Building Codes Information
What is a "Code"?
A Code is a collection of requirements which regulate specific practices.
A Building Code is a collection of regulations, such as exit sign and smoke detector requirements, which pertain to specific subjects such as designing, constructing or remodelling buildings.
The Historical Background and Uses of Codes
Codes are not product of modern civilization but, rather, have evolved from the distant past. One of the earliest requirements regarding regulation of a structure is found in Babylonia in the Code of Hammurabi. One of the articles held the builder liable stating that if the house collapsed and killed the householder, the builder "shall be slain."
By the latter part of the 19th Century widespread loss of life and property by fire led to the first set of building regulations in North America.
In 1905, the first modern code laid the basis for testing methodology, specifications and varioud formats used in today's codes. Its specific purpose was to reduce fire hazards; but it had more general and humanitarian purpose: to protect the public health, safety and welfare of all persons who might be in or adjacent to a building.
Today's Nation Building Code carries this early 20th Centure philosophy one step further. It ensures uniformity in building codes and provides a process for code regulations to reflect current technology in construction methods and materials.
The Purpose of Codes
No matter what the specific subject may be - construction, property maintenance, fire prevention, or plumbing - all codes have the same purpose: to protect the health, safety and welfare of the building occupants.
How Do Codes Help You?
Codes protect the public's health, safety & welfare.
We all need protection from tragedy due to fire, structural collapse and general deterioration of the structures that surround us; our homes, schools, stores and manufacturing facilities. Building codes provide protection by reducing potential hazards to building occupants.
Codes keep construction costs down.
Codes provide uniformity in the construction industry. This uniformity permits builders and material manufacturers to do business on a larger scale - provincially, regionally or nationally - than if construction was unregulated. Larger scale allows cost savings which are ultimately passed on to the consumer.
Codes provide consistent standards in construction.
Codes establish predictable and consistent minimum standards which are applied to the quality and durability of construction and construction materials.
Codes contribute to the well-being of a community.
The preservation of life and safety and the maintenanc of property values over time are a direct result of the application and enforecement of the codes related to building.
The Use of Codes
Codes provide standards for the design and construction of homes and businesses.
Codes are used by architects, engineers, contractors, builders and materials manufacturers to ensure safety, economy and consistency of construction. Homeowners, landlords and business owners, have a substantial investment which can be seriously jeopardized through code violations. Plans review and approval of building plans are a part of the building permit process. Follow up inspections made during construction verify that building code regulations have been followed.
Who Administers the Building Code?
Provincial Regulation
The Province of Alberta is responsible for the development of cost effective building regulations which include the Uniform Building and Accessibility Standards Act and the Uniform Building and Accessibility Standards Regulations. Each municipality is responsible for the enforcement of The Act and regulations in the area which it has jurisdiction.
Permit Fees
Building permits are on a fee-for-service basis. Permit fees have been established to compenstate in part for the cost of building plan review and approval as well as for building inspection. Generally, fees account for less than one per cent of the overall costs of a building project. Public protection is thus obtained in a cost-effective manner with the entire process, from plan review to field inspection, carried out by professionals.
