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Standardized Designs for Small-Scale, Multi-Unit Housing Released
BC Government
 Yesterday, the Ministry of Housing released a catalogue of free standardized designs for small-scale, multi-unit housing which are intended to speed up the building process and reduce the cost for this housing.
Most of the designs are based on "building blocks" that can be mixed and matched, to add features such as a garage or bedrooms, and stacked up to three storeys high. They include concepts for duplex, triplex, quadplex and townhouse designs. Also included are a variety of roof shapes and exterior finishes, so all the designs can blend in seamlessly with existing neighbourhoods, keeping with the intent of small-scale, multi-unit housing to add density. There are also designs for accessory dwelling units, such as laneway homes, and a fully adaptable cottage suitable for aging in place.
Each design complies with the 2024 B.C. Building Code and can be customized for different lot sizes and configurations for use throughout B.C., recognizing that minor amendments may be required to manage specific site conditions.
The full announcement is here and the catalogue of the standardized designs is available here.
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BC Building Code Update: Enabling Single Exit Stair Buildings
BC Government
Late last week, the BC government announced a building code revision to enable permissions for the design and construction of new residential multi-family single exit stair buildings.
Revision 3 to the BC Building Code came into force on August 27, 2024.
The BC Building Code changes:
- Enable single exit stair buildings, up to 6 storeys in height,
- Limit the occupancy load to 24 people, per floor,
- Limit the travel distance to the exit,
- Provide automatic sprinkler systems throughout buildings, including balconies,
- Manage smoke movement and include other fire protections, and
- Require high-level local fire department and high-level building
operations and management to ensure ongoing fire system inspections.
CHBA BC has supported building code changes to enable midrise single-stair buildings (that maintain fire and life safety conditions) to provide more options for families and increase housing supply.
"We're optimistic the code revision will help to increase the housing supply in BC by making the development of small multi-unit residential buildings more feasible," said CHBA CEO Neil Moody. "It has the potential to lower construction costs, allow for greater design flexibility and increase the floor area efficiency of such buildings."
The code changes are in force now. You can read the full announcement here.
Additionally, new Technical Bulletins for BC Building Code 2024 have been published and you can expect to find more added as they are finalized.
The code revision will help to increase the supply of housing by making the development of smaller properties more feasible, increasing the floor area efficiency and design flexibility of small multi-unit residential buildings.
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Less Than One Month Until CHBA BC's Whistler Conference
CHBA BC
 October 2-3 will be filled with two days of insightful sessions, networking opportunities, and the latest industry updates, all while earning 8.5 valuable CPD points. Don't miss out — secure your spot today and take advantage of this opportunity to learn, connect, and grow in Whistler!
Combine CHBA BC's upcoming Whistler Conference and the Education Summit and you’ve now earned over 20 CPD. That's enough to fulfill your CPD program requirements for your license renewal!
Visit our event page to register and view the conference program.
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BC Hydro Announces Capital Projects to Support Growth in Tri-Cities
BC Government
BC Hydro will construct approximately $360 million worth of capital projects in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody and the Village of Anmore over the next decade to upgrade and expand the electricity grid and provide clean power for homes, businesses, and growing electrification and transportation needs.
The Tri-Cities area is witnessing significant growth. The region's population has more than doubled over the past 20 years and is projected to rise further by nearly 60% to almost 400,000 by 2050. This increase is resulting in new housing developments, densification, new businesses and growing transportation, electrification and energy needs. To meet this surge in demand, approximately $360 million is being invested in several projects, including:
- redevelopment of the Barnard substation to service Burquitlam and central Coquitlam, powering an additional 18,000 to 30,000 new homes to be in service by 2029;
- improvements at the Buntzen Lake 1 and 2 generating facilities to address seismic and reliability risks; and
- an upgrade and relocation of the 230kV switchyard control building at the Burrard Synchronous Condense site.
- In addition to these major projects, transmission and distribution investments will support new residential developments, load growth in Burquitlam, central Coquitlam and Fraser Mills communities, as well as the energy requirements at Translink's new additional operations and maintenance centre, which is under construction.
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Weekly Update
Canadian Home Builders' Association of British Columbia
400-6400 Roberts Street | Burnaby, B.C., V5G 4C9
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chbabc.org
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This hands-on, one-day event has been a hit with both new and experienced Part 9 residential builders, offering essential insights and practical skills to excel in high-performance building enclosure designs — skills that are crucial as we move towards future code requirements.
