Will you be applying for a permit to build a new one- or two- family home on or after January 1, 2015?
Staring January 1, permits for all one- and two- family homes will be processed under the new 2014 City of Vancouver Building Bylaw 10908. Learn what this means for you, and get details of the new building permit requirements:
An overview of the coming changes
The 2014 VBBL includes new requirements and improvements for:
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Building permit
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Building envelope
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Equipment
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Health and life safety
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Energy efficiency
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Adaptable housing
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CEA evaluation of energy efficiency prior to City insulation inspection
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Energy modelling report prior to application
- Sprinkler systems
| Requirement for | Measure 2014 | 2014 VBBL |
|---|---|---|
| Building envelope | Windows and sliding glass doors | USI-Value of 1.4 W/(K m2) (R4.06) |
| Skylights | USI-Value of 2.4 W/(K m2) (R2.4) | |
| Wall insulation | RSI 3.85 (R22) effective | |
| Under slab insulation | RSI 2.1 (R12) | |
| Attic insulation (traditional attic) | RSI 8.8 (R50) | |
| Air tightness | ACH 3.5 changes per hour | |
| Solar-ready pipe run | Two 50mm diameter pipe chase for connection | |
| Health and life safety | Spatial separation requirements | “Glazed openings” have been replaced with “unprotected openings,” which will include doors, vents, and unrated walls |
| Noise control | HVAC equipment to conform to noise-control bylaw | |
| Location of exhaust vents for HVAC/similar equipment | Vertically through roof 1.5 m away from property line or horizontally through exterior wall facing street and 3 m from property line | |
| Equipment | Domestic hot water (DHW) | Minimum 78% efficient |
| Domestic hot water (electric) | RSI 1.75 (R 10) tank wrap | |
| Hot water pipe wrap | Pipe insulation. 3 metre output, 1 metre input, or all if recirculating | |
| Electric vehicle charging | Dedicated 240v outlet in garage or carport | |
| Heating furnace or boiler | Minimum 92% efficient. No side yard venting. | |
| Gas fireplaces | Intermittent pilot ignition (IPI) Electronic ignition systems must direct vent | |
| Wood burning appliances (labels showing) | Max 2.5 grams/hour (catalytic). Max 4.5 grams/hour (non-catalytic) | |
| Adaptable housing | Entrance door width | 865 mm |
| Entrance door peephole height | 1076 mm and 1524 mm | |
| Interior door width | 800 mm | |
| Interior corridor width | 900 mm | |
| Interior stair width | At least one at 915 mm | |
| Kitchen and bathroom faucets | Lever type | |
| Kitchen sink drains | “P” trap to drain stack less than or equal to 305 mm above floor | |
| Bathroom space | Clear space 750 mm x 1200 mm | |
| Bathroom conversion from tub to shower | Structural reinforcement for future barrier free shower | |
| Outlet, switch, and control heights | 450 mm to 1200 mm above floor | |
| Living room window height above floor | One less than or equal to 800 mm | |
| Door opening devices | Lever action: Without tight grasping or twisting of wrist | |
| Door thresholds | 13 mm maximum |
Other requirements
Prior to getting a building permit
Before you can get a building permit under the new bylaw, a new house plan needs to be evaluated by a Certified Energy Advisor (CEA) using EnerGuide Rating System, and the “P-File” submitted with the plans.
Prior to insulation inspection
Before the City’s insulation inspection (pre-drywall), an authorized Energy Advisor must:
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Provide confirmation of visual verification of window ratings
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Complete a Vancouver Thermal Bypass checklist
- Complete a pre-drywall blower-door test
Prior to final inspection
At the time of final inspection, you must submit:
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A copy of the final EnerGuide Report, prepared by the CEA. Further work may be required if the home performs significantly worse than the 3.5 ACH
- A completed checklist by the CEA confirming that electrical, pipe insulation, and other energy requirements of the VBBL were met.
Ready to apply for your building permit?
To learn how to apply for your building permit, and get the process started, visit our Building Permit page for complete details:
Will you be applying for a permit to renovate a one- or two- family home on or after January 1, 2015?
Starting January 1, 2015, all one- and two- family home renovations will be processed under the new 2014 City of Vancouver Building Bylaw 10908. Learn what this means for you, and get details of the new building permit requirements.
An overview of the coming changes
The 2014 VBBL includes the following improvements and additions:
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Energy efficiency upgrades based on renovation value
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Upgrade unsafe guards, handrails, and stairs to comply with the new bylaw
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All new work to comply with the new bylaw
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Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to be in conformance and installed
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When the value of construction exceeds 50 percent of replacement value, building to be sprinklered
- When an alteration creates more dwelling units (other than a secondary suite), the building must be upgraded according to the Upgrade Mechanism Model in Appendix Note A-11.2.1.2 of Division B Book 1 Volume Two
New requirements
Under the new bylaw, there are energy efficiency requirements for existing one- and two-family homes.
| Construction value | Upgrade level |
|---|---|
| Renovation applications with a value greater than $5,000 but not more than $25,000 | Provide an EnerGuide (EGH) report completed with the last 4 years. If work includes replacement of boiler or furnace, annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) must be equal to or great than 90% |
| Renovation applications with a value greater than $25,000 but not more than $50,000 |
As above, plus: If EGH report indicates great than 5 air changes per hour, building envelope air sealing required. |
| Renovation applications with a value greater than $50,000 |
As above, plus:
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