Squamish Building Bylaw Update: Adopting the Zero Carbon Step Code

Energy Step Code relaxed in response to changes following community consultation

An update to Section 17 of the Building Bylaw to include Zero Carbon Step Code (ZCSC) standards and relax Energy Step Code requirements across the District was adopted on Tuesday, July 2 by Council during the Regular Council Meeting. The ZCSC is a provincial building standard that is part of the BC Building Code (BCBC) and is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in new Part 3 and Part 9 buildings. These bylaw updates are aligned with the District’s Strategic Plan and the Community Climate Action Plan.

What were the changes:

• Building Permit applications for Part 3 and Part 9 buildings are now required to include a Pre-Construction Report from a Certified Energy Advisor that will indicate whether the building design meets maximum emissions level for that building type in accordance with the BCBC.
• All building types across the District are required to meet Level 4 of the Zero Carbon Step Code.
• A one step Energy Step Code relaxation is in place for most building types (excludes Part 9 buildings – single family and duplex) in the District as long as the building meets the required ZCSC level.

Certified Energy Advisors will be able to use either a prescriptive approach or a calculated performance approach for the preparation of their reports.

For more information on the changes, view the Zero Carbon Step Code Implementation Report to Council.

Have questions? Please contact the Building Department on 604.815.6872 or email building@squamish.ca

Related links and resources:

• View the updated District Of Squamish Building Bylaw 
• Read the news release from the Province of BC regarding the ZCSC BC Building Code amendments
• View technical information regarding the ZCSC
• View the BC Building Code

July 12, 2024