City of Vancouver Implements New Building By-law for All Renovations

reTHINKING your space? If yes, get your permit plans in before Dec 19, 2014.City of Vancouver has a new building by-law Effective January 1st, 2015. All permits processed after Dec 19 for one-and two family dwelling renovations will be processed under the new 2014 City of Vancouver Building By-law.Summary:New Energy Efficiency requirement for one- and two- family dwellings.Construction ValueUpgrade LevelRenovation Applications with a value 5k-25kApplicant to provide an Energuide report completed within the last 4 years. If work includes replacement of boiler or furnace, annual fuel utilization efficiency shall be ≥90%Renovation applications with a value 25k-50kAs above plus:If Energuide report indicates >5 air changes/hour, building envelop air sealing requiredRenovation applications with a value of 50kAs above plus:If attic insulation <R12 it must be increased to R28If attic insulation >=R12 it must be increased to R40 but not to exceed R43.7If a flat roof and cathedral ceiling insulation it must be upgraded to >=R14

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On April 1, 2014, Council adopted the 2012 British Columbia Building Code (BCBC) with additional requirements and revisions specific to Vancouver, which takes effect January 1, 2015 (extended from July 1, 2014 at the June 24 Council meeting).n September, 2013, Council approved in principle a new 2014 City of Vancouver Building Bylaw (VBBL).

Developed in consultation with industry professionals, the new 2014 Building Bylaw 10908 includes amendments to the current Building Bylaw 9419 to improve housing for seniors and people with disabilities, while supporting the objectives of the Greenest City 2020 Action Plan.

What it means for renovations to one-and two-family dwellings* Energy efficient upgrades based on renovation value* Upgrade unsafe guards, handrails and stairs to comply with the new By-law requirements of the City of Vancouver* All new work to comply with the Building By-law as appropriate* Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to be in conformance and installedLet us take care of the city and help you get your design phase on the go before the new By-laws take place.For more information visit City of Vancouver Building By-law