Vancouver new renovation bylaw

Vancouver new renovation bylaw:

Will you be applying for a permit to build a new one- or two-family home on or after January 1, 2015? Starting January 1, permits for all one- and two-family homes will be processed under the new 2014 City of Vancouver Building Bylaw 10908. (Vancouver’s new renovation Bylaw)

Learn what this means for you, and get details of the new building permit requirements:

An overview of the coming changes The 2014 VBBL includes new requirements and improvements for:

• Building permit
• Building envelope
• Equipment
• Health and life safety
• Energy efficiency
• Adaptable housing
• CEA evaluation of energy efficiency prior to City insulation inspection
• Energy modelling report prior to application
• Sprinkler systems

Requirement for Measure 2014 VBBL Building envelope Windows and sliding glass doors USI-Value of 1.4 W/(K m2) (R4.06)
Skylights USI-Value of 2.4 W/(K m2) (R2.4)
Wall insulation RSI 3.85 (R22) effective
Under-slab insulation RSI 2.1 (R12)
Attic insulation (traditional attic) RSI 8.8 (R50)
Air tightness ACH 3.5 changes per hour
Solar-ready pipe runs Two 50mm diameter pipe chase for connection Health and life safety Spatial separation requirements “Glazed openings” have been replaced with “unprotected openings,” including doors, vents, and unrated walls.
Noise control HVAC equipment to conform to noise-control bylaw
Location of exhaust vents for HVAC/similar equipment Vertically through roof 1.5 m away from the property line or horizontally through exterior wall facing the street and 3 m from property line Equipment Domestic hot water (DHW) Minimum 78% efficient
Domestic hot water (electric) RSI 1.75 (R 10) tank wrap
Hot water pipe wrap Pipe insulation. 3-meter output, 1-meter input, or all if recirculating
Electric vehicle charging Dedicated 240v outlet in garage or carport
Heating furnace or boiler Minimum 92% efficient. No side yard venting.
Gas fireplaces Intermittent pilot ignition (IPI) Electronic ignition systems must direct vent.
Wood burning appliances (labels showing) Max 2.5 grams/hour (catalytic). Max 4.5 grams/hour (non-catalytic) Adaptable housing Entrance door width 865 mm
Entrance door peephole heights 1076 mm and 1524 mm
Interior door width 800 mm
Interior corridor width 900 mm
Interior stair width At least one at 915 mm
Kitchen and bathroom faucets Lever type
Kitchen sink drains “P” trap to drain stack less than or equal to 305 mm above the floor
Bathroom space Clear space 750 mm x 1200 mm
Bathroom conversion from tub to shower Structural reinforcement for future barrier-free shower
Outlet, switch, and control heights 450 mm to 1200 mm above the floor
Living room window height above floor One less than or equal to 800 mm
Door opening devices Lever action: Without tight grasping or twisting of the wrist
Door thresholds 13 mm maximum Other requirements Prior to getting a building permit Before you can get a building permit under the new bylaw, a new house plan needs to be evaluated by a Certified Energy Adviser (CEA) using the EnerGuide Rating System and the “P-File” submitted with the plans.

Before insulation inspection Before the City’s insulation inspection (pre-drywall), an authorized Energy Adviser must:

1. Provide confirmation of visual verification of window ratings
2. Complete a Vancouver Thermal Bypass checklist
3. Complete a pre-drywall blower-door test

Prior to final inspection At the time of final inspection, you must submit:

1. A copy of the final EnerGuide Report, prepared by the CEA. Further work may be required if the home performs significantly worse than the 3.5 ACH.
2. A completed checklist by the CEA confirming that electrical, pipe insulation and other energy requirements of the VBBL were met.

Ready to apply for your building permit? To learn how to apply for your building permit, and get the process started, visit our Building Permit page for complete details:

Will you be applying for a permit to renovate a one- or two-family home on or after January 1, 2015? Starting January 1, 2015, all one- and two-family home renovations will be processed under the new 2014 City of Vancouver Building Bylaw 10908.

Learn what this means for you, and get details of the new building permit requirements.

An overview of the coming changes The 2014 VBBL includes the following improvements and additions:

• Energy efficiency upgrades based on renovation value
• Upgrade unsafe guards, handrails, and stairs to comply with the new bylaw
• All new work to comply with the new bylaw
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to be in conformance and installed
• When the value of construction exceeds 50 percent of the replacement value, the building to be sprinkled
• When an alteration creates more dwelling units (other than a secondary suite), the building must be upgraded according to the Upgrade Mechanism Model in Appendix Note A-11.2.1.2 of Division B Book 1 Volume Two.

New requirements Under the new bylaw are energy efficiency requirements for existing one- and two-family homes.

Construction value Upgrade level Renovation applications with a value greater than $5,000 but not more than $25,000 provide an EnerGuide (EGH) report completed within the last four years. If work includes replacement of boiler or furnace, annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) must be equal to or great than 90% Renovation applications with a value greater than $25,000 but not more than $50,000 As above, plus:

If EGH report indicates great than five air changes per hour, building envelope air sealing is required.

Renovation applications with a value greater than $50,000 as above, plus:

• If attic insulation is less than <R12 (2.11 RSI), increase to R28 (4.93 RSI)
• If attic insulation is equal to or greater than R12 (2.11 RSI), increase to R40 (7.04RSI)
• Not to exceed R43.7 (7.7RSI)