer of record provides a detailed performance
specification for the sprinkler design, as well as sufficient
drawings to demonstrate/assure layout feasibility and interface
with other components.
• The engineer of record submits Schedule B with the BP
application for overall coordination of the sprinkler design.
Schedule B can be annotated "For Performance Specification
Only."
• The performance specifications may include a requirement that
a separate sprinkler design engineer be responsible for detailed
sprinkler design, preparation of sprinkler shop drawings and
hydraulic calculations, letter of assurance Schedule B, (for field
review during construction), and Schedule C-B (for Detailed
Design) prior to Occupancy Permit.

• The engineer of record reviews the detailed sprinkler design and
shop drawings to ascertain that they substantially comply with
the performance specifications.
• The engineer of record provides a Schedule C-B prior to
Occupancy Permit to confirm overall coordination of the
sprinkler design and installation. Schedule C-B can be annotated
"For Performance Specification Only." The engineer of record is
entitled to rely upon the professional seal of the sprinkler design
engineer for the detailed design and field review of the sprinkler
system.

For purposes of this example, Scenario 2 Roles and Responsibilities
are outlined below:
Design Phase by Engineer of Record
• Coordinate fire suppression spatial and functional requirements
with other RPRs/CRP.
• Clearly indicate on the drawings and performance specification:
Fundamental design parameters for the fire suppression system to
appropriate Standard.
Location of fire department siamese hose connections.
Location and size of standpipes and hose connections.
Details of special sprinkler protection as per equivalent reports.
Fire stop systems for pipe penetrations of fire separations.
Zoning of the sprinkler system to be coordinated with the electrical
engineer for the fire alarm annunciation and clearly identified in
the performance specifications.

Construction Phase by Sprinkler Design Engineer
• Prepare, sign and seal shop drawings and hydraulic calculations,
clearly indicating:
• Details of the fire suppression components of the fire and life
safety systems.
• Schematic riser diagram of sprinkler and standpipe systems c/w
all devices that will be connected to the fire alarm system (flow
switches, tamper switches, pressure switches, freeze monitoring,
heat trace monitoring).
• Location of fire department siamese hose connections.
• Location and size of standpipes and hose connections.
• Details of special sprinkler protection as per equivalent reports.
• Zoning of the sprinkler system to be coordinated with the
electrical engineer for the fire alarm annunciation and clearly
identified on the sprinkler shop drawings.
• Coordinate fire suppression location and functional requirements
with engineer of record/CRP.

• Provide field reviews of fire suppression components.
Construction Phase by Engineer of Record
• Review shop drawings and hydraulic calculations for fire
suppression components to determine substantial conformance
to the performance specifications.
• Provide field reviews of fire suppression components to
determine substantial conformance to the performance
specifications.
• Monitor the field reviews by the Sprinkler Design Engineer to
determine substantial conformance with the performance
specifications.
fire suppression components.

Occupancy Phase by the Engineer of Record
• Ascertain that the fire suppression components substantially
conform to the performance specifications.
fire suppression components of the fire and life safety systems.
• Review the fire suppression-related Occupancy Permit
submission documents by the Contractor and subtrades for
• Collect the Schedule C-B from the Sprinkler Design Engineer,
review for accuracy and completeness and forward to the CRP.
• Collect other Occupancy Permit documents from the subtrade
contractor (e.g., Contractor's Material and Test Certificates),
review for completeness and forward to the CRP.
• Prepare and forward to the CRP the fire suppression Schedule C-
B for overall coordination of the fire suppression system.

Occupancy Phase by the Sprinkler Design Engineer
• Ascertain that the fire suppression components substantially
conform to the sprinkler shop drawings and supporting
documents.
fire suppression components of the fire and life safety systems.
• Review the fire suppression-related Occupancy Permit
submission documents by the Contractor and subtrades for
• Prepare and forward to the Engineer of Record the fire
suppression Schedule C-B and other assurance letters and
documentation required for the Occupancy Permit.

3.2.5. Electrical
Design Phase
• Coordinate with the CRP and RPRs the test protocol and
procedures for functional testing of the fire and life safety
systems.
• Details of the electrical components of the fire and life safety
systems.
• Fire Alarm System
Location of fire alarm annunciator panel and central alarm
control facility
Location of fire alarm initiating devices (smoke detectors, heat
detectors, manual pull stations)
Fire alarm riser diagram c/w ancillary device connections
Audibility of fire alarm signal throughout floor area
Zoning of fire alarm initiation devices and audible signal
appliances

Monitoring of fire alarm
Routing and method of protection of emergency conductors
Wiring methods for equipment
Testing/verification requirements and the documentation to be
submitted to the RPR
• Sprinkler System
Coordinate design with sprinkler design engineer
Sprinkler system alarm initiation and monitoring to be indicated
on the fire alarm riser diagram (flow, tamper, pressure, etc.)
Detailed diagrams for freeze protection systems (heat trace
monitoring, low temperature monitoring, etc.)
• Fire Pump Systems
Riser diagram to indicate monitoring of the fire pump (pump
running, power failure, phase reversal, wiring details for device
connections)

Routing and method for protection of fire pump feeders from fire
and power source, so that a fire from one source will not interrupt
power from the other source
Electrical requirements to appropriate Standard and documents to
be submitted to RPR (overcurrent protection details, location of
controller and transfer switches, voltage drop, etc.)
• Kitchen Exhaust/Fire Suppression System
• Emergency Generator
Generator load calculations
Details and wiring diagram for monitoring through the fire alarm
system
Details for testing to appropriate Standard and documents to be
submitted to RPR

• Smoke Venting Systems
Coordinate design with the mechanical engineer
Fire alarm riser diagram to indicate smoke venting fans and
motorized dampers and HVAC/exhaust fan shutdown
Detailed wiring diagrams for fan shut-offs, exhaust fan operation,
pressurization fan operation, damper operation (opening, closing,
throttling)
Sequence of operation of smoke venting system in a narrative form
Describe operation under normal mode
Describe operation under fire alarm mode
Indicate fire alarm initiating devices that activate changes of
operation/sequence
Routing methods for protection of emergency conductors

• Electromagnetic Locks and Hold-Open Devices
Coordinate design with the architect
Sequence of operation in both normal and fire alarm mode
Wiring diagrams for connection of devices
Locations of devices on the floor plans
• Elevators
Sequence of operation in a narrative form
Wiring diagram details
Routing and method of protection of emergency conductors
Fire stop systems for electrical penetrations of fire separations
Coordinate electrical equipment location and functional
requirements with other RPRs/CRP.

Construction Phase
• Provide field reviews of electrical components.
• Review shop drawings for electrical components and coordinate
requirements with other RPRs.
electrical components.
Occupancy Phase
• Ascertain that the electrical components substantially conform
to the electrical drawings and supporting documents.
electrical components of the fire and life safety systems.
• Review the electrical-related Occupancy Permit submission
documents provided by the Contractor and subtrades for

• Prepare and forward to the CRP the electrical Schedule C-B and
other assurance letters and documents required for the
Occupancy Permit.
4.0. Sample Occupancy Demonstration/Witnessing Flowchart
DEVELOP TESTING PROTOCOL/PROCEDURE (Design Stage)
CRP/RPRs develop Testing Demonstration/Witness Protocol
— Issue to Authorities Having Jurisdiction & Contractor
DOCUMENTATION SUBMISSION
Contractor/Subtrades submit/deliver all appropriate documentation
to CRP/RPRs, including:
— The original Contractor's Materials and Test Certificate for the
sprinkler system
— Fire Pump Flow Test Certificate(s)
— Back Flow Prevention Certificate(s)
— Emergency generator commissioning and verification reports

— The original Certificate of Verification for the fire alarm system
— Appendix "A" to the fire alarm verification report
— ULC Certificate for Protective Signaling Service
— Other documentation, as appropriate
CONTRACTOR DEMONSTRATION — CONSTRUCTION COMPLETE
Contractor & Subtrades (Mechanical, Electrical, Elevator, Sprinkler,
Fire Alarm, etc.) as appropriate
COORDINATED FINAL CONSULTANT REVIEW
DEMONSTRATION/WITNESSING CRP/RPRs (Architect, Mechanical
Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Sprinkler Engineer, Equivalency
Consultant, etc.) as appropriate
OCCUPANCY SUBMISSION DOCUMENTS
CRP to collect all submission documents, including Schedule Cs
from RPRs, and submit to AHJ in a complete package

COORDINATED FINAL AHJ REVIEW DEMONSTRATION/WITNESSING
Contractor, Subtrades, CRP/RPRs demonstrate to AHJ
(Building, Fire, Mechanical, Electrical and Sprinkler)
OP ISSUED
A-2.2.8.1.(1) Use of Terms “Building” and “House”
Although the word “house” is used in the terms “proposed house,”
“reference house” and “house performance compliance calculation
report” in Subsection 2.2.8., it is intended to include other types
of residential buildings also addressed by Subsection 9.36.5. of
Division B. The terms “proposed building,” “reference building” and
“building performance compliance calculation report” used in the
NECB apply to other types of buildings.

A-2.2.8.3.(2)(c)(i) Annual Energy Consumption
The performance compliance calculation method detailed in
Subsection 9.36.5. of Division B uses a number of assumptions
regarding environmental values and operating conditions in order
to standardize the calculations and neutralize the impact of
occupant behaviour or to exclude issues that are not addressed in
the requirements. Note that the result of the energy model
calculations is not a prediction of the actual energy consumption of
the proposed house.
A-2.3.1. Documentation of Alternative Solutions
Beyond the purposes of demonstrating compliance and acquiring a
building permit, there are other important reasons for requiring
that the proponent of an alternative solution submit project
documentation (i.e. a compliance report) to the authority having
jurisdiction and for the authority having jurisdiction to retain that
documentation for a substantial period following the construction
of a building:

• Documentation helps consultants perform code compliance
assessments of existing buildings before they are sold and
informs current owners or prospective buyers of existing
buildings of any limitations pertaining to their future use or
development.
• Documentation provides design professionals with the basic
information necessary to design changes to an existing building.
• An alternative solution could be invalidated by a proposed
alteration to a building. Designers and regulators must therefore
know the details of the particular alternative solutions that were
integral to the original design. Complete documentation should
provide insight as to why one alternative solution was chosen
over another.

• Documentation is the “paper trail” of the alternative solution
negotiated between the designer and the regulator and should
demonstrate that a rational process led to the acceptance of the
alternative solution as an equivalency.
• It is possible that over time a particular alternative solution may
be shown to be inadequate. It would be advantageous for a
jurisdiction to know which buildings included that alternative
solution as part of their design: documentation will facilitate this
type of analysis.
• Project documentation provides important information to a
forensic team that is called to investigate an accident or why a
design failed to provide the level of performance expected.

Preface
The 2012 British Columbia Building and
Plumbing Code (BCBC) is an objective-based
code which identifies the minimum standard
within the Province of British Columbia for
buildings to which this Code applies.

Preface
Building, Plumbing and Fire Codes (collectively
referred to as the 2012 BC Codes) are
regularly updated and this edition of the BC
Codes succeeds the 2006 edition.

Preface
The BC Building and Plumbing Code is a
regulation of the Local Government Act and is
substantially based on the model National
Building Code of Canada 2010 and the model
National Plumbing Code of Canada 2010.

Preface
As they are complementary, both building
and plumbing codes have been adopted
as one regulation. For ease of production
and convenience to some code users, the
model structure of two parallel
documents has been maintained.

Preface
The electronic version of the BC Codes
contains functionality to identify where BC
variations from the National model occur within
the text of the BCBC. The BCBC establishes
requirements to address the following five
objectives, which are fully described in Division
A of the Code:

Preface
• safety
• health
• accessibility for persons with disabilities
• fire and structural protection of buildings
• energy and water efficiency

Preface
The BCBC is not a textbook on the design or
construction of buildings and facilities, nor is it
the only document regulating health and safety.
Designing and building in a technically sound
manner depends upon many factors beyond
simple compliance with building regulations.

Preface
Such factors include the availability of
knowledgeable practitioners who have received
appropriate education, training and experience,
and have some degree of familiarity with the
principles of good practice and experience
using textbooks, reference manuals and
technical guides.

Preface
The BCBC does not list any proprietary
products. It establishes the criteria that
materials, products and assemblies must meet.

Preface
Some of these criteria are explicitly stated in the
BCBC while others are incorporated by
reference to material or product standards
published by standards development
organizations.

Preface
The BC Building Code covers the fire safety
and fire protection features that are
• required to be incorporated in a building at
the time of its original construction. Building
codes typically no longer apply once a
building is occupied, unless the building is
undergoing alteration or change of use, or
being demolished.

Preface
The BC Fire Code includes provisions for:
• the on-going maintenance and use of the fire
safety and fire protection features
incorporated in buildings

Preface
• the conduct of activities that might cause fire
hazards in and around buildings
• limitations on hazardous contents in and
around buildings
• the establishment of fire safety plans
• fire safety at construction and demolition sites

Preface
In addition, the BCFC contains provisions
regarding fire safety and fire protection features
that must be added to existing buildings, when
certain hazardous activities or processes are
introduced in these buildings.

Preface
Some of the BCFC’s provisions are not
duplicated directly in the BCBC but are in fact
adopted through cross-references to the BCFC.
Thus, some BCFC provisions may apply to
original construction, alterations, or changes in
use.

INTRODUCTION
Numbering System
A consistent numbering system has been used
throughout the BCBC.
The first number indicates the Part of the Code;
the second, the Section in the Part; the third,
the Subsection; and the fourth, the Article in
the Subsection.

Numbering System
The detailed provisions are found at
the Sentence, and Sentences may be
broken down into Clauses and Subclauses.
This structure is illustrated as follows:

INTRODUCTION
Relationship between the BC Building and
Plumbing Code and the BC Fire Code

The BC Building and Plumbing Code
(BCBC) and BC Fire Code (BCFC) each
contain provisions that deal, with the
safety of persons in buildings in the event
of a fire and the protection of buildings
from the effects of fire.
The BCFC also applies to other types of
facilities besides buildings (e.g. tank farms and
storage yards).

These codes are developed as
complementary and coordinated
documents to minimize the possibility of
their containing conflicting provisions.

It is expected that buildings comply with
both the BCBC and the BCFC. The BCBC
generally applies at the time of
construction, and reconstruction while the
BCFC applies to the operation and
maintenance of the fire-related features
of buildings in use.

The scope of each of these Codes with
respect to fire safety and fire protection
can be summarized as follows:

DIVISION A
COMPLIANCE, OBJECTIVES AND
FUNCTIONAL STATEMENTS
Part 1 — Compliance
Section 1.1. General
1.1.1. APPLICATION OF THIS CODE
1.1.1.1. Application of this Code

1. This Code applies to any one or more of the
following:
a) the design and construction of a
new building,
b) the occupancy of any building,

c) a change in occupancy of any
building,
d) an alteration of any building,
e) an addition to any building,
f) the demolition of any building,

g. the reconstruction of any building that has
been damaged by fire, earthquake or other
cause,
h. the correction of an unsafe condition in or
about any building,
i. all parts of any building that are affected by
a change in occupancy,

j) the work necessary to ensure safety in parts
of a building
i) that remain after a demolition,
ii) that are affected by but that are not
directly involved in alterations, or
iii) that are affected by but not directly
involved in additions,

k) except as permitted by the British Columbia
Fire Code, the installation, replacement, or
alteration of materials or equipment regulated
by this Code,

l) the work necessary to ensure safety in a
relocated building during and after
relocation,
m) safety during construction of a building,
including protection of the public,

n) the design, installation, extension, alteration,
renewal or repair of plumbing systems, and
o) the alteration, rehabilitation and change of
occupancy of heritage buildings.

2) This Code does not apply to the following :
a) sewage, water, electrical, telephone,
rail or similar public infrastructure systems
located in a street or a public transit right of
way
b) utility towers and poles, and television, radio
and other communication aerials and
towers, except for loads resulting from their
being located on or attached to buildings,

c) mechanical or other equipment and
appliances not specifically regulated in these
regulations,
d) flood control and hydro electric dams and
structures,
e) accessory buildings less than 10 m in
building area that do not create a hazard,

f) temporary buildings including
• construction site offices,
• seasonal storage buildings,
• special events facilities,

g) factory built housing and components
complying with CAN/CSA-Z240 MH Series
standard, but this exemption does not
extend to on site preparations (foundations,
mountings), connection to services and
installation of appliances, and

h) areas that are specifically exempted from
provincial building regulations by provincial
or federal enactments.
3) This Code applies to both site-built and
factory-constructed buildings. (See Appendix A.)
4) Farm buildings shall conform to the
requirements in the National Farm Building
Code of Canada 1995.

5) The Alternate Compliance Methods for
Heritage Buildings in Table A-1.1.1.2.(1) in
Appendix A may be substituted for
requirements contained elsewhere in this Code.

DIVISION A
COMPLIANCE, OBJECTIVES AND
FUNCTIONAL STATEMENTS
Part 1 — Compliance
Section 1.1. General
1.1.1. APPLICATION OF THIS CODE
1.1.1.2. Application to Existing Buildings

1.1.1.2. Application to Existing
Buildings
1) Where a building is altered, rehabilitated,
renovated or repaired, or there is a change in
occupancy, the level of life safety and building
performance shall not be decreased below a
level that already exists.

1.1.2.1. Book I (General) of the Code
1) This is the first of the two Books, Book I
(General) and Book II (Plumbing Systems), that
together form the British Columbia Building
Code.

Appendix and Introduction

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Appendix and Introduction