New Building Code Regulations Proposed

Proposed new building code regulations will mean safer homes and offices for Nova Scotians. The regulations were released for public comment today, Sept. 26.

"These proposed regulations will ensure best practices are used in new construction," said Kerry Morash, Minister of Environment and Labour. "Health and safety are always top priorities when considering new regulations, and these draft regulations will improve the safety of our buildings."

The proposed regulations would endorse changes proposed for the National Building Code, the national standard for building construction. They also customize some requirements that are needed to meet building design conditions in Nova Scotia, specifically related to construction and support of decks and weather proofing of exterior walls.

Another amendment allows municipalities to refuse to issue an occupancy permit until a civic number is posted. "Every home should have its civic number plainly visible to emergency responders," Mr. Morash said. "This proposal will help ensure that our emergency responders have access to this important tool."

Environment and Labour staff have already consulted the construction industry regarding these regulations through the Nova Scotia Building Advisory Committee.

"Now that we've finished discussions with the technical experts, we're asking all Nova Scotians to look at these proposed changes and provide us with their comments," said the minister.

The public comment period expires Nov. 14. The proposed changes are available on the Environment and Labour Web site at, www.gov.ns.ca/enla .