News Release Archive
HOUSING/MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS--CHANGES TO BUILDING CODE REGULATIONS ----------------------------------------------------------------- Proposed changes to building code regulations will reduce red tape for designers, developers and the construction community. Draft regulations were released today by Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister Sandy Jolly. The regulations contain three new initiatives, including: letters of undertaking for design professionals; the addition of sprinkler regulations, formerly under the Fire Prevention Act; and provisions for alternate compliance for existing buildings. In addition the regulations have been changed to integrate with the format of the National Building Code, enabling users to cross reference more easily. "Safety comes first," said the minister. "Next we want to reduce red tape without adding additional cost. These new regulations are being made in response to requests from the private sector, and to assure the public that we have a high standard of design and construction in Nova Scotia." The letters of undertaking will allow building designers and consultants to assure municipalities that buildings are designed and constructed in accordance with the provincial building code regulations. The minister said this should reduce the burden on municipalities for inspection beyond those required by the code. The letters will clearly define the responsibility for the design and inspection of the work. The Building Code Regulations have also been amended to include the sprinkler regulations formerly contained under the Fire Prevention Act administered by the fire marshal's office, Department of Labour. Adding the sprinkler regulations to the building code will simplify the process for owners, builders, and developers in applying for, and receiving, building and occupancy permits, the minister said. She said it will be easier for the designer to understand which requirements must be met and result in consistent application of the regulations. There will also be less opportunity for misinterpretation of which regulations apply. Ms. Jolly said the adoption of alternate compliance regulations are a benefit to people who wish to upgrade and renovate heritage buildings and other existing buildings. Under current regulations, major renovations would normally require a property to be brought up to the current code standards. The minister said that this often becomes prohibitive or destroys the heritage nature of the premises. The advantages of the alternate compliance regulations allow alternate means to comply with the building code in 36 specific areas of fire safety. The building code regulations are recommended by the Nova Scotia Building Advisory Committee. Membership includes the office of the Fire Marshal, the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities, the Disabled Persons Commission, the National Association of Women in Construction, the Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia, the Construction Association of Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Association of Architects, the Building Inspectors Association of Nova Scotia, the Carpenters Union, the Cape Breton Construction Trades Council, and the Nova Scotia Home Builders Association. Copies of the draft regulations have gone to municipalities and other key stakeholders for comment. Written comments on the proposed regulations should be forwarded to the Department of Housing and Municipal Affairs by June 24, 1996. The new regulations are anticipated to come into effect July 15. -30- Contact: Ted Ross 902-424-8046 trp May 09, 1996 - 1:30 p.m.