Proposed Building Code Changes in BC Will Expand Mass Timber to Taller Buildings

British Columbia’s Minster of Housing, Ravi Kahlon, announced on Monday (12-11-23) that proposed changes to the BC building code will expand the use of mass timber to build taller buildings.

“These proposed mass timber building code changes align with our recent work to deliver more homes near transit hubs by allowing taller buildings and more sustainable housing options near transit,” Kahlon said. “These changes will also help reduce carbon pollution, support the forestry sector, create jobs, build more homes, and lead to more vibrant, healthier communities.”

The proposed changes to the British Columbia Building and Fire Codes (BC Codes 2024) would enable taller mass timber buildings, as many as 18 stories for residential and office buildings, instead of the current 12-story limit. The changes would also allow for more exposed mass timber or fewer layers of encapsulation in buildings (depending on a building’s height) and allow more building types (such as schools, shopping centers, and industrial facilities) to be built using mass timber.

After a public comment period, the BC government will decide on what changes are ready to move forward and what changes, if any, need further technical analysis. Key changes are expected to be adopted as soon as spring 2024.

Increasing the opportunities for mass timber construction comes at the same time the Province is addressing the housing crisis through its Homes for People action plan. New laws introduced this fall will increase density in urban areas through small-scale multi-unit housing and transit-oriented development, creating more mass timber opportunities to build homes more quickly with a lower carbon footprint.

This project builds on the government’s work to streamline and expedite provincial housing permits and authorizations, while stimulating economic growth. It is also part of a $19-billion housing investment by the BC government. Since 2017, the Province has more than 77,000 homes delivered or underway.