Canadian Building Codes & Standards

Index to Free Download PDF Copies of Building Codes & Standards

Direct access to free electronic codes and user’s guides for Canadians!

The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) provides

• FREE ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO THE NATIONAL MODEL CODES of CANADA through funding from the Government of Canada in support of freely available and harmonized building codes.

Canadian National Model Codes - 2023

Where to find the New Canadian Building Code Website - Free Access to Canadian Building Codes

Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes website now live // Mise en ligne du site Web du Comité canadien de l’harmonisation des codes de construction

The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) is excited to announce the launch of its NEW WEBSITE [by the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes. ]
Website excerpts:

The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) is responsible for the development of Canada’s National Model Codes, which contain objectives related to health, safety, the protection of buildings from fire and structural damage, and the protection of the environment.

The CBHCC, which is made up of representatives from provincial, territorial, and federal public services, approves the content of the National Model Codes and works within a system of groups that provide oversight, advice, and develop proposed changes.

In the future, the site will host public reviews where stakeholders can provide their input on proposed code changes and seminars highlighting significant code changes.

Canadian building code users can access the latest, updated editions of the National Model Codes, including the National Building Code of Canada 2020, the National Fire Code of Canada 2020, the National Plumbing Code of Canada 2020, and the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020.

The Codes are developed by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC), and are published by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC).

The CCBFC has included nearly 400 updates in the latest editions of the National Model Codes. These replace the 2015 and 2017 editions of the codes.

Canadian National Model Codes - 2020 - free in electronic format

The 2020 National Model Codes are available for free, in electronic format, through

NRC’s PUBLICATIONS ARCHIVE [Website]

and for purchase, in printed format, from

NRC's VIRTUAL STORE [Website] .

Previous editions of the codes also remain available through these websites.

Making the codes freely available in electronic format has given more Canadians access to the

• NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF CANADA (NBC) -
  
  National Building Code of Canada STANDARD by National Research Council Canada, 2015 and later editions can be purchased at https://www.techstreet.com/standards/nrc-canadian-building-code?product_id=1915849
  Excerpt:
  
  The National Building Code of Canada (NBC), published by NRC and developed by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes, sets out technical provisions for the design and construction of new buildings.
  
  It also applies to the alteration, change of use and demolition of existing buildings. Over 360 technical changes have been incorporated in this new edition.
• THE NATIONAL FIRE CODE OF CANADA (NFC),
• THE NATIONAL PLUMBING CODE OF CANADA (NPC),
• THE NATIONAL ENERGY CODE OF CANADA FOR BUILDINGS (NECB),

as well as the provincial codes published by the NRC. These codes play a critical role in protecting the health and safety of Canadians when their homes, their places of work and other buildings are built or renovated.

The NRC is pleased to share two recent updates that aim to further improve access to the National Model Codes and related publications for Canadians:
Free user’s guides

To help ensure that the National Model Codes are properly understood and effectively implemented, the NRC is now offering free electronic access to the related user’s guides, including:

• STRUCTURAL COMMENTARIES (USER'S GUIDE – NBC 2015: PART 4 OF DIVISION B)
  
• ILLUSTRATED USER’S GUIDE – NBC 2015: PART 9 OF DIVISION B, HOUSING AND SMALL BUILDINGS
  
• USER’S GUIDE – NATIONAL ENERGY CODE OF CANADA FOR BUILDINGS 2017
  

The user’s guides are designed to complement the National Model Codes by providing additional background information, as well as detailed examples and calculations.

Direct access to codes and user’s guides in electronic format

To improve online access to the National Model Codes and the related user’s guides, the NRC has now made the current and previous electronic editions of these publications available for download in PDF format from

• the NRC PUBLICATIONS ARCHIVE.

The NRC is also working towards providing the next electronic editions of the codes and user’s guides in a new accessible HTML format.

Where to Obtain Printed Copies of Canadian Building Codes

The print editions of the code publications will continue to be available for purchase through

• the NRC VIRTUAL STORE
• Contact us
  Codes Canada
  Email: codes@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Canadian Building Code Downloads & Excerpts

• Barrie Canada DECK SPECIFICATIONS [PDF] retrieved 2018/10/23, original source: https://www.barrie.ca/Living/Housing-and-Property/renovations-and-projects/Documents/Deck-Specifications.pdf
• BRITISH COLUMBIA DECK & BALCONY BUILDING GUIDE [PDF] BC Housing, retrieved 2018/10/23, original source: https://boabc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/IG-Building-Safe-Durable-Decks-Balconies.pdf
  
  Note: Cable Railings do not appear in this guide
  
• CABLE GUARDRAILS in CANADA [PDF] - BCC Ruling No. 16­26­1454 on cable railings in Canada, retrieved 2018/10/20, original source: www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page16639.aspx
  
  In Canada, a building permit is required when constructing new or when renovating the structure of any existing porch or deck that is 24” high or greater above finished grade.
• CLOTHES DRYER VENT CLEARANCES & TERMINATION - web article, USA & Canada
• CANADA: Division 23 - Heating, Ventilation And Air Conditioning (HVAC) Newfoundland / Labrador retrieved 2019/10/03 original source: https://www.tw.gov.nl.ca/works/masterspec/div23.html

• Canadian Electrical Code, CE Code, CSA 22.1, published by the Canadian Standards Association describes rules & procedures for electrical equipment installation & maintenance in Canada. First edition : 1927
  CSA Codes & Standards [Website] is at http://www.csagroup.org/codes-standards/
  
  CSA Standards & Codes Store [Website] is at http://shop.csa.ca/en/canada/standards+codes/icat/publications
  
  C22.1 Canadian Electrical Code (2015) [Website] in sections as PDFs and other formats at http://shop.csa.ca/en/canada/electrical/c221-canadian-electrical-code/icat/cec

• CANADA: NMSC Wiring Code, Bulletin 12-19-11 Non-Metallic-Sheathed Cables (NMSC) wiring methods Rules 2-034, 2-300, 4-004, 12-500 to 12-526, 12-3102 and 12-3022(3) (2012) [PDF]

• CANADIAN STAIR CODES & STANDARDS - Canada

• Fire Codes: Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes, NRC Construction, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6"
  
  THE NATIONAL FIRE CODE OF CANADA (NFC)
  
  Website: http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/solutions/advisory/codes_centre/commission.html
  
  Website Excerpt: Established by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) develops and maintains Canada's National Model Construction Codes.
• MOULD STANDARDS, CANADA
• Natural Gas / Propane Code: Canada - CSA B149.1, Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code
• National Research Council Canada provides copies of the Canadian Building Code
  
  Canadian Building Codes Original Source / Downloads: NRC National Research Council Canada, Virtual Store: [active link last checked 2021/04/11]
  
  https://shop-magasin.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/nrcb2c/app/displayApp/(layout=7.01-7_1_71_63_128_6_9&carea=%24ROOT)/.do?rf=y
  
  In left column click on CONSTRUCTION PUBLICATIONS
  
  when that section expands click on Codes Canada Publications
  
  when that section expands click on "2015 Code Documents" to download Canadian model codes from the NRC
  
  Selections of Canadian Building Codes from various sources, including the NRC, are also given for free download here at InspectApedia.com
• National Building Code of Canada (2015) can be ordered by email, fax, or regular mail - or you can now download electronic copies: see the link instructions for NRC given just above - you can also download a PDF for single-viewer use.
  
  Website excerpt:The National Building Code of Canada 2015 (NBC), published by NRC and developed by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes, sets out technical provisions for the design and construction of new buildings
  
  It also applies to the alteration, change of use and demolition of existing buildings. Over 360 technical changes have been incorporated in this new edition.
• OIL TANK LEAK & ABANDONMENT REGULATIONS, CANADA Canadian & U.S. Regulations for installation, clearances, piping, reporting leaks
• ONTARIO BUILDING CODE ACT 2018 [PDF] fulltext
• ONTARIO BUILDING CODE REGULATION 350 06 2014 [PDF] complete building code
• ONTARIO BUILDING CODE REGULATION 350 06 2012 [PDF] complete building code

• Ontario Canada Building Code OBC 9.10.22. Fire Protection for Gas, Propane and Electric Cooktops
  Excerpts:
  
  9.10.22.1. Installation of Ranges
  
  (1) Reserved
  
  (2) Clearances for and protection around gas, propane and electric ranges shall be not less than those provided in Articles 9.10.22.2. and 9.10.22.3.
  
  9.10.22.2. Vertical Clearances above Cooktops
  
  (1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), framing, finishes and cabinetry installed directly above the location of the cooktop shall be not less than 750 mm above the level of cooktop burners or elements.
  
  (2) The vertical clearance described in Sentence (1) for framing, finishes and cabinets located directly above the location of the cooktop is permitted to be reduced to 600 mm above the level of the elements or burners provided the framing, finishes and cabinets,
  
  (a) are noncombustible, or
  
  
  (b) are protected by,
  
  (i) asbestos millboard not less than 6 mm thick, covered with sheet metal not less than 0.33 mm thick, or
  
  
  (ii) a metal hood with a 125 mm projection beyond the framing, finishes and cabinets.
  
  9.10.22.3. Protection Around Cooktops
  
  (1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), combustible wall framing, finishes or cabinets within 450 mm of the area where the cooktop is to be located shall be protected above the level of the heating elements or burners by material providing fire resistance not less than that of a 9.5 mm thickness of gypsum board.
  
  (2) Countertop splash boards or back plates that extend above the level of the heating elements or burners need not be protected as described in Sentence (1).
  
  (3) Except for cabinetry described in Article 9.10.22.2., cabinetry located not less than 450 mm above the level of the heating elements or burners need not be protected as described in Sentence (1).
  
  
  9.32.3.12. Outdoor Intake and Exhaust Openings
  
  (1) Separate air intake and exhaust outlet openings, when located on the same wall or roof, shall be installed so as to avoid contamination of the ventilation air by the exhaust air.
  
  (2) Intake openings shall be located so as to avoid contamination of the ventilation air from other local sources such as automobile exhausts and exhaust from adjacent buildings.
  
  (3) The distance from the bottom of an air intake opening to finished ground level or to any nearer and lower permanent horizontal surface shall be not less than 450 mm or the depth of expected snow accumulation, whichever is greater.
  
  (4) The distance separating air intakes from building envelope penetrations that are potential sources of contaminants, such as gas vents or oil fill pipes, shall be not less than 900 mm.
  
  (5) Air intakes shall be clearly labelled as such for identification from locations outside the dwelling unit.
  
  (6) The distance from the bottom of an exhaust outlet to finished ground level or to any nearer and lower permanent horizontal surface shall be not less than 100 mm.
  
  (7) Where air intake and exhaust openings are in exposed locations, provision shall be made to protect them from the entry of precipitation by the use of louvres, weather cowls or other suitable protection.
  
  (8) Air intake openings shall incorporate screens or grilles to protect against the entry of animals and insects.
  
  (9) Except for exhaust outlets serving heat recovery ventilators, exhaust outlets shall incorporate backdraft dampers.
  
  (10) Except for clothes dryers, exhaust outlets shall be fitted with screens of mesh not larger than 15 mm, except where climatic conditions may require larger openings.
  
  (11) Where a screen or grille required by Sentences (8) and (10) has a screen mesh less than 6 mm, the screen or grille shall be removable for cleaning.
  
  (12) The gross area of the screens or grilles installed in intake and exhaust openings shall be three times that of the duct served.
  
  (13) Screens and grilles shall be of corrosion-resistant material.
  
  (14) The net free area of an air intake or exhaust outlet shall be equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of the duct served.
  
  9.32.3.13. Installation
  
  (1) Installation of fans and heat recovery ventilators shall be in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions for minimizing noise and vibration transmission and achieving the required sound rating.
  
  (2) Where flow-regulating dampers are required, they shall be adjustable and accessible without requiring the removal of fans, motors, or insulating materials and without the need for specialized tools.
  
  (3) Ventilation equipment shall be accessible for inspection, maintenance, repair and cleaning.
  
  (4) Ventilation equipment installed in unheated spaces shall be installed so as to avoid condensation of moisture on fans and motors in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Structural Codes: Roofing, Canada
  
  COMPRESSION BRACING for RAFTERS (Canada) - structural code for Canada
• VENTILATION CODES, CANADA- Canadian clothes dryer ventilation codes, kitchen exhaust fan codes, bath exhaust vent fan codes