The British Columbia Building Code | Notes to Part 1 | Compliance Pt 2

Division A: Compliance, Objectives and Functional Statements Notes to Part 1 – Compliance

British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division A

Notes to Part 1

Compliance

A-1.1.1.1.(3) Factory-Constructed Buildings. The British Columbia Building Code applies the same requirements to

site-built and factory-constructed buildings. However, it can often be difficult to determine whether a factory-constructed building

complies with the Code once it has been delivered to the construction site because many of the wall, roof and floor assemblies are

closed in and so their components cannot be inspected. CSA A277, “Procedure for Factory Certification of Buildings,” was developed

to address this problem with regard to residential, commercial and industrial buildings. This standard describes a procedure whereby

an independent certification agency can review the quality control procedures of a factory and make periodic unannounced inspections

of its products. The standard is not a building code, only a procedure for certifying compliance of factory-constructed components

with a building code or other standard. If a factory-constructed building bears the label of an accredited certification agency indicating

that compliance with the National Building Code has been certified using the CSA A277 procedure, the accepting authority will have

some assurance that the concealed components do not require re-inspection on site.

On the other hand, standards in the CSA Z240 MH Series, “Manufactured Homes,” do 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 these requirements are different. Other portions of the Z240 standards deal with special

requirements for manufactured homes related to the fact that these houses must be moved over roads, which is an issue the British

Columbia Building Code does not address. 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).

The British Columbia Building Code does reference CSA Z240.10.1, “Site Preparation, Foundation, and Anchorage of Manufactured

Homes,” which is not actually part of the CSA Z240 MH Series. This standard contains requirements for surface foundations where

buildings – not just houses – comply with the deformation resistance test provided in CSA Z240.2.1, “Structural Requirements for

Manufactured Homes.”

A-1.1.1.1.(5) 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-1.1.1.1.(

5) 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-1.1.1.1.(

5), or

• to combine these options.

Notes to Part 1 – Compliance Division A: Compliance, Objectives and Functional Statements

Division A Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018

A-1.1.1.1.(6) Alternate Compliance Methods for Alterations to Existing Buildings to Add a Secondary Suite.

The requirements in Division B for the construction of secondary suites was written primarily for new construction and provides for a

performance level that is higher than what may exist in existing buildings. To apply present Code provisions to existing buildings is in

many cases impractical. The Table of Alternate Compliance Methods for Alterations to Existing Buildings to Add a Secondary Suite

was developed to provide alternate methods, when dealing with existing construction, without compromising the objectives of the

Code. Table 1.1.1.1.(6) may be considered when assessing an existing additional dwelling unit located in a single family dwelling

building (house), however is not intended to be applied as a retroactive code to these existing units, nor be applied to buildings of new

construction where there are no existing assemblies to act as practical barriers to compliance with Division B of this Code. Figure

A-1.1.1.1.(6) illustrates the application of Table 1.1.1.1.(6) to existing buildings.

Figure A-1.1.1.1.(6)

Application of Alternative Compliance Methods in Table 1.1.1.1.(6)

Table A-1.1.1.1.(6) is not mandatory, and an owner may choose to

• apply acceptable solutions in Division B,

• apply alternative solutions under Clause 1.2.1.1.(1)(b),

• apply alternate compliance methods in Table A-1.1.1.1.(6), or

• combine these options.

NEW NEW

SECONDARY SECONDARY

SUITESUITE

NEW NEW

SECONDARY SECONDARY

SUITESUITE

NEW NEW

SECONDARY SECONDARY

SUITESUITE

TABLE 1.1.1.1.(6)TABLE 1.1.1.1.(6)

APPLICABLE APPLICABLE

EXISTING EXISTING

DWELLING DWELLING

UNIT UNIT

EXISTING EXISTING

DWELLING DWELLING

UNIT UNIT

EXISTING EXISTING

DWELLING DWELLING

UNIT UNIT

TABLE 1.1.1.1.(6) TABLE 1.1.1.1.(6) NOTNOT APPLICABLE APPLICABLE

Division A: Compliance, Objectives and Functional Statements Notes to Part 1 – Compliance

British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division A

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 not intended that the British Columbia Fire Code 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 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) 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 can 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 entitled “Application of NBC Part 4 of Division B for the Structural Evaluation and Upgrading of Existing

Buildings” of the “User’s Guide – NBC 2015, 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”

These publications can be ordered through NRC’s Web site.

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.”

Notes to Part 1 – Compliance Division A: Compliance, Objectives and Functional Statements

Division A Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018

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 what it is intended to achieve. The resultant 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 part of

the online Code subscriptions and as a separate electronic document entitled “Supplement to the NBC 2015: Intent Statements,”

which is available on NRC’s Web site. These intent statements should be cross referenced with the associated requirements of the

British Columbia Building Code.

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.

Division A: Compliance, Objectives and Functional Statements Notes to Part 1 – Compliance

British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division A

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 4 storeys in building height even though there may be only 2, 3 or

4 storeys at any one location. Figure A-1.3.3.4.(2) illustrates this application compared to a similar building on a flat site.

Under Sentence 1.3.3.4.(2), Building A can be considered as being 4 storeys in building height instead of 7 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.

Access or Accessible and Persons with Disabilities

The terms “access” or “accessible” and the term “persons with disabilities” are revised in this edition of the Code for greater

alignment with the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This does not alter the

objectives and functional statements attributed to the provisions of this Code regarding access for persons with disabilities.

The revised definitions are to provide greater clarity as to why the Code applies requirements the way it does.

ASTC and STC

The higher the ASTC or STC rating, the more the assembly or the system of assemblies protects occupants from noise in

adjacent spaces.

These ratings, which are determined in accordance with ASTM E 413, “Classification for Rating Sound Insulation,” roughly

describe the noise reduction in decibels (dB) provided by the separating floor or wall, or in the case of the ASTC rating, by the

system of separating and adjoining walls and floors. For example, where an 80 dB sound on one side of a wall/floor/ceiling is

reduced to 30 dB on the other side, that partition is said to have an STC of 50.

The dB scale is a logarithmic one and the human ear perceives a 10 dB reduction in sound as roughly halving the volume:

for example, a 40 dB noise, subjectively, seems half as loud as a 50 dB one.

EG00907B

grade for each

stepped portion

1 h fire

separation at

each stepped

portion

Building A

Building B

grade

for entire

building

Notes to Part 1 – Compliance Division A: Compliance, Objectives and Functional Statements

Division A Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018

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.

Dangerous Goods

In previous editions of the British Columbia Building Code

, the terminology used to identify dangerous goods came from

TC SOR/2008-34, “Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDGR).” The TDGR apply solely to the adequate

identification of hazards related to dangerous goods in the contexts of transportation and emergency response.

Dangerous goods in the workplace are identified in accordance with the “Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System

(WHMIS),” established in accordance with the “Hazardous Products Act.” The WHMIS identification system is specifically

designed with the users of the product in mind.

This edition of the British Columbia Building Code

identifies dangerous goods as products regulated by the TDGR or classified

under the WHMIS. In order to harmonize these two nomenclatures for dangerous goods, class descriptors were developed taking

into consideration both the TDGR and WHMIS classification systems. The proposed nomenclature introduces a descriptive

approach to classifying dangerous goods, which is similar to the one proposed by the Globally Harmonized System of

Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) developed by the United Nations (UN). Canada has actively participated in the

development of the GHS and has committed to its implementation through the TDGR and WHMIS regulations.

The British Columbia Building Code

2018 nomenclature takes a common sense approach that corresponds more closely to how

people refer to dangerous goods on a daily basis, blending TDGR and WHMIS terminology without using nondescript numbers

and letters as previously found in the British Columbia Building Code

, TDGR and WHMIS.

Division A: Compliance, Objectives and Functional Statements Notes to Part 1 – Compliance

British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division A

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.

Table A-1.4.1.2.(1)

UN, TDGR, WHMIS and British Columbia Building Code

Class Descriptors for Dangerous Goods

UN TDGR WHMIS British Columbia Building Code 2018

1 Explosives Explosives Explosives

2 Gases Gases under pressure Compressed gases

2.1 Flammable gases Flammable gases; Flammable aerosols Flammable gases; Flammable aerosols

2.2 Non-flammable, non-toxic gases Gases under pressure Non-flammable, non-toxic gases

2.2 (5.1) – Oxidizing gases Oxidizing gases

2.3 Toxic gases – Toxic gases

3 Flammable liquids Flammable liquids Flammable liquids

4.1 Flammable solids Flammable solids Flammable solids

4.2 Substances liable to spontaneous

combustion

Pyrophoric liquids; pyrophoric solids Pyrophoric materials

4.3 Water-reactive substances Substances and mixtures which, in contact with

water, emit flammable gases

Water-reactive substances

5.1 Oxidizing substances Oxidizing liquids; oxidizing solids Oxidizers

5.2 Organic peroxides Organic peroxides Organic peroxides

6.1 Toxic substances

(1)

Toxic substances

6.2 Infectious substances

(1)

Infectious materials

7 Radioactive materials Not covered by GHS Radioactive materials

8 Corrosives

(2)

Corrosives

9 Miscellaneous products,

substances, or organisms

(2)

Miscellaneous dangerous goods

– – Previously Class F Dangerously reactive materials

Notes to TableA-1.4.1.2.(1):

(1) The WHMIS has various descriptors for this Class of products based on their toxicity.

(2) The WHMIS has various descriptors for this Class of products based on the nature of the danger presented by the product.

Notes to Part 1 – Compliance Division A: Compliance, Objectives and Functional Statements

Division A Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018

Fire Separation

It is generally understood that the term “fire” refers to all products of combustion, including heat and smoke. Although a fire

separation is not always required to have a fire-resistance rating, it should act as a barrier to the spread of smoke and fire until

some type of response is initiated. If the fire-resistance rating of a fire separation is permitted to be waived on the basis of the

presence of an automatic sprinkler system, it is nonetheless the intent of the Code that the fire separation be constructed so that

it will remain in place and act as a barrier against the spread of smoke until the sprinklers have actuated.

Flight

Figure A-1.4.1.2.(1)-A

Flight

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.

EG01395A

landing landing

landing

Stair with one flight

Stair with two flights

flight

Division A: Compliance, Objectives and Functional Statements Notes to Part 1 – Compliance

British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division A

Secondary Suite

A secondary suite is a self-contained dwelling unit that is part of a house containing not more than two dwelling units (including

the secondary suite) and any common spaces such as common storage, common service rooms, common laundry facilities or

common areas used for egress. Secondary suites are typically created within an existing single dwelling building (house) either

constructed as an addition or an alteration to an existing house or incorporated during the construction of a new house. A

secondary suite may have more than one storey and may be on the same level as the other dwelling unit of the house or be above

or below it.

Examples of buildings where secondary suites are permitted include individual detached houses, or where the secondary suite is

located in a portion of a building, semi-detached houses (half of a double and also known as a side-by-side) and row houses where

a vertical fire separation separates the portion from the remainder of the building.

Where a building has multiple vertically separated occupancies, the secondary suite can only be created in a vertically separated

portion of the building that is of residential occupancy. A vertical fire separation that extends continuously through all

crawlspaces, storeys and attic spaces of the building is required to vertically separate portions of a building. Apartment buildings

have dwelling units above and below others that share a horizontal assembly and are therefore not permitted to have secondary

suites. Figure A-1.4.1.2.(1)-C shows building types where secondary suites are permitted as well as building types where other

dwelling units or other occupancies are located above or below such that secondary suites are not permitted.

Figure A-1.4.1.2.(1)-C

Building Types where Secondary Suites are Permitted

Neither the secondary suite nor the other dwelling unit in a house can be strata-titled or otherwise subdivided from the remainder

of the house under provincial or territorial legislation. This means that both dwelling units are registered under the same title.

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.

SSSS

SS: SECONDARY SUITESS: SECONDARY SUITE

: FIRE SEPARATION : FIRE SEPARATION

: SINGLE REAL ESTATE ENTITY : SINGLE REAL ESTATE ENTITY

DU DU

DU: DWELLING UNITDU: DWELLING UNIT

SSSS SSSS

DU DU

SSSS

DU DU

DU OR DU OR

OTHER OTHER

OCCUPANCYOCCUPANCY

SSSS SSSS

DU DU

DU DU DU DU

DU DU

SSSS

DU DU

SSSS

DU DU

SSSS

DU DU

DU OR DU OR

OTHER OTHER

OCCUPANCYOCCUPANCY

DU OR DU OR

OTHEROTHER

OCC.OCC.

SSSS

Notes to Part 1 – Compliance Division A: Compliance, Objectives and Functional Statements

Division A Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018

Solid Masonry Units

The net solid area of a masonry unit is calculated by determining the gross area of the bed face of the unit (L × T) and subtracting

the cumulative areas of the hollow portions. As long as the total area of the hollow portions is 25% or less of the gross area, the

unit is considered to be a solid masonry unit.

Figure A-1.4.1.2.(1)-B

Net solid area of masonry unit

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, boat, 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.

gross area = length × thickness

net solid area = shaded area

EG01325A

end

Division A: Compliance, Objectives and Functional Statements Notes to Part 1 – Compliance

British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division A

Tapered Tread

The definition of tapered tread includes treads in curved stairs and treads in winder stairs, However, requirements for winders

differ from those for other tapered treads. Requirements for tapered treads are found in Articles 3.3.1.16., 3.4.6.9., and 9.8.4.3. of

Division B. Requirements for winders are found in Article 9.8.4.6. of Division B.

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 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 code 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 code: 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).