Codes and Regulations

On May 1, 2023, the Province amended the BC Building Code, and raised the base energy efficiency for new buildings by 20%. Based on these changes:

• All buildings regulated by Part 9 of the BC Building Code containing residential occupancies, as defined by the BC Building Code, shall be designed and constructed to meet the minimum performance requirements specified in Step 3 of the Energy Step Code.
• All buildings regulated by Part 3 of the BC Building Code containing residential, business and personal services, or mercantile occupancies, as defined by the BC Building Code, shall be designed and constructed to meet the minimum performance requirements specified in Step 2 of the Energy Step Code.

Better Homes BC Search Tool

CACEA Energy Advisor Database

CHBA Licensed Energy Advisors

NRC Service Organization Database

Depending on the type of building or development project you are planning on undertaking, a Soil or Fill Notice of Intent (NOI) may be required through the ALC prior to the issuance of a Building Permit.

• Detached, auxiliary dwellings (additional / second dwellings),
• “Non-farm use” auxiliary buildings or structures,
• Constructing or maintaining either a farm use building OR a principal residence if the total area from which soil is removed, or on which fill is placed, is greater than 1,000 m², and
• Any other work not exempted by the ALR Use Regulation

A person who places fill or removes soil from land in the ALR without successfully having completed an Notice of Intent (NOI) or Soil or Fill Use Application, may be subject to a penalty or order to remediate the land or remove the unauthorized fill.

You can also check out this NOI requirements factsheet for further information.

If you require further clarification, please contact the ALC at alc.soil@gov.bc.ca or 236-468-3343.

Soil and Fill Uses in the ALR

Soil and Fill NOI in the ALR

Necessary for Farm Use Structures Clarification

Making an NOI Application with the ALC