New building code requirements to become mandatory in PRRD and across BC next month

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) is set to begin implementing new building standard requirements over the coming weeks, in accordance with provincial policy.

The 2024 BC Building Code, introduced last March, includes updated standards for earthquake safety and a mandate that all new projects adhere strictly to at least “level one” of the Zero Carbon Step Code.

So far, the province has been in a “transition period” during which certain parts of the previous building codes from 2018 were still acceptable. 

However, according to the PRRD, that transition period ends on March 10th, 2025, meaning all new projects submitted from then on must adhere to the new emissions and seismic safety standards.

In terms of earthquake safety changes, the new regulations reportedly mostly change “bracing requirements for lateral loads from wind and earthquakes”.

Meanwhile, adhering to level one of the Zero Carbon Step Code entails measuring and disclosing operational greenhouse gas emissions and installing new systems to track and report those emissions over time. 

The PRRD will enforce these new regulations for all building projects submitted on or after March 10th. 

According to a press release issued on February 11th, the district is prepared to help developers and builders “understand and implement” the new requirements.

Companies are urged to review the new requirements, then contact the PRRD at 250-785-8084 or via email to learn more about how they will be implemented locally.

In-person meetings are also available in Fort St. John and Dawson Creek for developers and builders, by appointment.