BCBC 2024 Changes to Part 9 Bracing to Resist Lateral Loads & Zero Carbon Step Code

Description

Starting March 10, 2025, updates to the BC Building Code include revised seismic design rules and new ‘zero carbon’ GHG emission standards. This session will cover the important upcoming changes.

Key changes

Starting March 10, 2025, the BC Building Code has adopted,

-  New Part 9 bracing requirements for wood frame construction.  The redesign of Section 9.23. is substantially changed to accommodate modern housing design and higher seismicity, mainly Subsection 9.23.13. Bracing to Resist Lateral Loads Due to Wind and Earthquake. The increased seismicity warranted a redesign of the methods for resisting lateral loads and new solutions so that designers can continue to design within Part 9. These changes will apply to all Part 9 housing in BC, including low seismic and wind locations.

-  New provincial minimum Level 1 of the Zero Carbon Step Code. This requires that buildings must comply and includes:

• Measuring and disclosing operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
• Installing systems to track and report these emissions

Dates:

Prince George: March 5, 2025, Courtyard by Marriott Hotel

*Net Zero Carbon Energy Step Code breakfast is included in the Prince George stop only

Fernie:  March 12, 2025

Invermere:  March 13, 2025

Creston:  April 11, 2025

Notes:  

-  Registration is via the CHBA-BC site here (on this page, scroll down to the appropriate location)

-  The Community Energy Association has committed financial support: an additional $50 per registration