New Height Limits for Residential Wood Construction Up for Review

Friday, November 14, 2008 03:54 AM

You have until the 15th of December to make comments on the changes to the B.C. building code that will allow residential wood construction to reach new heights. The Province is increasing the limit on wood-frame residential
construction from four to six storeys, effective January 2009.

Raising the roof on wood-frame construction will open opportunities for construction of mid-rise, medium-density housing. This type of building provides an option for communities that want to take advantage of the environmental benefits of density while preserving the character of their communities.

Local governments, builders, designers, and others involved in the construction process helped guide development of the changes to the Building Code through a series of advisory groups and consultation sessions. The online public consultation has been launched to gain feedback on the specific technical changes to the Building Code and provide the general public a chance to comment.

You can look at the proposed changes by clicking here.

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Posted on Friday, November 14, 2008 03:54 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: beesknees on November 14 2008 5:48 AM

If they would let us build houses in living trees, just imagine the heights we would reach...

...and talk about your "green building", if you built in an evergreen...

Posted by: lostfaith on November 14 2008 9:25 AM

It's all due to the construction companies lobbying govt so they can increase their bottom line at the expense of other peoples scenic views around their homes.
There was a referendum in Parksville awhile back regarding the construction of a condo complex on Parksvilles beach.
It was defeated but it was built anyway and ended up highwer than what the plans called for originally.

This project destroyed many long time residents views that they enjoyed for years.

Parksville city council and your mayor should be ashamed of yourselves.

Posted by: gus on November 14 2008 10:32 AM

If they would let us build houses in living trees, just imagine the heights we would reach...

Houses are not supposed to fall for hundreds of years. They are not supposed to allow pests from invading them to reduce the structural integrity. They are are supposed to have a strong enough foundation that they will not be blown over in a windstorm - Stanley Park, Bowron Lake, etc.

Posted by: Loki on November 14 2008 12:30 PM

I have heard stories from people whose employment allow them see many neighborhoods.
One major note from these comments is that the houses greater than 20 years old tend to be straight and solid, while the newer constructed building all suffer from sagging foundations, shoddy finishing, and all around poor (cheap) construction, especially in the area done by a single local developer.
Do we really want to allow these same shoddy methods to go on with taller wood frame?

Posted by: Outwest on November 14 2008 1:19 PM

The wolf said to the 3 little pigs I'am going to blow your house down. This is stupid to build 6 Floors up out of wood, what a fire trap

Posted by: Harbinger on November 14 2008 6:41 PM

A six floor walk-up? Glad I ain't a piano mover.

Posted by: johncameron on November 15 2008 1:03 AM

It would be more helpful if this acticle clarified some of the differences in construction techniques in building higher.

Provided it was properly engineered, and in an area of similar height buildings where the questions isnt 4 floors versus 6, but rather wood vs. concrete, I see this is a positive move.

Proper fire protection not withstanding

Posted by: gus on November 15 2008 1:56 PM

I prefer to live in a place where I do not hear when someone next door or above me takes a shower, the floor creaks when they walk above me or have their home theatre turned up too loud.

With a heavy material separation such as concrete those problems are diminished considerably and even avoided altogether.

Height has little to do with that. So, let's promote even more temporary structures. Smart move!