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Building Code Appeal Board

Last updated on August 27, 2024

The Building Code Appeal Board reviews appeals of local authority decisions related to building regulations. You can submit an appeal to the board for review.

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The board reviews appeals

The Building Code Appeal Board reviews appeals of local authority decisions on whether a matter conforms to a provincial building regulation, including the BC Building and Plumbing Codes. It operates under the Building Act (Part 4, sections 19 to 21).

The board does not hear:

  • Disputes related to local authorities issuing permits
  • Disputes related to enforcement regimes
  • Local authority bylaw requirements

The board makes decisions independent from government:

  • Board members include subject-matter experts from outside government
  • A member of the Building and Safety Standards Branch serves as board secretary

Meetings are typically held twice monthly. Each meeting, the board reviews appeal application packages to reach a decision.

Make an appeal

An appeal can be made to resolve a disagreement with a decision made by a local authority, such as a building official.

An appeal can only be made by either:

  • The building owner
  • The building owner's counsel
  • Someone retained by the owner under contract or subcontract to design, construct, alter, repair or demolish the building

The person submitting the appeal application is called the "appellant".

The board expects that both the appellant and local authority abide by all applicable legislation, regulations and local enactments, including:

  • The Building Act
  • Laws for professional governance and/or conduct
  • Local authority enactments

Information in the application is available to both parties.

Prepare an appeal application

  1. Download and complete all sections (A, B, C, D) of the appeal application form (PDF)
  2. Include additional information such as:
    • Building drawings
    • Reports
    • Any documents that could help inform the decision under dispute
  3. Ensure the application is signed by both the appellant and the local authority

Additional information must be in PDF format if the application is submitted via email.

Submit an appeal application

Submit completed applications via email, mail or courier to the Building Code Appeal Board. 

Emailed applications are recommended. 

Incomplete or mailed applications may result in a delay.

Applications can be submitted via email to: BuildingCodeAppealBoard@gov.bc.ca

Applications can be submitted via mail or courier to:

Building Code Appeal Board
Unit 1270 – 605 Robson Street
Vancouver BC  V6B 5J3

As a pilot project, the Board has scheduled meetings on the first and third Thursday of each month. Applications received no later than 15 calendar days prior to each meeting will be reviewed at the next scheduled meeting.

When an appeal is reviewed

The board will notify the appellant and the local authority if and when the appeal will be considered.

Incomplete submissions that do not meet requirements will be returned to the appellant and the local authority.

Decisions typically take two to five weeks from when an application is received. Appellants and local authorities are notified by email of a final decision.

Board decisions

Building Code Appeal Board decisions are final and binding. The board cannot relax, waive or alter any part of the BC Building Code.

Decisions can only be overruled if it is determined that the basic principles of administrative law had not been followed. 

The board does not approve building materials, products or systems.

Board remuneration reports

Public Interest Disclosure Reports

Effective April 1, 2022, the jurisdiction of the Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA) was extended over several public bodies, including the Building Code Appeal Board (BCAB). PIDA provides a framework for employees to report specific kinds of serious wrongdoing with legislated protection from reprisal. Section 38 of PIDA requires BCAB to report annually on all disclosures of wrongdoing made in the past year.