The Province of BC has updated the BC Building Code, which will see some changes to building permit requirements for developments in the Columbia Shuswap Regional District.
Starting March 10, 2025, all new building permit applications must follow the 2024 BC Building Code. This includes updated seismic design rules and new zero carbon emission standards.
These provincial requirements apply to any permit applications submitted to the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) on or after this date.
The 2024 BC Building Code includes significant changes to sections involving seismic requirements, addressing bracing requirements for lateral loads design to help protect structures from wind and earthquakes. These new requirements reflect British Columbia’s high seismic hazard values.
Another area with broad impacts to building projects is that all new buildings must comply with the provincial minimum Level 1 of the Zero Carbon Step Code. This requires measuring and disclosing operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and installing systems to track and report these emissions.
The provincial minimum is Level 1 and the CSRD’s building permit process will implement this provincial requirement.
The CSRD is here to help builders and developers understand and implement the new provincial building code requirements.
To get started, please review the provincial code updates and resources provided by the BC government.
If you have questions about how these provincial requirements will be implemented locally, contact us by calling 250-832-8194 or email buildingpermit@csrd.bc.ca
Submitted by Tracy Hughes,
Communications Coordinator
Corporate Services
Columbia Shuswap Regional District
