Starting May 1st, Step 3 will be mandatory for Part 9 buildings across BC. Municipalities below Step 3 will be most affected, including:
Abbotsford
Burnaby
City of Langley
Chilliwack
Delta
Maple Ridge
Mission
Sunshine Coast
If you submit your permit application before May 1st, it will only be subject to current requirements. Contact our team for your Step Code compliance reports. We offer 10-day turnaround with all-in pricing starting at $1,000.
Questions
Where can I read about the details?
See the official announcement on the BC Energy Step Code requirements page. For code details, see Ministerial Order BA 2023 08 (PDF) and read the convenience copy of the changes (PDF for information only).
The revision includes a prescriptive option. Can I use it?
Probably not. The prescriptive option will only be available if your municipality that has passed an enabling bylaw. The default requirement will be the performance pathway.
What is the Zero Carbon Step Code?
Intended to transition all new buildings to zero-carbon by 2030, the Zero Carbon Step Code is an opt-in carbon pollution standard. Starting May 1st, it will be available for local governments to reference. Check with your municipality for implementation updates.
My permit application won't be ready for May 1st. How do I get it to Step 3?
Most designs can meet Step 3 without huge changes. For details, see our page on Step 3 Requirements or schedule a consultation with a Step Code advisor.