[1] As a model code, it has no legal status until it is adopted by a jurisdiction that regulates construction.
The new organization was also given the mandate to lead the development of the National Building Code of Canada.
However, this took considerably longer to write than foreseen and the next edition of the National Building Code of Canada was not published until 2005.
The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) publishes other model codes that address electrical, gas and elevator systems.
The Code applies mainly to new construction, but also aspects of demolition, relocation, renovation and change of building use.
By agreement with the National Research Council of Canada,[14] Alberta is committed to using the National Building Code of Canada as its base document with changes and modifications to suit Alberta needs in regulating the design, construction, alteration, change of use and demolition of buildings.
[26] As of Jan. 1, 2012 the benchmark requirements for energy efficiency regarding houses and large buildings was enhanced.
[27] Updated compliance paths for energy efficiency requirements in large buildings are set out in Supplementary Standard SB-10.
[28] Residential buildings intended for occupancy on a continuing basis during the winter months must meet the performance levels specified in Supplementary Standard SB-12.
The Building Act provides for the adoption of a Construction Code and a Safety Code for buildings, equipment intended for use by the public, and electric, plumbing, and pressure installations as well as installations intended to use, store, or distribute gas.
The goal of this process is, obviously, to simplify regulations, but also to better define the responsibilities of owners and construction professionals.
Prince Edward Island,[33] Nova Scotia,[34] and Newfoundland and Labrador[35] have legislation enforcing the current version of the National Building Code of Canada.
Manitoba,[36] New Brunswick,[37] and Saskatchewan[38] have adopted the 2010 National Building Code as regulations under provincial acts.
The Code sets out technical requirements for the aforementioned project types and does not pertain to existing buildings.
This includes many design, material testing, installation and commissioning documents that are produced by a number of private organizations.
Most prominent among these are the Canadian Electrical Code, Underwriters Laboratories of Canada[39] a subsidiary of Underwriters Laboratories, documents on fire alarm design, and a number of National Fire Protection Association documents.