The 2014 editions of the Alberta Building Code and the Alberta Fire Code based on the 2010 National Building and Fire Codes were adopted at the end of February 2015 by provincial regulation. Also adopted by regulation is the National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB) 2011 edition.
Key changes in the codes include:
• A new building class known as “B3” to address the demand for a more flexible range of care accommodation for an aging population.
• New provisions to allow for the construction and fire protection during construction of six-storey wood buildings entirely based on the national code requirements for the upcoming 2015 national building and fire code editions
• New building protection against radon gas
• Energy efficiency requirements for housing and small buildings under section 9.36 of the Alberta Building Code.
Each code has a coming into force date and a transition period. The coming into force date is the date on which the codes apply or may be used in Alberta. The transition period is to allow construction under the previous 2006 Alberta Building Code or under the new codes. All coming into force dates have a standard six-month transition period to construct in the previous code provided a permit has been issued prior to the end of the transition period; or the safety codes officer is satisfied that the preparation of the plans and specifications for the project commenced prior to the coming into force date. The objective of this section is to prevent unnecessary and costly changes to construction already underway or plans that have been substantially developed for construction.
For more information and details on when these codes can be implemented in Alberta click here.
