Architecture 645: Architectural Practice in Canada

Study Guide

Unit 5: The Regulatory Context

Commentary

Unit 5 provides an overview of the application of building codes in Canada and other regulations such as land use bylaws. All building designs must meet the requirements of the provincial/territorial or municipal building codes administered by Authorities Having Jurisdiction.

CHOP discusses Authorities Having Jurisdiction and building codes in CHOP 1.2.4 (pp. 1–4). Standards are touched on in CHOP 1.2.5 (p. 1).

Learning Outcomes

After completing Unit 5, you should be able to

1. Identify the codes and regulations that are applicable to a given site or building.
2. Describe the importance of building occupancy as the basis for building codes in Canada and the development of performance or objective-based codes.
3. Identify the typical structures in Parts 3 and 9 of the National Building Code.
4. Explain why components of the National Building Code differ among provinces/territories.
5. Apply the building code requirements to a building design.
6. Define the role of the architect with regard to specifications and standards in the design and construction of buildings.

Required Readings

1. Read the following in CHOP (2009):
   • Chapter 1.2.4, Building Regulations and Authorities Having Jurisdiction
   • Chapter 1.2.5, Standards Organizations, Certification and Testing Agencies, and Trade Associations
   • Chapter 2.1.10, Architectural Services and Fees
2. Building Code of the jurisdiction of your workplace
3. UIA Professional Practice Commission, Information Note 2: Building Codes and Standards
4. National Research Council Canada
   • National Building Code of Canada: 2020
   • National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings: 2020
   • Codes Canada and Objective-based Codes
   • How the National Codes Are Developed

Resources

1. Construction Specifications Canada and the Master Specification
2. Government of Alberta, Building Codes and Standards
3. CHOP (2009): Chapter 2.3, Management of the Project

Self-Study Questions

Work through the following self-study questions. Use the Course Discussion Forum to post comments/questions.

1. Investigate the role of the National Research Council in the preparation of Canada’s building codes. Describe the variety of National Model Codes that are prepared by the National Research Council.
2. What is the primary role of building codes? What are some secondary or other roles of building codes?
3. How are building codes enforced? What is the role of Authorities Having Jurisdiction and how do they apply their requirements?
4. What are the architect’s responsibilities when applying for a building permit in your jurisdiction?
5. What is the difference between prescriptive- and objective-based building codes?
6. What is the role of the architect with respect to various standards for building products and systems?
7. What is Construction Specifications Canada? What do they do? What is the relationship to the practice of architecture?