Appendix A - Division A

A-1.1.1.1.(2) Factory-Built Houses. The Vancouver Building By-law applies the same requirements to site-built and factory-built houses. However, it can often be difficult determining whether a factory-built house complies with these requirements once it has been delivered to its construction site because many of the wall, roof and floor assemblies are closed in and their components cannot be inspected. CSA Standard CAN/CSA-A277, “Procedure for Certification of Factory-Built Houses”, was developed to address this problem. It describes a procedure whereby an independent certification agency can review the quality control procedures of a housing factory and make periodic, unannounced inspections of its products and thus, through suitable labeling, provide assurance to authorities at the final site that those components which cannot be inspected on site comply with the code indicated on the label. It is not a building code, only a procedure for certifying compliance of factory-built components with a building code or other standard. If a factory-built house bears a label of an accredited certification agency indicating that compliance with the Vancouver Building By-law has been certified using the A277 procedure, the accepting authority will have some assurance that the hidden components do not need to be inspected again on site.

On the other hand, portions of the CSA-Z240 series of standards on mobile homes do resemble a building code. These portions contain requirements in many of the areas where the Vancouver Building By-law also has requirements and frequently the requirements are different. Other portions of the Z240 standards deal with special requirements for mobile homes related to the fact that these houses are intended to be periodically moved over roads. The Vancouver Building By-law considers mobile homes certified to the Z240 standard as acceptable housing and they are permitted under Clause 1.1.2.2.(1)(g).

A-1.1.1.1.(2) Factory-Built Houses. The British Columbia Building Code applies the same requirements to site-built and factory-built houses. However, it can often be difficult determining whether a factory-built house complies with these requirements once it has been delivered to its construction site because many of the wall, roof and floor assemblies are closed in and their components cannot be inspected. CSA Standard CAN/CSA-A277, “Procedure for Certification of Factory-Built Houses”, was developed to address this problem. It describes a procedure whereby an independent certification agency can review the quality control procedures of a housing factory and make periodic, unannounced inspections of its products and thus, through suitable labeling, provide assurance to authorities at the final site that those components which cannot be inspected on site comply with the code indicated on the label. It is not a building code, only a procedure for certifying compliance of factory-built components with a building code or other standard. If a factory-built house bears a label of an accredited certification agency indicating that compliance with the British Columbia Building Code has been certified using the A277 procedure, the accepting authority will have some assurance that the hidden components do not need to be inspected again on site.

On the other hand, portions of the CSA-Z240 series of standards on mobile homes do resemble a building code. These portions contain requirements in many of the areas where the British Columbia Building Code also has requirements and frequently the requirements are different. Other portions of the Z240 standards deal with special requirements for mobile homes related to the fact that these houses are intended to be periodically moved over roads. The British Columbia Building Code considers mobile homes certified to the Z240 standard as acceptable housing and they are permitted under Clause 1.1.2.2.(1)(g).

A-1.1.1.2.(1) Application to Existing Buildings. This By-law is most often applied to existing or relocated buildings when an owner wishes to rehabilitate a building, change its use, or build an addition, or when an enforcement authority decrees that a building or class of buildings be altered for reasons of public safety. It is not intended that the VBBL be used to enforce the retrospective application of new requirements to existing buildings or existing portions of relocated buildings, unless specifically required by local regulations or bylaws. For example, although the VFBL could be interpreted to require the installation of fire alarm, standpipe and hose, and automatic sprinkler systems in an existing building for which there were no requirements at the time of construction, the VFBL should not be applied in this manner to these buildings unless the Chief Building Official has determined that there is an inherent threat to occupant safety and has issued an order to eliminate the unsafe condition, or where substantial changes or additions are being made to an existing building or the occupancy has been changed. (See also Appendix Note A-1.1.1.1.(1) of Division A of the VFBL.)

Relocated buildings that have been in use in another location for a number of years can be considered as existing buildings, in part, and the same analytical process can be applied as for existing buildings. It should be noted, however, that a change in occupancy may affect some requirements (e.g. loads and fire separations) and relocation to an area with different wind, snow or earthquake loads will require the application of current By-law requirements. Depending on the construction of the building and the changes in load, structural modifications may be required. Similarly, parts of a relocated or existing building that are reconstructed, such as foundations and basements, or parts being modified are required to be built to current by-law.

Whatever the reason, By-law application to existing or relocated buildings requires careful consideration of the level of safety needed for that building. This consideration involves an analytical process similar to that required to assess alternative design proposals for new construction. See Clause 1.2.1.1.(1)(b) and its Appendix Note for information on achieving compliance with the By-law using alternative solutions.

In developing By-law requirements for new buildings, consideration has been given to the cost they impose on a design in relation to the perceived benefits in terms of safety. The former is definable; the latter difficult to establish on a quantitative basis. In applying the By-law requirements to an existing building, the benefits derived are the same as in new buildings. On the other hand, the increased cost of implementing in an existing building a design solution that would normally be intended for a new building may be prohibitive.

The successful application of By-law requirements to existing construction becomes a matter of balancing the cost of implementing a requirement with the relative importance of that requirement to the overall By-law objectives. The degree to which any particular requirement can be relaxed without affecting the intended level of safety of the By-law requires considerable judgment on the part of both the designer and the Chief Building Official.

Further information on the application of By-law requirements to existing or relocated buildings may be found in the following publications:

These publications can be ordered through Client Services, Institute for Research in Construction, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6, or through the Web site at www.nationalcodes.ca.

Many local governments have identified conservation of selected heritage properties, or protection of the heritage character of certain areas, as being community planning objectives. The Province's planning objectives and growth strategy encourage and support local government in this effort. The key is to find ways to make restoration and rehabilitation of heritage buildings economically viable for the properties' owners.

It is generally recognized that the present Building By-law was primarily written for new construction and provides for a performance level that is significantly higher than what exists with many older buildings. To apply present Building By-law provisions to existing buildings is, in many cases, impractical and with heritage buildings may compromise historic appearances or authenticity. Therefore, [. . .] Alternate Compliance Methods in Part 10 were developed to provide alternate methods for complying with the performance level intended by the Building By-law. The use of sprinklers is advocated as one of the primary methods in assuring this performance level for heritage buildings. Sprinkler systems not only control the fire which aids evacuation, but also provides the added benefit of protecting the building from possible destruction by fire.

The Alternative Compliance Methods represents some of the ways that restoration and rehabilitation of heritage buildings can be facilitated without compromising the objectives of the Building By-law. Only buildings which have been identified by the Provincial or local government are included in the definition of “heritage building.” For these buildings, conservation is also a public objective. Heritage buildings often offer unique problems and opportunities, and each situation must be assessed individually.

The use of the Alternate Compliance Methods in Part 10 is not mandatory and an owner may choose to apply Division B or other Section in Part 10, may wish to apply alternate solutions as permitted by Clause 1.2.1.1.(1)(b), or may wish to combine these options.

A-1.1.1.1.(1) Application to Existing Buildings. This Code is most often applied to existing or relocated buildings when an owner wishes to rehabilitate a building, change its use, or build an addition, or when an enforcement authority decrees that a building or class of buildings be altered for reasons of public safety. It is not intended that the BCBC be used to enforce the retrospective application of new requirements to existing buildings or existing portions of relocated buildings, unless specifically required by local regulations or bylaws. For example, although the BCFC could be interpreted to require the installation of fire alarm, standpipe and hose, and automatic sprinkler systems in an existing building for which there were no requirements at the time of construction, the BCFC should not be applied in this manner to these buildings unless the authority having jurisdiction has determined that there is an inherent threat to occupant safety and has issued an order to eliminate the unsafe condition, or where substantial changes or additions are being made to an existing building or the occupancy has been changed. (See also Appendix Note A-1.1.1.1.(1) of Division A of the BCFC.)

Relocated buildings that have been in use in another location for a number of years can be considered as existing buildings, in part, and the same analytical process can be applied as for existing buildings. It should be noted, however, that a change in occupancy may affect some requirements (e.g. loads and fire separations) and relocation to an area with different wind, snow or earthquake loads will require the application of current code requirements. Depending on the construction of the building and the changes in load, structural modifications may be required. Similarly, parts of a relocated or existing building that are reconstructed, such as foundations and basements, or parts being modified are required to be built to current codes.

Whatever the reason, Code application to existing or relocated buildings requires careful consideration of the level of safety needed for that building. This consideration involves an analytical process similar to that required to assess alternative design proposals for new construction. See Clause 1.2.1.1.(1)(b) and its Appendix Note for information on achieving compliance with the Code using alternative solutions.

In developing Code requirements for new buildings, consideration has been given to the cost they impose on a design in relation to the perceived benefits in terms of safety. The former is definable; the latter difficult to establish on a quantitative basis. In applying the Code requirements to an existing building, the benefits derived are the same as in new buildings. On the other hand, the increased cost of implementing in an existing building a design solution that would normally be intended for a new building may be prohibitive.

The successful application of Code requirements to existing construction becomes a matter of balancing the cost of implementing a requirement with the relative importance of that requirement to the overall Code objectives. The degree to which any particular requirement can be relaxed without affecting the intended level of safety of the Code requires considerable judgment on the part of both the designer and the authority having jurisdiction.

Further information on the application of Code requirements to existing or relocated buildings may be found in the following publications:

User's Guide - NBC 1995, Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility (Part 3)
Guidelines for Application of Part 3 of the National Building Code of Canada to Existing Buildings
“Commentary L, Application of NBC Part 4 of Division B for the Structural Evaluation and Upgrading of Existing Buildings” of the User's Guide - NBC 2005, Structural Commentaries (Part 4 of Division B)
User's Guide - NBC 1995, Application of Part 9 to Existing Buildings
Canadian Building Digest No. 230, “Applying Building Codes to Existing Buildings”

Heritage Buildings

It is generally recognized that the present Building Code was primarily written for new construction and provides for a performance level that is significantly higher than what exists with many older buildings. To apply present Building Code provisions to existing buildings is, in many cases, impractical and with heritage buildings may compromise historic appearances or authenticity. Therefore, the Table of Alternate Compliance Methods was developed to provide alternate methods for complying with the performance level intended by the Building Code. The use of sprinklers is advocated as one of the primary methods in assuring this performance level for heritage buildings. Sprinkler systems not only control the fire which aids evacuation, but also provides the added benefit of protecting the building from possible destruction by fire.

This Table of Alternative Compliance Methods represents some of the ways that restoration and rehabilitation of heritage buildings can be facilitated without compromising the objectives of the Building Code. Only buildings which have been identified by the Provincial or local government are included in the definition of “heritage building.” For these buildings, conservation is also a public objective. Heritage buildings often offer unique problems and opportunities, and each situation must be assessed individually.

The use of the Alternate Compliance Methods in Table A-1.1.1.1. is not mandatory and an owner may choose to apply Division B, may wish to apply alternate solutions as permitted by Clause 1.2.1.1.(1)(b), or may wish to combine these options.

Table A-1.1.1.1. Alternate Compliance Methods for Heritage Buildings
No.	Code Requirement	Alternate Compliance Method
1	Fire Separations 3.1.3.1.(1) and Table 3.1.3.1., 9.10.9. 2 h fire separation required between some major occupancies.	Except for F1 occupancies, 1 h fire separation is acceptable, if the building is sprinklered.
2	Fire Separations 3.1.3.1.(1) and Table 3.1.3.1., 9.10.9. 1 h fire separation required between some major occupancies.	1/2 h fire separation is acceptable if the building is sprinklered.
3	Noncombustible Construction 3.1.5. and 9.10.6.1. All materials used in noncombustible construction must be noncombustible unless otherwise permitted.	1. Roofs may be of combustible construction provided the building is sprinklered. 2. Up to 10% gross floor area to a maximum of 10% of any one floor area may be of combustible construction provided the building is sprinklered.
4	Fire-resistance Rating 3.1.7.1.(1), 9.10.3.1. Where a material, assembly of materials or structural member is required to have a fire resistance rating it shall be tested in accordance with CAN/ULC-S101	A fire-resistance rating may also be used based on: 1. HUD No. 8 Guideline on Fire Ratings of Archaic Materials and Assemblies. 2. Fire Endurance of Protected Steel Columns and Beams, DBR Technical Paper No. 194. 3. Fire Endurance of Unit Masonry Walls, DBR Technical Paper No. 207. 4. Fire Endurance of Light-Framed and Miscellaneous Assemblies, DBR Technical Paper No. 222
5	Rating of Supporting Construction 3.1.7.5., 9.10.8.3. Supporting assemblies to have fire resistance rating at least equivalent to that of the supported floor.	Heavy timber construction is permitted to have a fire resistance rating less than would be required by the Code provided the building: (a) is sprinklered, and (b) does not exceed 6 storeys in building height.
6	Continuity Of Fire Separations 3.1.8.3.(1) and (2), 9.10.9.2. Fire separations are required to be continuous above the ceiling space.	Fire separations are not required to be continuous above the ceiling space where: (a) the ceiling space is non-combustible construction, (b) both fire compartments are sprinklered, or (c) the ceiling has a minimum rating of 30 minutes.
7	Wired Glass 3.1.8.5.(1) and 3.1.8.14.(2), 9.10.13.1. and 9.10.13.5. 6 mm wired glass in steel frame required in fire separations.	For fixed transoms or sidelights, 6 mm wired glass fixed to a wood frame of at least 50 mm thickness with steel stops is permitted in a required fire separation.
8	Mezzanines 3.2.1.1.(3) to (6), 9.10.4.1. Mezzanines enclosing more than 10% above the horizontal plane are considered as storey in building height.	Enclosed mezzanines may be up to 40% of the storey in which they occur and not be considered a storey in building height if the building is sprinklered.
9	Building Height 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.83. Noncombustible construction required for buildings over 3 storeys in building height.	Buildings may be of combustible construction up to 6 storeys provided: (a) the building is sprinklered, (b) the building contains Group C, D, E, F2 or F3 occupancies, and (c) floor assemblies not required to exceed 1 h fire separation requirements may be of heavy timber construction.
10	Spatial Separation 3.2.3., 9.10.14. The area of unprotected opening shall not exceed the limits in Tables 3.2.3.1.A. to 3.2.3.1.D.	The area of unprotected opening is not limited provided: (a) the limiting distance is a minimum 1 m, (b) the building has a supervised sprinkler system in conformance with Sentence 3.2.4.9.(2), and (c) the sprinkler system is connected to the fire department in conformance with Sentence 3.2.4.7.(4).
11	Construction of Exposing Building Face 3.2.3.7., 9.10.14.5. The exposing building face is required to have a fire resistance rating and/or be of noncombustible construction.	Exposing building face is not required to have a fire resistance rating if the building is sprinklered. Also, the exposing building face is not required to be of noncombustible construction if it is protected by an exterior sprinkler system conforming to NFPA 13.
12	Roof Covering Rating 3.1.15.2.(1) Class A, B or C roof covering in conformance with CAN/ULC-S107 required.	For existing roofs not covered by a Class A, B or C roofing a manually operated deluge system in accordance with NFPA 13 is permitted.
13	Smoke Alarms 3.2.4.20(5)., 9.10.19.3.(1) Smoke alarms are required to be connected to an electric circuit.	Smoke alarms may be battery operated in single family homes only.
14	Interconnected Floor Space 3.2.8., 9.10.1.2.(6)	1. Open stairs in buildings of maximum 4 storeys in building height need not comply with Subsection 3.2.8. provided: (a) the building contains a Group C or D occupancy, (b) the building is sprinklered with fast response sprinklers, (c) corridors opening into the interconnected floor space are separated from the interconnected floor space by a fire separation with the rating required for the corridor, and (d) smoke detectors are installed in the rooms opening into the interconnected floor space and the smoke detectors are connected to the fire alarm system. 2. Open stairs in buildings of maximum 3 storeys in building height, or first 2 storeys and basement, need not comply with Subsection 3.2.8. provided: (a) the building contains a Group C or D occupancies, (b) the building is sprinklered with fast response sprinklers, (c) smoke detectors are installed in the rooms opening into the interconnected floor space and the smoke detectors are connected to the fire alarm system, and (d) at least one means of egress is not through the interconnected floor space.
15	Separation of Suites 3.3.1.1., 9.10.9.13., 9.10.9.14. Suites are required to be separated from adjoining suites by 3/4 h or 1 h rated fire separations.	Existing fire separations of 1/2 h, such as wood lath and plaster in good condition, are acceptable in sprinklered buildings not exceeding 6 storeys in building height.
16	Corridor fire separation 3.3.1.4., 9.10.9.15. Public corridors are required to be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire resistance rating of at least 3/4 h.	Existing corridors with 1/2 h fire resistance ratings, such as wood lath and plaster in good condition, are acceptable in residential occupancies provided the building: (a) does not exceed 6 storeys in building height, and (b) is fully sprinklered with fast response sprinklers.
17	Corridor Width 3.3.1.9. and 3.4.3., 9.9.3.3. Public corridors and exit corridors are permitted to have a minimum width of 1 100 mm.	Public corridors and exit corridors are permitted with a minimum width of 800 mm provided: (a) the occupant load of the building is maximum 20 people, and (b) the building does not exceed 3 storeys in building height.
18	Door Swing 3.3.1.10. and 3.4.6.11., 9.9.6.5. Doors required to swing in the direction of exit travel.	2nd egress door from a room is not required to swing in the direction of exit travel provided: (a) the building is sprinklered and the system is supervised in conformance with Sentence 3.2.4.9.(2), and (b) the occupant load of the building is maximum 100 people.
19	Stairs, Ramps, Handrails and Guards 3.3.1.14., 3.3.1.16., 3.3.1.18., 3.4.6.4. to 3.4.6.6., 9.8	Existing conditions that do not comply fully with the requirements are permitted if they are acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
20	Transparent Doors and Panels 3.3.1.19., 9.6.6.2. Glass in doors and sidelights are required to be protected by guards and to be safety glass.	Existing glass or transparent panels that do not comply fully with the requirements are permitted if sufficiently discernible or guards are provided in hazardous situations.
21	Dead-end Corridors 3.3.1.9.(7), 9.9.7.3. Dead-end corridors are permitted to a maximum length of 6 m.	1. Dead-end corridors are permitted to a maximum length of 10 m in Group C occupancies provided: (a) the building is sprinklered with fast response sprinklers, and (b) smoke detectors are installed in the corridor system. 2. Dead-end corridors are permitted to a maximum of 15 m in length in Group D, E, F2 and F3 occupancies provided: (a) the building is sprinklered with fast response sprinklers, and (b) smoke detectors are installed in the corridor system.
22	Exits 3.4.2.1., 9.9.8.2. Floor areas shall be served by not fewer than 2 exits except as permitted by 3.4.2.1.(2).	Floor areas may be served by a single exit within the limits of 3.4.2.1.(2) provided: (a) the building does not exceed 3 storeys in building height, (b) the building is sprinklered with fast response sprinklers, and (c) all floor areas are protected by a system of smoke detectors connected to a fire alarm system.
23	Reduction of Exit Width 3.4.3.3.(2), 9.9.6.1. Swinging doors in their swing shall not reduce the effective width of exit stairs and landings to less than 750 mm.	Existing swinging doors in their swing are permitted to reduce the effective width of exit stairs and landings to a minimum of 550 mm provided: (a) they serve Group C or D occupancies, (b) the building does not exceed 4 storeys in building height, and (c) the building is sprinklered.
24	Fire Separation of Exits 3.4.4.1., 9.9.4. Exits are required to be separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 3/4h.	1. Buildings of 3 storeys or less may have exits that are separated by a fire separation that does not have a fire-resistance rating provided: (a) the building is sprinklered with fast response sprinklers, and (b) the sprinkler system is supervised in accordance with Sentence 3.2.4.9.(2). 2. Buildings not exceeding 6 storeys in building height may have exits that are separated by a 3/4 h fire separation provided the building is sprinklered.
25	Exits Through Lobbies 3.4.4.2., 9.9.8.5. Rooms adjacent to the lobby are required to be separated by a fire separation.	Rooms adjacent to the lobby are not required to be separated by a fire separation provided: (a) the floor area is sprinklered with fast response sprinklers, and (b) smoke detectors are installed in the adjacent rooms.
26	Rooms Opening into Exit 3.4.4.4.(7), 9.9.5.9. Service rooms and ancillary rooms are not permitted to open directly into an exit.	Service rooms and ancillary rooms may open directly into an exit provided: (a) the room is sprinklered with fast response sprinklers, and (b) weatherstripping is installed on the door to prevent the passage of smoke.
27	Illumination of Exit Signs 3.4.5.1.(2), 9.9.10.5. Exit signs are required to be illuminated continuously while the building is occupied.	Where exit signage may compromise historic appearances, or authenticity of displays, exit signs may be installed to light only on an emergency condition, such as by the fire alarm system or due to power failure.
28	Clearance from Exit Doors 3.4.6.10.(1), 9.9.6.6. Stair risers shall not be closer than 300 mm from an exit door.	Except as permitted in Sentences 3.4.6.10.(2) or 9.9.6.6.(2), existing exit doors shall not extend beyond the first riser.
29	Fire Escapes 3.4.7., 9.9.2.1.(2) Fire escapes are required to conform to Subsection 3.4.7.	Existing fire escapes that do not completely conform to Subsection 3.4.7. are acceptable provided: (a) the fire escapes are acceptable and (b) the building is sprinklered.
30	Fire Escape Construction 3.4.7.2., 9.9.2.1.(2)	Existing combustible fire escapes are permitted if the building is permitted to be of combustible construction by Part 3, Part 9 or by these Compliance Tables.
31	Protection of Fire Escapes 3.4.7.4., 9.9.2.1.(2) Openings in the exterior wall adjacent to the fire escape are required to be protected by closures.	Existing openings in the exterior wall adjacent to the fire escape are not required to be protected by closures provided: (a) the building is sprinklered, and (b) a sprinkler head is located within 1.5 m of the opening required to be protected by Article 3.4.7.4.
32	Vertical Service Space 3.6.3.1. Vertical service spaces are required to be separated from the adjacent floor area by a rated fire separation.	Existing vertical service spaces that do not completely conform to the rated fire separation requirements are acceptable provided the vertical service spaces are sprinklered.
33	Height and Area of Rooms 3.7.1., 9.5. The height and area of rooms are required to comply to minimum dimension requirements.	Existing rooms are not required to comply to the minimum dimension requirements of Subsection 3.7.1. or Section 9.5.
34	Washroom Requirements 3.7.2., 9.31 Buildings are required to be provided with a minimum number of washroom fixtures.	Existing facilities are not required to completely comply to the requirements of Subsection 3.7.2. or Section 9.31. provided it is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
35	Access for Persons with Disabilities 3.8	Article 3.8.4.5. shall apply to existing buildings.
36	Seismic Anchorage of Exterior Decoration 4.1.8.	Existing exterior decorations are not required to fully comply to the anchorage requirements of Subsection 4.1.8. provided: (a) adequate means of protection is provided, or (b) there is no exposure to the public.
37	Mechanical Systems Part 6 and Part 7	Existing mechanical systems in buildings are not required to fully comply to the requirements of Parts 6 or 7 provided: (a) it is not an unsafe condition and (b) it is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.

A-1.2.1.1.(1)(a) By-law Compliance via Acceptable Solutions. If a building design (e.g. material, component, assembly or system) can be shown to meet all provisions of the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B (e.g. it complies with the applicable provisions of a referenced standard), it is deemed to have satisfied the objectives and functional statements linked to those provisions and thus to have complied with that part of the By-law. In fact, if it can be determined that a design meets all the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B, there is no need to consult the objectives and functional statements in Division A to determine its compliance.

A-1.2.1.1.(1)(a) Code Compliance via Acceptable Solutions. If a building design (e.g. material, component, assembly or system) can be shown to meet all provisions of the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B (e.g. it complies with the applicable provisions of a referenced standard), it is deemed to have satisfied the objectives and functional statements linked to those provisions and thus to have complied with that part of the Code. In fact, if it can be determined that a design meets all the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B, there is no need to consult the objectives and functional statements in Division A to determine its compliance.

A-1.2.1.1.(1)(b) By-law Compliance via Alternative Solutions. Where a design differs from the acceptable solutions in Division B, then it should be treated as an “alternative solution.” A proponent of an alternative solution must demonstrate that the alternative solution addresses the same issues as the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B and their attributed objectives and functional statements. However, because the objectives and functional statements are entirely qualitative, demonstrating compliance with them in isolation is not possible. Therefore, Clause 1.2.1.1.(1)(b) identifies the principle that Division B establishes the quantitative performance targets that alternative solutions must meet. In many cases, these targets are not defined very precisely by the acceptable solutions — certainly far less precisely than would be the case with a true performance code, which would have quantitative performance targets and prescribed methods of performance measurement for all aspects of building performance. Nevertheless, Clause 1.2.1.1.(1)(b) makes it clear that an effort must be made to demonstrate that an alternative solution will perform as well as a design that would satisfy the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B – not “well enough” but “as well as.”

In this sense, it is Division B that defines the boundaries between acceptable risks and the “unacceptable” risks referred to in the statements of the By-law's objectives, i.e. the risk remaining once the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B have been implemented represents the residual level of risk deemed to be acceptable by the broad base of Canadians who have taken part in the consensus process used to develop the By-law.

Where Division B offers a choice between several possible designs, it is likely that these designs may not all provide exactly the same level of performance. Among a number of possible designs satisfying acceptable solutions in Division B, the design providing the lowest level of performance should generally be considered to establish the minimum acceptable level of performance to be used in evaluating alternative solutions for compliance with the By-law.

Sometimes a single design will be used as an alternative solution to several sets of acceptable solutions in Division B. In this case, the level of performance required of the alternative solution should be at least equivalent to the overall level of performance established by all the applicable sets of acceptable solutions taken as a whole.

Each provision in Division B has been analyzed to determine to what it applies and what it is intended to achieve. The resultant application and intent statements clarify what undesirable results each provision seeks to preclude. These statements are not a legal component of the By-law, but are advisory in nature, and can help By-law users establish performance targets for alternative solutions. They are published in the electronic and CD versions of the By-law.

A subset of the acceptable solutions in Division B may establish criteria for particular types of designs (e.g. certain types of materials, components, assemblies, or systems). Often such subsets of acceptable solutions are all attributed to the same objective: Fire Safety for example. In some cases, the designs that are normally used to satisfy this subset of acceptable solutions might also provide some benefits that could be related to some other objective: Fire Protection of the Building for example. However, if none of the applicable acceptable solutions are linked to Objective OP1, Fire Protection of the Building, it is not necessary that alternative solutions proposed to replace these acceptable solutions provide a similar benefit related to Fire Protection of the Building. In other words, the acceptable solutions in Division B establish acceptable levels of performance for compliance with the By-law only in those areas defined by the objectives and functional statements attributed to the acceptable solutions.

In demonstrating that an alternative solution will perform as well as a design that would satisfy the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B, its evaluation should not be limited to comparison with the acceptable solutions to which an alternative is proposed. It is possible that acceptable solutions elsewhere in the By-law also apply. The proposed alternative solution may be shown to perform as well as the most apparent acceptable solution which it is replacing but may not perform as well as other relevant acceptable solutions. For example, an innovative sheathing material may perform adequately as sheathing in a wall system that is braced by other means but may not perform adequately as sheathing in a wall system where the sheathing must provide the structural bracing. All applicable acceptable solutions should be taken into consideration in demonstrating the compliance of an alternative solution.

A-1.2.1.1.(1)(b) Code Compliance via Alternative Solutions. Where a design differs from the acceptable solutions in Division B, then it should be treated as an “alternative solution.” A proponent of an alternative solution must demonstrate that the alternative solution addresses the same issues as the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B and their attributed objectives and functional statements. However, because the objectives and functional statements are entirely qualitative, demonstrating compliance with them in isolation is not possible. Therefore, Clause 1.2.1.1.(1)(b) identifies the principle that Division B establishes the quantitative performance targets that alternative solutions must meet. In many cases, these targets are not defined very precisely by the acceptable solutions — certainly far less precisely than would be the case with a true performance code, which would have quantitative performance targets and prescribed methods of performance measurement for all aspects of building performance. Nevertheless, Clause 1.2.1.1.(1)(b) makes it clear that an effort must be made to demonstrate that an alternative solution will perform as well as a design that would satisfy the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B – not “well enough” but “as well as.”

In this sense, it is Division B that defines the boundaries between acceptable risks and the “unacceptable” risks referred to in the statements of the Code's objectives, i.e. the risk remaining once the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B have been implemented represents the residual level of risk deemed to be acceptable by the broad base of Canadians who have taken part in the consensus process used to develop the Code.

Level of Performance

Each provision in Division B has been analyzed to determine to what it applies and what it is intended to achieve. The resultant application and intent statements clarify what undesirable results each provision seeks to preclude. These statements are not a legal component of the Code, but are advisory in nature, and can help Code users establish performance targets for alternative solutions. They are published in the electronic and CD versionsof the Code.

Areas of Performance

A subset of the acceptable solutions in Division B may establish criteria for particular types of designs (e.g. certain types of materials, components, assemblies, or systems). Often such subsets of acceptable solutions are all attributed to the same objective: Fire Safety for example. In some cases, the designs that are normally used to satisfy this subset of acceptable solutions might also provide some benefits that could be related to some other objective: Fire Protection of the Building for example. However, if none of the applicable acceptable solutions are linked to Objective OP1, Fire Protection of the Building, it is not necessary that alternative solutions proposed to replace these acceptable solutions provide a similar benefit related to Fire Protection of the Building. In other words, the acceptable solutions in Division B establish acceptable levels of performance for compliance with the Code only in those areas defined by the objectives and functional statements attributed to the acceptable solutions.

Applicable Acceptable Solutions

In demonstrating that an alternative solution will perform as well as a design that would satisfy the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B, its evaluation should not be limited to comparison with the acceptable solutions to which an alternative is proposed. It is possible that acceptable solutions elsewhere in the Code also apply. The proposed alternative solution may be shown to perform as well as the most apparent acceptable solution which it is replacing but may not perform as well as other relevant acceptable solutions. For example, an innovative sheathing material may perform adequately as sheathing in a wall system that is braced by other means but may not perform adequately as sheathing in a wall system where the sheathing must provide the structural bracing. All applicable acceptable solutions should be taken into consideration in demonstrating the compliance of an alternative solution.

A-1.3.3.4.(1) Buildings Divided by Firewalls. This concept relates to the provisions directly regulated by this By-law and does not apply to electrical service entrance requirements, which are regulated by other documents.

A-1.3.3.4.(1) Buildings Divided by Firewalls. This concept relates to the provisions directly regulated by this Code and does not apply to electrical service entrance requirements, which are regulated by other documents.

A-1.3.3.4.(2) Buildings on Sloping Sites. Application of the definition of grade to stepped buildings on sloping sites often results in such buildings being designated as being greater than 3 storeys in building height even though there may be only 2 or 3 storeys at any one location. The diagrams below illustrate this application compared to a similar building on a flat site.

Under this Sentence, Building A can be considered as being 3 storeys in building height instead of 6 storeys in building height. Both Building A and B are comparable with regard to fire safety and egress.

This relaxation applies to the determination of building height only. All other requirements continue to apply as appropriate.

Figure A-1.3.3.4.(2)

Application of the definition of grade

Under this Sentence, Building A can be considered as being 3 storeys in building height instead of 6 storeys in building height. Both Building A and Building B are comparable with regard to fire safety and egress. This relaxation applies to the determination of building height only. All other requirements continue to apply as appropriate.

A-1.3.3.6.(2)(k) Portable Classroom Exemption. This exemption is based on the following considerations

A-1.3.3.7.(2) Energy Utilization By-law. See Building Bulletin 2004-008-BU for more details on the implementation of the Energy Utilization By-law to the ASHRAE 90.1-2001 edition.

The auxiliary water supply may include water from a secondary potable water supply or from any natural source, such as a well, lake, spring, stream or harbour. It may also include waste water (but not sanitary drainage) from industrial processes, such as cooling towers, or from storm retention ponds. These sources may be polluted or contaminated and constitute an unacceptable water source over which the primary water purveyor does not have sanitary control. It is generally accepted that there are two categories of auxiliary water supply:

In Class 3 fire sprinkler/standpipe systems, water is supplied to the storage facilities from the public water supply and is maintained in potable condition. Class 3 fire sprinkler/standpipe systems resemble Class 1 fire sprinkler/standpipe systems in all other respects.

Examples of clear-water waste are the waste waters discharged from a drinking fountain, cooling jacket, air conditioner or relief valve outlet.

Designated Flood Plain. Buildings⁽¹⁾ are not permitted to be constructed where the underside of a floor system or the top of a concrete slab used for habitation, business, or storage of goods could become damaged by flood water. The following criteria are guidelines to minimise the potential for flood damage.

These setback and flood construction elevation requirements would not apply to on-loading and off-loading facilities associated with a water-oriented industry. The setback requirement may be reduced subject to the completion of an appropriate engineering study, the construction of any required erosion protection works designed by a Professional Engineer and the acceptance of the City Engineer. Technical advice may be obtained from the Regional Water Manager, Ministry of Environment and Parks.

Any construction materials used below the guideline flood construction elevation should be constructed from concrete, masonry, corrosion-protected steel or pressure-treated wood. Heating and electrical appliances (including switches and outlets, which are not of a submersible type) should be installed above the guideline flood construction elevation.

Non-habitable buildings such as carports, open-sided livestock building, etc. that are not used for the storage of goods that would not be damaged by flood waters do not need to comply to the above guidelines.


⁽¹⁾	The flood construction elevation guidelines indicated above may be reduced by 0.6 m for industrial buildings.
⁽²⁾	Where the natural boundary can be determined, an additional elevation for wave run-up may be calculated by considering the flood construction level to be 1.5 metres above the natural boundary.

There are two types of floor drains. One is an emergency floor drain installed to avoid flooding in a building from any pipe or fixture failure. The other encompasses floor drains installed to receive discharge from specific pieces of equipment; this type is defined as a fixture.

Auxiliary Water Supply

any public potable water supply over which the primary water purveyor does not have sanitary control, or
any private water supply, other than the primary potable water supply, that is on or available to the premises.

Class 3 Fire Sprinkler/Standpipe Systems

Clear-Water Waste

Examples of clear-water waste are the waste waters discharged from a drinking fountain, cooling jacket, air conditioner or relief valve outlet.

Emergency Floor Drains

Exits include doors or doorways leading directly into an exit stair or directly to the outside. In the case of an exit leading to a separate building, exits also include vestibules, walkways, bridges or balconies.

Farm buildings as defined in Article 1.4.1.2. include, but are not limited to, produce storage and packing facilities, livestock and poultry housing, milking centres, manure storage facilities, grain bins, silos, feed preparation centres, farm workshops, greenhouses, farm retail centres, and horse riding, exercise and training facilities. Farm buildings may be classed as low or high human occupancy, depending on the occupant load.

Examples of farm buildings likely to be classed as low human occupancy as defined in Article 1.2.1.2. of the National Farm Building Code of Canada are livestock and poultry housing, manure and machinery storage facilities and horse exercise and training facilities where no bleachers or viewing area are provided.

Examples of farm buildings that would be classed as other than low human occupancy include farm retail centres for feeds, horticultural and livestock produce, auction barns and show areas where bleachers or other public facilities are provided. Farm work centres where the number of workers frequently exceeds the limit for low human occupancy will also be in this category.

It is possible to have areas of both high and low human occupancy in the same building provided that the structural safety and fire separation requirements for high human occupancy are met in the part thus designated.

Heritage buildings are buildings that are legally recognized by the Province or a local government as having historic, architectural or cultural value for the Province or their communities. To qualify as a heritage building under the Vancouver Building By-law, a building must be:

The definition of this term is intended to include all types of appliances and venting systems that rely entirely on fans to evacuate the products of combustion. Systems variously referred to as “forced draft,” “power vented” and “induced draft” in standards and industry terminology may be covered by this definition. The key characteristic of such systems is that they are more resistant to depressurization-induced spillage of combustion products into the building in which they are housed because the combustion venting system downstream of the fan is “sealed,” i.e. includes no draft hood or draft control device.

A single family dwelling with a secondary suite is considered one dwelling unit for the purposes of Sentence 1.3.3.2.(2) of Division A.

There may be circumstances where the Chief Building Official would choose to exempt certain types of buildings or parts thereof from being designated as post-disaster buildings in order to permit them to be governed by Part 9 rather than by the rest of the By-law. Such is the case in the following examples: an ambulance that is stored at a volunteer's residence or a police station that is housed in a small shopping mall. The circumstances where such exemptions are permitted are intentionally limited by the definition of post-disaster building.

Post-disaster Building

There may be circumstances where the authority having jurisdiction would choose to exempt certain types of buildings or parts thereof from being designated as post-disaster buildings in order to permit them to be governed by Part 9 rather than by the rest of the Code. Such is the case in the following examples: an ambulance that is stored at a volunteer's residence or a police station that is housed in a small shopping mall. The circumstances where such exemptions are permitted are intentionally limited by the definition of post-disaster building.

A covered mall is considered to be a public corridor and, as such, is subject to the same requirements as a public corridor.

Typical examples of service rooms include boiler rooms, furnace rooms, incinerator rooms, garbage handling rooms and rooms to accommodate air-conditioning or heating appliances, pumps, compressors and electrical equipment. Rooms such as elevator machine rooms and common laundry rooms are not considered to be service rooms.

Entrances at which vehicles stop for a short time beneath an unenclosed canopy to pick up and drop off passengers are not considered as storage garages.

Tenancy in the context of the term “suite” applies to both rental and ownership tenure. In a condominium arrangement, for example, dwelling units are considered separate suites even though they are individually owned. In order to be of complementary use, a series of rooms that constitute a suite must be in reasonably close proximity to each other and have access to each other either directly by means of a common doorway or indirectly by a corridor, vestibule or other similar arrangement.

The term “suite” does not apply to rooms such as service rooms, common laundry rooms and common recreational rooms that are not leased or under a separate tenure in the context of the By-law. Similarly, the term “suite” is not normally applied in the context of buildings such as schools and hospitals, since the entire building is under a single tenure. However, a room that is individually rented is considered a suite. A warehousing unit in a mini-warehouse is a suite. A rented room in a nursing home could be considered as a suite if the room was under a separate tenure. A hospital bedroom on the other hand is not considered to be under a separate tenure, since the patient has little control of that space, even though he or she pays the hospital a per diem rate for the privilege of using the hospital facilities, which include the sleeping areas.

For certain requirements in the By-law, the expression “room or suite” is used (e.g., travel distance). This means that the requirement applies within the rooms of suites as well as to the suite itself and to rooms that may be located outside the suite. In other places the expression “suite, and rooms not located within a suite” is used (e.g., for the installation of smoke and heat detectors). This means that the requirement applies to individual suites as defined, but not to each room within the suite. The rooms “not within a suite” would include common laundry rooms, common recreational rooms and service rooms, which are not considered as tenant-occupied space.

Suite

The term ��suite” does not apply to rooms such as service rooms, common laundry rooms and common recreational rooms that are not leased or under a separate tenure in the context of the Code. Similarly, the term “suite” is not normally applied in the context of buildings such as schools and hospitals, since the entire building is under a single tenure. However, a room that is individually rented is considered a suite. A warehousing unit in a mini-warehouse is a suite. A rented room in a nursing home could be considered as a suite if the room was under a separate tenure. A hospital bedroom on the other hand is not considered to be under a separate tenure, since the patient has little control of that space, even though he pays the hospital a per diem rate for the privilege of using the hospital facilities, which include the sleeping areas.

For certain requirements in the Code, the expression “room or suite” is used (e.g., travel distance). This means that the requirement applies within the rooms of suites as well as to the suite itself and to rooms that may be located outside the suite. In other places the expression “suite, and rooms not located within a suite” is used (e.g., for the installation of smoke and heat detectors). This means that the requirement applies to individual suites as defined, but not to each room within the suite. The rooms “not within a suite” would include common laundry rooms, common recreational rooms and service rooms, which are not considered as tenant-occupied space.

Figure A-1.4.1.2.(1) -A

Backflow Preventer

Figure A-1.4.1.2.(1) -B

Back-Siphonage

Notes to Figure A-1.4.1.2.(1) -B


⁽¹⁾	Figure A-1.4.1.2.(1)-B shows a situation that is fairly common in old buildings. If the bathtub is filled to a level above the faucet outlet, or if the flush valve of the water closet is faulty, and if the faucet at the sink or lavatory on the lower floor is opened, water can be drawn (siphoned) from the bathtub or the water closet into the water system when the pressure in the water system is low or the water supply has been shut off.
⁽²⁾	Back-siphonage can be prevented in the above situations by providing an air gap or a back-siphonage preventer (see Subsection 7.6.2. of Division B).

Figure A-1.4.1.2.(1) -C

Back-Siphonage Preventer

Figure A-1.4.1.2.(1) -D

Branch Vent

Note to Figure A-1.4.1.2.(1) -D


⁽¹⁾	See also the definitions of header and drainage system in Article 1.4.1.2.

Figure A-1.4.1.2.(1) -E

Continuous Vent

Figure A-1.4.1.2.(1) -H

Fixture Outlet Pipe and Trap Arm

Figure A-1.4.1.2.(1) -I

Vent Header

Note to Figure A-1.4.1.2.(1) -I

⁽¹⁾

Although a vent header is similar to a branch vent, it serves the special purpose of connecting the tops of stack vents or vent stacks. To make certain that it is adequate for that purpose, it is made larger than a branch vent. The developed length used to determine its size is the total length from the most distant soil-or-waste pipe to outside air, rather than the shorter length used to size a branch vent.

Figure A-1.4.1.2.(1) -J

Nominally Horizontal and Nominally Vertical

Figure A-1.4.1.2.(1) -K

Offset

Figure A-1.4.1.2.(1) -L

Plumbing System

A-1.5.1.1.(1) Application of Referenced Documents. Documents referenced in the VBBL may contain provisions covering a wide range of issues, including issues that are unrelated to the objectives and functional statements stated in Parts 2 and 3 of Division A respectively; e.g. aesthetic issues such as colour-fastness or uniformity. Sentence 1.5.1.1.(1) is intended to make it clear that, whereas referencing a document in the VBBL generally has the effect of making the provisions of that document part of the By-law, provisions that are unrelated to buildings or to the objectives and functional statements attributed to the provisions in Division B where the document is referenced are excluded.

Furthermore, many documents referenced in the VBBL contain references to other documents, which may also, in turn, refer to other documents. These secondary and tertiary referenced documents may contain provisions that are unrelated to buildings or to the objectives and functional statements of the VBBL: such provisions — no matter how far down the chain of references they occur — are not included in the intent of Sentence 1.5.1.1.(1) of Division A.

A-1.5.1.1.(1) Application of Referenced Documents. Documents referenced in the BCBC may contain provisions covering a wide range of issues, including issues that are unrelated to the objectives and functional statements stated in Parts 2 and 3 of Division A respectively; e.g. aesthetic issues such as colour-fastness or uniformity. Sentence 1.5.1.1.(1) is intended to make it clear that, whereas referencing a document in the BCBC generally has the effect of making the provisions of that document part of the Code, provisions that are unrelated to buildings or to the objectives and functional statements attributed to the provisions in Division B where the document is referenced are excluded.

Furthermore, many documents referenced in the BCBC contain references to other documents, which may also, in turn, refer to other documents. These secondary and tertiary referenced documents may contain provisions that are unrelated to buildings or to the objectives and functional statements of the BCBC: such provisions—no matter how far down the chain of references they occur—are not included in the intent of Sentence 1.5.1.1.(1) of Division A.

Any gaps in the numbering sequence of the objectives are due to the fact that there is a master list of objectives covering the three principal Vancouver By-law Documents – the Vancouver Building By-law, the Vancouver Fire By-law – but not all objectives are pertinent to all By-laws.

Where the term “the building” is used in the wording of the objectives, it refers to the building for which compliance with the Vancouver Building By-law is being assessed.

The term “emergency” – in the context of safety in buildings – is often equated to the term “fire emergency;” however, the wording of objectives OS3.7 and OS5.9 makes it clear that the By-law addresses any type of emergency that would require the rapid evacuation of the building, such as a bomb threat or the presence of intruders.

A-2.2.1.1.(1) Objectives.

Listing of objectives

Any gaps in the numbering sequence of the objectives are due to the fact that there is a master list of objectives covering the three principal British Columbia Code Documents – the British Columbia Building Code, the British Columbia Fire Code – but not all objectives are pertinent to all Codes.

The building

Where the term “the building” is used in the wording of the objectives, it refers to the building for which compliance with the British Columbia Building Code is being assessed.

Emergency

The term “emergency” – in the context of safety in buildings – is often equated to the term “fire emergency;” however, the wording of objectives OS3.7 and OS5.9 makes it clear that the Code addresses any type of emergency that would require the rapid evacuation of the building, such as a bomb threat or the presence of intruders.

The numbered functional statements are grouped according to functions that deal with closely related subjects. For example, the first group deals with fire risks, the second group deals with emergency egress and response, etc. There may be gaps in the numbering sequence for the following reasons:

A-3.2.1.1.(1) Functional Statements.

Listing of functional statements

Each group has unused numbers which allows for the possible future creation of additional functional statements within any one group.
There is a master list of functional statements covering the principal British Columbia Code Documents – the British Columbia Building Code and the British Columbia Fire Code – but not all functional statements are pertinent to all Codes.