BC Building Code Part 2 Plan Checking Assignment

This assignment is about plan checking for Building Permit application. It includes 10 sample plans with missing information or non-conforming information to BC Building Code. The assignment requires answering questions with code reference.

CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION OF BC
BC Building Code Part 2
Assignment 1: Plan Checking
Student Name:
Student ID:
Course Date:
Course City:
Instructions
The ten drawings attached at the end of this assignment, are samples of plans that
could be submitted, along with all required information, at time of applying for a
Building Permit. There may be missing information or information on the drawings
that do not conform to the BC Building Code.
A number within a circle notes all questions on the drawings. Please correspond the
written numbered question to the same number in the circle. Read each question
carefully and ask yourself “What information is given and what is being asked”.
Each question requires an answer and code reference.
The code reference will consist of at least five digits and look similar to the following
examples:
Sentence 9.6.6.1.(1)
Clause 9.6.6.1.(1) (a) or
Sub clause 9.6.6.1.(1) (a) (i)
This is an open book assignment, so you are permitted to use the BC Building Code,
Revisions and Errata along with a calculator.
You are required to submit this assignment to your instructor via email at least two
weeks prior to attend the class. This information is on the word form you will be
using to compile your answers.
CHBA BC CODE OF CONDUCT
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CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION OF BC
 When you registered for this course, you agreed to adhere to the CHBA BC
Education Honour Code. Initial this box to confirm your understanding that any form
of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated.
SPECIFICATIONS
Location Cache Creek BC
123 Stage Road
Lot 2, Plan 9876
Soil Compact Sand and Gravel
Roof Asphalt Shingles
Felt Underlay 9.5 mm (3/8 “)
Plywood sheathing c/w H-clips
Engineered Roof Trusses @ 600 mm (24” o.c.)
Ceiling Effective Thermal Resistance of 8.67 RSI (Zone 5) without
HRV
Minimum CAN/CGSB-51.34 Vapour Barrier
12.7 mm (½”) Ceiling Board
Textured Finish
Fascia/Soffit 100 mm (4”) x 125mm ( 5”) Alum Gutter
38 mm (2”) x 184 mm (8”) Fascia Board
Vented Alum or Vinyl Soffit
Exterior Wall Masonry Veneer, Horizontal Bevelled Cedar Siding and
Vertical Cedar Siding (see elevations)
Building Paper
9.5 mm (3/8”) Plywood Sheathing
38 mm (2”) x 140 mm ( 6”) Studs @ 400 mm (16”) o.c.
Effective Thermal Resistance of 3.08 RSI (Zone 5) HRV
Minimum CAN/CGSB 51.34 Vapour Barrier
12.7 mm (½”) Gypsum Board
Interior
Partition
38 mm (2”) x 89 mm (4”) Studs @ 400 mm (16”) o.c.
12.7 mm (½”) Gypsum Board on each side
Main Floor Finish Flooring to Owner’s Specification
15.9 mm (5/8”) T&G Spruce Plywood Subfloor (glued)
38 mm (2”) x 235 mm (10”) SPF #2 Floor Joists c/w
Bridging
12.7 mm (½” )Gypsum Board
Basement
Floor
89 mm (3 ½”) Concrete Slab Floor
CAN/CGSB 51.34 Moisture Barrier
Minimum 140 mm (6”) of Compact Sand or Gravel
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CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION OF BC
EXTERIOR
Foundation
Wall
Damp-proofing and Gumming of Tie Holes up to grade
200 mm (8”) Concrete Foundation Wall
Effective Thermal Resistance of 2.98 RSI (Zone 5) without
HRV
100 mm (4”) Drain Tile draining into a dry well pit 5 metres
from the footings
Minimum of 140 mm (6”) Gravel on top and sides of drain
tile
Stairs Run: 235 mm (9 ¼”)
Nosing: 25 mm (1”)
Tread: 260 mm (10 ¼”)
Rise: 189 mm (7 ½”)
Handrail: Between 800 (2’ 8”) and 965 mm (3’ 2”)
Headroom: 1950 mm (6’ 5”) Minimum
Sundeck Approved Waterproof Decking Material
15.9 mm (5/8”) T & G Spruce Plywood Subfloor
2” x 8” SPF #2 @ 400 mm (16”) o.c.
Perforated Alum or Vinyl Soffit
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CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION OF BC
Questions
1. The left side (garage side) of the dwelling unit has a setback of 2 metres (6’ 6”), and
the fire department is within 10 minutes response time. The exposed building face for this
side is 71 square metres. What is the maximum aggregate of glazed opening permitted in
this wall? (For this exercise, increase to the next highest square metres of exposed
building face that the Code gives and do not use Part 3.)
Answer The maximum area of glazed opening that is permitted for this exposed
wall is 9% of the total area of the exposed wall. That means that the
maximum permitted opening is 9% of 71 square metres which equals to
6.39 square metres.
Code Reference 9.10.15.4.(1) and (2)
2. What is the minimum clearance required between a roof surface and cladding that is
adversely affected by moisture?
Answer A minimum distance of 450mm is allowed between the cladding and
roof surface that is adversely affected by moisture.
Code Reference 9.36.2.10
3. What is the minimum thickness permitted for plywood wall sheathing that is supporting
wood vertical cladding?
Answer The maximum amount of plywood sheathing wall sheathing allowed is
19mm
Code Reference 9.27.5.3
4. What is the maximum height that the top of the bottom member, of a guard assembly,
can be above the floor?
Answer The maximum height is 1800mm
Code Reference 9.8.8.1
5. What is the minimum clearance that is required between masonry veneer and wood-
framed walls?
Answer The minimum clearance required is 300mm
Code Reference 9.29.3.1.(1)
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CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION OF BC
6. Where must the flashing be located when the horizontal trim is attached directly to the
2nd plane of protection (building paper) and wall assembly?
Answer The flashing must be located over the heads of the glass block panels
and over the heads of the window openings.
Code Reference 9.20.13.3.(1)
7. Is a guard required to be constructed the full length of a flight of stairs that has six (6)
risers?
Answer Yes, a guard is required. According to British Columbia Building Code,
it states that where there is more than 2 risers of an interior staircase,
Guards must be protected on each side in case there is no wall protection
Code Reference 9.8.8.1 (3)
8. The built-up beam is 3.96 metres (13’) in length and constructed of SPF # 2 material.
Can this beam be constructed within the scope of Division B Part 9 of the BC Building
Code? Show all your work to support your answer.
Answer No. this beam cannot be constructed according to BC building codes.
The ranges of the BC codes according to division B part 9 are lengths of
2.4m, 3.0m, 3.6m, 4.2m, 4.8m, 5.4m and 6.0m
Code Reference 9.23.4.2.(3)
9. The floor joist for this area is Douglas Fir Select Structural material and spanning 5.52
metres, what are the minimum requirements that must be met in order for the floor joist
to span this distance?
Answer The minimum requirements for the joist of this area is a joist size of
38mm by 286mm and a joist spacing of 300mm with strapping and
bridging
Code Reference 9.23.4.2.(1)
10. How many rows of bridging are required for joists located in this area?
Answer The number of rows required is maximum of three
Code Reference 9.23.4.2.(1)
11 What is the requirement for a door that is located between a garage and a single-
family dwelling?
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CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION OF BC
Answer Doors located between garage and a single family dwelling must have
automatic closures and must be weather stripped to prevent gasses from
passing through into the dwelling rooms.
Code Reference 9.36.2.7.(1)
12. If #2 Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF) floor joists are used in this area, what is the minimum size
and spacing permitted?
Answer The minimum size of joist is 38mm by 89mm and a minimum spacing
of 300mm
Code Reference 9.23.4.2.(1)
13. What size fan and type of ducting is required for a kitchen fan?
Answer The size fan for a kitchen should be determined based on air flow
performance at 50 pa of external static pressure. The rated size is 47 L/s
It is fitted with exhaust duct of a material that is non-combustible,
corrosion resistant, cleanable and equipped with a grease filter at the
intake end.
Code Reference 9.32.3.6.(2) and 9.32.3.8.(6)
14. What size would the floor joist have to be if Douglas Fir # 2 material was used?
Answer The joist size would be 38 mm by 89mm or 38 mm by 140 mm or 38
mm by 184mm or 38mm by 235mm or 38mm by 286mm
Code Reference 9.23.4.2.(1)
15. The lintel is SPF # 2 material with non-structural wall sheathing. Does this meet the
requirements of the code? If not, what is required? (Must determine the specified snow
load)
Answer No. It does not meet the requirements as the size of the lintel (5068
sq.mm) does not exist. The specified snow load is a maximum of 3.0kpa
for exterior walls.
Code Reference 9.23.12.3.(1)
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CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION OF BC
16. What is the minimum height the guard must be for this area?
Answer The minimum height is 900mm
Code Reference 9.8.8.1(8)
17. What is the requirement for the glazing of the window that is located within a shower
or bathtub enclosure
Answer 1. The window must be made out of safety glass of tempered or
laminated type
2. The sealing compound used to seal the glass component of
an insulating glazing unit to the sash component shall be
compatible with the sealing compound used to edge seal the
glass component.
Code Reference 9.6.1.4.(6) and 9.7.6.2.(1)
18. What are the run requirements for a flight of stairs that are constructed in this
configuration?
Answer 1. The vertical height of any flight of stairs shall not exceed 3.7m
2. At least three risers should be provided
Code Reference 9.8.3.2.(1) and 9.8.3.3.(1)
19. Are the requirements for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms applicable for
this single-family dwelling and if so what are the requirements?
Answer Yes
A single family dwelling must be fitted with a minimum of one smoke
alarm, complete with smoke detectors which can be battery powered
Code Reference 3.2.4.20.(5)
20. What is the requirement for waterproof wall finish around a bathtub?
Answer Waterproof wall finish shall be provided to a height of not less than
1.2m above the rims of bathtubs
Shower rooms compartment walls shall have a finish of a smooth non-
absorbent surface to a height of not less than 1.8m above the floor.
Code Reference 9.29.2.1.(1)
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CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION OF BC
21. What is the minimum clear height that is permitted by the code, for this area?
Answer 1. The clear height over stair normally measured vertically from
tangent to the tread and landing nosing to the lowest point above.
the clear height should not be less than 2050mm.
2. The clear height of single dwelling stairs should not be less than
1950mm.
Code Reference 9.8.2.2.(1) height over stairs
22. The flight of stairs consisting of two risers is serving the door between the garage and
the dwelling unit. Is a landing required for the flight of stairs?
Answer Yes it is required.
In a case where stairs are installed in garages that are for a single
dwelling unit, the garage shall be considered as a part of the unit and as
such the requirements for stairs shall apply
Code Reference 9.8.1.2 stairs, ramps, handrails and guards in garages
23. The fan located in the bathroom is serving as a bathroom fan and a principal fan for
mechanical ventilation purposes, what are the requirements the fan must meet in order to
be in conformance with the Code?
Answer The requirements of a principal fan control are as follows;
Designed in a way that it runs continuously
It should be controlled by a modifiable time control device that’s able to
provide a minimum of two operating periods a day and 8hour operating
time a day. It should also have a separate manual switch when serving as
a principal ventilation exhaust function and a bathroom exhaust
function.
Code Reference 9.32.3.4.(1) Principal Exhaust Fan Control
24. What are the requirements for the wall that separates the garage from the dwelling
unit?
Answer A garage shall be partitioned from the rest of the dwelling spaces by a
fire resistance wall with a rating of not less than 1.5 h.
It’s also highly advisable to insulate it and make it air tight.
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CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION OF BC
Code Reference 9.10.9.16.(2) and (3)
25. The slope of this roof is 9 in 12, is eave protection required?
Answer No it’s not required.
Eave protection should only be provided on roofs extending from the
edge of the roof a minimum of 900mm up the roof slope to a line of not
less than 300mm inside the inner face of the exterior wall.
Eave protection is not needed over unheated garages, carports and
porches if the roof exceeds 900mm measured along the roof slope from
the edge of the roof to the inner face of the exterior wall on roofs with
slopes of 1 in 1.5 (8/12)or greater.
However manufacturers find it advisable, irrespective of the roof slope,
to install minimum of 900mm of leak obstruction or ice and water shield
to the eave edge prior to shingle installation.
Code Reference 9.26.5.1.(1) and (2)
26. What is the specified snow load for the Village of Cache Creek?
Answer Snow load for the village of Cache Creek is specified at Ss of 1.7/50Kpa
and Sr of 0.2/50 Kpa
Code Reference Appendix C of BC building Codes
27. What are the four requirements for the roof space ventilation?
Answer 1. Unless the case pointed out in (2) below presents itself
the unhindered vent shall not be less than 1/300 of the
insulated ceiling area.
2. In a case where the roof slope is less than 1in 6 or where
roofs have been built using joists, the unhindered vent
shall not be less than 1/150 of the insulated ceiling area.
3. The needed vents whether of the roof, eave or gable-end
type or a combination of two or more of the mentioned
types shall therefore be distributed;
a) Evenly on the opposites sides of the structure
b) With those located at the top of the space accounting for
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CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION OF BC
not less than 25% of the openings.
c) With those located at the bottom of the space accounting
for not less than 25% of the openings.
Roof joists spaces shall be connected by installed purlins not less than
38mm by 38mm on top of the roof joists save for the case where
individual joists are separately vented. vents will conform to CAN3-
A93-M, “Natural Airflow Ventilators for Buildings”
Code Reference 9.19.1.2.(1)Vent Requirements
28. Calculate the beam size for this location, can it be constructed as per Division B-Part 9
and if so what is the minimum size permitted?
Answer The size of the beam is 2.89m in length. The beam can be constructed
using Division B part 9 as the minimum supported length in any
category is 2.4m and a size of 38mm by 184mm
Code Reference 9.23.4.2.(3)
29. What is the requirement for securing trusses to the top plate?
Answer Roof trusses shall be nailed to the top plate of a wall with nails of not
less than 82 mm nails. This is because the shear strength possessed by
the nails will be able to resist imposed loads by wind and earthquakes.
Code Reference 9.23.3.4.(1)
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CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION OF BC
References
1. Website: www.bccodes.ca
2. Website: www2.gov.bc.ca
3. Public libraries
4. Building Act, S.B.C. 2015, c. 2, section 3]
5. British columbia building code regulation, (2012), Queen's printer,
victoria, British Columbia, Canada
6. The lawyer’s daily, British Columbia seeking public input on review of provincial
building codes, (2018), LexisNexis, Canada
,
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