Innovation

BC Code development aims to support the construction of safe and accessible buildings.

Work to identify, review, and consider new opportunities to support cost-effective and efficient design and construction of new buildings is ongoing.

On this page

• Single exit stair buildings
• Standardized housing designs

Single exit stair buildings

Code changes allowing the design and construction of single exit stair buildings came into effect on August 27, 2024.

An information bulletin will be published soon and will explain the new single exit stair code requirements. Please check the Technical Bulletins - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca) webpage.

Single exit stair building design is an innovative project that builds on experience and solutions in other jurisdictions. The project began as an opportunity to explore options for increasing the supply of homes in locations where lot size may limit development options. 

In January 2024, a request for proposal was published to engage a consultant specializing in building design, engineering, and fire and life safety to prepare an options report to better understand the potential for permitting single exit stair designs in B.C. buildings.

An expert advisory committee was convened to seek input on the draft report and identify safety considerations and provide other input into the development of the options report.

The final report is available for review:

• Download the Single Egress Stair Building Designs: Policy and Technical Options Report

Based on options provided in the report, code language was developed.

From July to August 2024, representatives from the fire service community, specific groups from the building sector, and local governments were invited to review and comment on draft code language. The Ministry of Housing, working with the Office of the Fire Commissioner, will undertake further engagement to address some of the concerns raised. 

Standardized housing designs

The Province has commissioned standardized, customizable residential designs and a companion catalogue for people building small-scale, multi-unit housing on lots previously zoned for single-family homes and duplexes. The digital designs are free to the public and can be used by builders, designers, and homeowners to build accessory dwelling units, duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes, and townhomes. Local governments can also choose to fast track approval of the designs to expedite permitting and development.

The designs use a component-based approach that enables many potential configurations with interchangeable floor plans. Designs can be layered two or three storeys high, including options for garages and increased number of bedrooms. There are various roof shapes, materials, and exterior cladding to choose from, with customizable features like window awnings, porches, or other design features. 

Read the catalogue and costing estimate

The Standardized Design Catalogue contains illustrations and describes the designs in more detail.

• Read the catalogue (PDF, 12 MB)

A Class D costing estimate, produced by a third party, provides general costing assumptions and estimates which can help people price out their project.

• Read the costing estimate (PDF)

Download the design and energy modelling files

• To view and download the design files, you must read and accept a terms of use (external link).