Municipal Affairs
Government Services
March 17, 2011

Codes for New Building Design and Construction Effective April

Effective April 1, Government Service Centres across the province will apply the most recent editions of the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) and the National Fire Code of Canada (NFCC) for building construction and design review submissions. The National Research Council of Canada released the latest codes in November 2010. Both documents have been officially adopted in the province and the publications are now readily available in the marketplace.

“The 2010 codes incorporate significant technical changes from the last edition in 2005,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services. “Advances such as ensuring the use of inter-connected smoke alarms and a minimum separation between residences based on construction type attempts to protect property and ensure the survival of residents, not only at home but also in the buildings frequented every day by our family and friends.”

The NBCC sets out technical provisions for the design and construction of new buildings, while also applying to the change of use, alternation, and demolition of existing buildings. The NFCC is a complementary document designed to look at the building’s construction with specific hazards in mind. Since 2004, through an established Memorandum of Understanding, Government Service Centres conduct plan reviews on behalf of Fire and Emergency Services – Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL) for fire and life safety issues.

“These new regulations take strong steps forward in the interest of safety and best practices within the construction industry,” noted the Honourable Harry Harding, Minister of Government Services. “We recognize some design plans have already begun based on the previous codes. Our Government Service Centres will work with the industry to ensure the highest level of public safety possible, as everyone moves to apply the most recent codes.”

Individuals requiring further information are encouraged to contact any of their regional Government Service Centres or FES-NL offices.

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2011 03 17                                            11:00 a.m.