Codes and Regulations

All building in the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) must adhere to the BC Building Code and SCRD Bylaws.

Pending Adoption of New SCRD Building Bylaw

The SCRD will be considering a new Building Bylaw (SCRD Building Bylaw No. 779) at the Regular Board Meetings on November 27 and December 11. The bylaw will receive three readings and may be adopted at these meetings.

If the bylaw is adopted, it will take effect on January 1, 2026. From that date forward, all construction in all SCRD Electoral Areas, as well as any building permit applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026, will be subject to the new bylaw requirements.

Summary of Changes:

  • Regulatory updates limited to align with BC Building Code and EGBC guidelines.
  • Administrative revisions to clarify requirements and enhance bylaw navigability. 
  • Updates towards regional harmonization and integration of digital service delivery.
  • No significant changes to permit or service fees included.

All changes considered feedback received over the last several years from various stakeholders and users of service, as well as challenges identified by staff.

A copy of draft SCRD Building Bylaw No. 779 can be accessed here.

Additional notification and explanatory information will be posted on our website and at the Field Road office upon adoption of the bylaw.

2024 BC Building and Plumbing Codes

New editions of the BC Building Code (BCBC) and Plumbing Code (BCPC) have been adopted by the Province.

The 2024 BC Building and Plumbing Codes are now in effect as of Friday March 8, 2024 and have brought a number of changes for new building construction and building alteration permits. All building permit applications received are required to demonstrate compliance with the new regulations.

For more information about the new codes, click here. For a summary of the 2024 BC Building Code, click here.

Relevant Codes and Regulations

SCRD Building Bylaw No. 779
SCRD Building Bylaw No. 687
sNGD Building Bylaw
BC Codes
BC Energy Step Code
Electric, Natural Gas & Propane Fire Appliances
Homeowners Protection Act
Sewerage System Regulation
Agricultural Land Commission Act and Regulations

BC Energy Step Code

On May 1, 2023, the Province amended the BC Building Code, and raised the base energy efficiency for new buildings by 20%. Based on these changes:

  • All buildings regulated by Part 9 of the BC Building Code containing residential occupancies, as defined by the BC Building Code, shall be designed and constructed to meet the minimum performance requirements specified in Step 3 of the Energy Step Code.
  • All buildings regulated by Part 3 of the BC Building Code containing residential, business and personal services, or mercantile occupancies, as defined by the BC Building Code, shall be designed and constructed to meet the minimum performance requirements specified in Step 2 of the Energy Step Code.

ALC Regulations - Building in the ALR

Depending on the type of building or development project you are planning on undertaking, a Soil or Fill Notice of Intent (NOI) may be required through the ALC prior to the issuance of a Building Permit.

  • Detached, auxiliary dwellings (additional / second dwellings),
  • “Non-farm use” auxiliary buildings or structures,
  • Constructing or maintaining either a farm use building OR a principal residence if the total area from which soil is removed, or on which fill is placed, is greater than 1,000 m², and
  • Any other work not exempted by the ALR Use Regulation

A person who places fill or removes soil from land in the ALR without successfully having completed an Notice of Intent (NOI) or Soil or Fill Use Application, may be subject to a penalty or order to remediate the land or remove the unauthorized fill.

You can also check out this NOI requirements factsheet for further information.

If you require further clarification, please contact the ALC at alc.soil@gov.bc.ca or 236-468-3343.

Contact Us

Building Services

Phone: 604-885-6803

Email: building@scrd.ca