News Release Archive
HOUSING/MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS--CHANGES TO BUILDING CODE REGULATIONS
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New Provincial Building Code regulations take effect Oct. 28,
Housing and Municipal Affairs Minister Jim Smith said today.
The changes will reduce red tape for designers, developers and
the construction community.
"These new regulations are 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 minister
said.
There are three new initiatives in the regulations: 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.
The Housing and Municipal Affairs Department will regulate
sprinkler installation, while the Fire Marshal's Office will
focus on proper maintenance through the automatic sprinkler
maintenance regulations. For projects which were issued building
permits before Oct. 28, the Fire Marshal's Office will maintain
current review and inspection services.
"We are committed to protecting Nova Scotians from fire loss,"
said Labour Minister Manning MacDonald, who is responsible for
the Fire Marshal's Office. "These changes will enhance safety by
allowing us to focus our efforts on maintaining safe sprinklers."
He said that the new division of responsibility will simplify and
clarify rules for owners, builders and designers.
In addition, the regulations have been changed to integrate with
the format of the National Building Code. This will allow easier
cross-reference.
The building code regulations were 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 in Nova
Scotia, the Construction Association of Nova Scotia, the Nova
Scotia Association of Architects, the Building Inspectors
Association of Nova Scotia, the Carpenters Union, Cape Breton
Construction Trades Council, and the Nova Scotia Home Builders
Association.
Last May copies of draft regulations went to municipalities and
other key stakeholders for comment. The prescribed regulations
were mailed to municipalities last week. Copies are also
available through the Nova Scotia Government Bookstore.
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Contact: Ted Ross 902-424-8046
Bob Cormier 902-424-5721
trp Oct. 25, 1996 - 12:35 p.m.
