Provincial Codes
Each province establishes its own building codes.
Provincial codes are model National Building Codes, Fire Codes, and Plumbing Codes, that are adopted as they are or modified to suit local needs. Once adopted these codes become the legal regulations for construction for that province and are enforced by that province.
The Manitoba Building Code, The Alberta Building Code, and The Ontario Building Code are some examples.
The purpose of these codes is to establish consistent minimum standards to be followed by the construction industry within the province. The focus of the codes is to protect the health and safety of building occupants. Fire safety precautions and systems are also a major part.
Many provinces also provide regulations for barrier free accessibility and energy efficiency of buildings.
Provincial codes must be followed for new building construction, as well as for any renovation or alteration to an existing building. This applies to both commercial and residential projects.
The following list indicates how each province establishes its building codes.
Alberta
The Alberta building, fire and plumbing codes are based on the national model codes with modifications to suit this province. Code modifications are primarily additions.
British Columbia
The British Columbia building, fire and plumbing codes are based on the national model codes with modifications to suit this province. Code modifications are primarily additions.
Manitoba
The Manitoba building, fire and plumbing codes are based on the national model codes with some modifications and additions to suit this province.
New Brunswick
The municipalities of New Brunswick directly adopt the National Building Code as their standard.
The provincial fire codes are a direct adaptation of the National Fire Code.
The plumbing codes are based on the National Plumbing Code with some modifications.
Newfoundland and Labrador
The municipalities of Newfoundland and Labrador directly adopt the National Building Code (NBC) as their standard.
They also adopt the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes, which deal with fire and life safety issues.
www.nfpa.org
There are also standards for existing buildings. These must meet the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code 2006 Edition for existing buildings.
All new building must comply with the NBC as well as the Means of Egress provisions of NFPA 101 for new buildings.
There is no province wide plumbing code.
Nova Scotia
The Building Code Act for Nova Scotia is based on the National Building Code with some modifications and additions to suit this province.
The provincial plumbing codes are a direct adaptation of the National Plumbing Code.
There is no province wide fire code. Some municipalities adopt the National Fire Code as their standard.
Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories building and fire codes are an adaptation of the national model codes with some modifications and additions to suit this province.
Nunavut
Nunavut enforces the National Building Code.
Ontario
The basis of the Ontario building and plumbing codes is from the national model codes with many important changes and additions to suit this province. References are also made to the Model National Energy Code.
The Ontario Fire Codes are established to suit this province.
Prince Edward Island
The municipalities of Summerside and Charlottetown in Prince Edward Island adopt the National Building Code as their standard.
The island has its own provincial fire codes.
Prince Edward Island also adopts the 2003 editions of the (National Fire Protection Association) NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and NFPA 1 Fire Code.
www.nfpa.org
The provincial plumbing codes are a direct adaptation of the National Plumbing Code.
Quebec
The Quebec building and plumbing codes are based on the national model codes with some modifications. These modifications are mostly additions.
The major municipalities in this province directly adopt the National Fire Code as their standard.
Saskatchewan
The province of Saskatchewan enforces the National Building Code as their standard.
Yukon
The Yukon enforces the National Building Code and the National Plumbing Code.
Click on the following heading for more information on The National Codes.
National Codes
It is important to contact the local building department, before starting on any construction design or work.
They can provide information on which codes must be followed within their province.
Local refers to the city, town or municipality that governs an area within the applicable province.
Local building departments enforce the codes. They issue permits and do inspections. Building inspectors will visit construction sites regularly to ensure all work complies with the codes.
Everyone involved in construction must follow the codes of the province in which they are working.
Interior designers, architects, and engineers, design and specify according to the codes.
General contractors build by the codes.
This also means that any individual who does his own building, electrical or plumbing work must also abide by the codes.
It is also important to note that the property owner is ultimately responsible for ensuring that minimum code regulations are met.
Click on the heading below for information on where to purchase a Building Code Book for a specific province.
Provincial Code Books
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