Step Code Survey Results and Next Steps

News Article

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) will be aligning with the Provincial Building Code change scheduled for December 2022 to implement Step Code requirements across the region for new part 3 and part 9 buildings.

In March 2021, the RDOS hosted a survey asking homeowners and anyone involved in planning, designing, permitting, building, and trades to provide input on whether the RDOS should begin early implementation potentially achieving higher levels of Step Code, or to await provincial roll out. The decision to align with the province came as a result of survey input and meetings with industry parties and the implementation policy set by the province.

A common concern regarding the proposed Step Code framework was the availability of Energy Advisors in rural and remote areas. To address the issue, the province is proposing a prescriptive Step Code path. This means that BC residents can have the choice to either hire an Energy Advisor or follow the prescriptive path for Step Code compliance. It is anticipated that the province will be releasing the full details of the proposed prescriptive path in the coming months.

“Voluntary Step Code compliance is still encouraged and can bring great initial and long-term value to residents,” says RDOS Chair Mark Pendergraft. “Substantial grants are available and often the work requires little additional financial investment.” 

Update: The RDOS is no longer accepting new applications for Mid Construction Blower Door Tests (MCBDT). Applications received before June 27, 2023, will be processed.

The RDOS previously offered a grant to cover the costs of this test for eligible builders, up to a maximum of $400. This test provides instant feedback where breaches in the air barrier have occurred, giving the builder the opportunity to correct the issue prior to the drywall being installed.

For further information, please call Mark Petry, RDOS Building and Enforcement Services Manager at 250-490-4126 or email buildinginfo@rdos.bc.ca.

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Mark Pendergraft, Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen

Contacts

Mark Petry
RDOS Manager of Building and Enforcement Services
250-490-4126

 

Erick Thompson

Andrea Rendall

 

RDOS Toll Free

RDOS Communications                 

RDOS Communications

 

1-877-610-3737

250-490-4211    

250-490-4147

 

 

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