National Public Review
Publication date: March 19, 2024The National Model Codes public review provides an opportunity to review proposed technical changes and provide feedback on whether they should be approved, revised, or withdrawn.
Current reviews
National Model Codes 2025: Technical review of proposed changes to the National Model Codes 2020 from
May 27 to July 29, 2024 to inform content of the 2025 editions.
Review the complete list of proposed National Model Codes changes.
Your participation is important and encouraged to ensure the perspective of people in British Columbia is considered in the development of national standards. The BC Building and Plumbing Codes are based on the National Model Codes and proposed national changes are typically adopted into future BC Codes.
Please visit the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Code’s website to provide your input.
Comments will be accepted until July 29, 2024.
After the public review closes, comments received will be reviewed and inform final recommendations on the proposed changes. The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes will determine when the changes will be published in the next edition of the National Model Codes .
Past reviews
National Model Codes 2025: Technical review of proposed changes to the National Model Codes 2020
February 27 to April 29, 2024 (Review now closed)
Proposed national code changes include:
- adaptable and visitable dwellings
- seismic hazard and forces on structures
- post disaster performance requirements
- airtightness and energy use intensity compliance path
- green house gas emissions
- alterations to existing buildings
- and many more
Review the complete list of proposed National Model Codes changes.
Your participation is important and encouraged. The BC Codes are based largely on the National Model Codes and proposed national changes will likely be adopted into future BC Codes.
Please visit the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Code’s website to provide your input.
Comments will be accepted until April 29, 2024.
After the public review closes, comments received will be reviewed and inform final recommendations on the proposed changes. The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes will determine when the changes will be published in the next edition of the National Model Codes.
Mass Timber Construction: Technical review of proposed code changes
December 8, 2023 to February 16, 2024 (Review now closed)
The provincially led national Joint Task Group — Harmonized Variations for Mass Timber (JTG-HVMT) is inviting comments on proposed code changes related to encapsulated mass timber construction (EMTC). The proposed code changes build on the 2020 National Model Code provisions for EMTC and would expand the use of mass timber to more building occupancies, enable taller buildings, and vary encapsulation requirements.
A final report will be prepared by the JTG-HVMT and submitted to the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes for consideration for incorporation into future editions of the National Model Codes. The report and proposed code content will also be made available to any jurisdictions wanting to pursue the expansion of permissions for mass timber construction in a harmonized and coordinated way ahead of any updates to the National Model Codes.