On May 20, 2025, Vancouver City Council adopted The Building By-law 2025 (VBBL 2025), which will replace VBBL 2019. The implementation of VBBL 2025 is delayed and will not take effect until September 15, 2025. Until that date, VBBL 2019 remains in effect. Read more on the City of Vancouver's website.
City of Vancouver By-laws
The Vancouver Building By-law 2019 is based on the British Columbia Building Code 2018 and includes the unique to Vancouver By-law provisions regulating the design and construction of buildings in the City of Vancouver, British Columbia.
Book I (General) addresses the minimum standard for buildings in Vancouver and shares the same broad objectives as the Provincial regulations, with additional provisions for:
- Occupant safety and health
- Accessibility for persons with disabilities
- Fire protection of buildings and facilities
- Energy conservation and GHG reduction
- Alterations to existing buildings
Book II (Plumbing Systems) addresses the minimum standard for building plumbing systems in Vancouver and shares the same broad objectives as the Provincial regulations, with additional provisions for:
- Water safety and efficiency
- Pipe materials and sizing
- Rainwater management
- Non-potable water treatment and use
Up-to-date versions of the Vancouver Building By-law 2019 (VBBL 2019) can be accessed for free through the BC Publications website.
Access Vancouver By-laws 2019 Online