Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations: Public Notice
The Government of Nova Scotia is considering proposed amendments to the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations. Nova Scotians are invited to provide feedback on the proposed changes by 6 March 2026.
The proposed amendments to the Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations remove the requirement for smoke dampers in ventilation ducts penetrating zero-rated fire separations between resident sleeping rooms and corridors, where those rooms are located within a single fire compartment; and remove the requirement for self-closing devices on resident room doors in provincially licensed long-term care facilities.
The amendments are intended to maintain resident safety while reducing unnecessary cost and operational barriers, recognizing that long-term care facilities are fully sprinklered, that doors to resident rooms are not positively latched under the current Code and that resident safety is supported through continuous staffing, licensing requirements and operational oversight comparable to hospital settings.
The amendments are proposed to come into effect on or after 1 April 2026.
How to participate
The deadline for submitting your comments is 6 March 2026.
Review the Nova Scotia Building Code Proposed Regulations (PDF) before sending your comments.
You can submit your comments by email.