Frequently Asked Questions
A Building Official is a construction code enforcement person working as an inspector, or plan reviewer, or actively engaged in the administration and enforcement of adopted building, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing codes, or any combination of these codes.
In Alberta, a Safety Codes Officer is the title for a Building Official. The Safety Codes Officer inspects the construction, installation and maintenance of structures and systems. They ensure compliance with relevant codes, standards, and regulations. They are concerned with the elements of public safety covered under the Safety Codes Act. A Safety Codes Officer enforces safety under the following disciplines:
- Building
- Private Sewage
- Elevating Devices
- Amusement Rides
- Boilers and Pressure Vessels
- Fire
- Gas
- Passenger Ropeways
For information on the role of a Building Official or Safety Codes Officer, please contact your provincial Building Official Association. For a list of provincial Building Official Associations and contact information, please see here.
For information on the role of a Safety Codes Officer in Alberta, please contact the Safety Codes Council .
For information on how to become a Building Official or Safety Codes Officer, please contact your provincial Building Official Association directly.
For information on pre-requisites to become a Safety Codes Officer in Alberta, please contact the Safety Codes Council .
Each province has specific (unique) entry qualifications and training available. For a list of provincial Building Official Associations and contact information, please see here.
For information on pre-requisites to become a building official or Safety Codes Officer, please contact your provincial Building Official association directly.
For information on pre-requisites to become a Safety Codes Officer in Alberta, please contact the Safety Codes Council .
Each province has specific (unique) entry qualifications and training available. For a list of provincial Building Official associations and contact information, please see here.
For information on how to support your education / career path as a Building Official, please contact your provincial Building Official Association directly.
For information on how to support your education / career path as a Safety Codes Officer in Alberta, please contact the Safety Codes Council .
Each province has specific (unique) entry qualifications, with resources and training available. For a list of provincial Building Official Associations and contact information, please see here.
We need a Building Code to ensure safety for humans in occupied buildings. A Building Code sets out technical provisions for the design and construction of new buildings, and the alteration, change of use, and demolition of existing buildings. A Building Code establishes requirements to address the following five objectives,
- Safety
- Health
- Accessibility
- Fire and structural protection of buildings
- Environment
The first National Building Code of Canada was created in 1941. The development of construction codes was in response to disasters such as the Great Chicago fire and intended to create a minimum level of human safety within buildings. Please see A Brief history of the National Buildings Code of Canada.
No. Each province and territory determine the Building Code legislation they want in place. Some elect to enforce the National Building Code, while others develop their own Code which is typically a combination of the National Building Code and changes or additions tailored to the specific needs of their province or territory.
You may hear the term ‘harmonization’ used in reference to the Building Code. Harmonization is the undertaking to ‘harmonize’ Canadian Building Codes and create a standard that all provinces and territories work from and adopt. This significant undertaking is being led by the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes. ACBOA has representation on the Advisory Council for Harmonized Construction Codes, providing the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes with policy input and advice.
Many Building Codes may be downloaded from the National Research Council website, on a complimentary basis: https://nrc-publications.canada.ca/eng/home/
Effective Nov. 22, 2022 The Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) assumed responsibility for the development of Canada’s National Model Codes. The new model integrates the provinces and territories into the national process to respond to code priorities from jurisdictions and harmonize construction codes across Canada. The new model code development system (see diagram) will continue to rely on the expertise and input from industry, the regulatory community, general interest groups, code users, interested organizations and the public. See additional information on the CBHCC website and How the national codes are developed – National Research Council Canada.
The Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) was previously the decision-making body established by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) to provide direction and oversight on the development of the national model codes and to encourage uniformity of building and facility regulations throughout Canada. The CCBFC was a committee of volunteer industry practitioners, construction technology experts, building users and operators, and regulators, with the CCBFC responsible for the development of the National Model Codes and related guides. The CCBFC developed Codes Canada publications through a committee-based process and formally approved all Code documents and technical revisions prior to publication by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC).
“Safe Buildings and Communities for Canadians”