BC Step Code Requirements by Municipality
Step Code requirements vary by municipality. Use this reference to find the current BC Energy Step Code level and Zero Carbon Step Code emission level required for Part 9 residential buildings in municipalities we service. Requirements are based on building permit application date.
How to Use This Reference
The BC Building Code sets a provincial minimum of Energy Step Code 3 for all Part 9 residential construction. Many municipalities have adopted requirements above this minimum. The table below shows the current requirements for municipalities in our service area. If your municipality is not listed, the provincial minimum of Step 3 applies unless a local bylaw states otherwise.
- Requirements are based on when your building permit application is submitted — not when construction starts
- Zero Carbon Step Code requirements are separate from Energy Step Code levels and may have different compliance pathways
- Some municipalities require mid-construction blower door testing in addition to as-built testing
- Send us your project address and we will confirm the exact requirements that apply to your permit date
Greater Vancouver Municipalities
Data compiled from official municipal pages and the provincial Energy Step Code registry, verified March 2026. Requirements are based on building permit application date and may change when municipalities adopt new bylaws. We recommend confirming requirements for your specific project before starting design work.
| Municipality | Energy Step Code (Part 9) | Zero Carbon Step Code (Part 9) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burnaby | Step 3 | EL-4 (Zero Carbon Performance) | EL-4 effective January 1, 2025. Burnaby adopted Zero Carbon Performance ahead of provincial timeline. Two compliance pathways: prescriptive (all-electric declaration) or performance-based (energy modeling to meet GHGi target). Mid-construction blower door test required. |
| Delta | Step 3 | EL-1 (Measure Only) | Provincial minimum. See Let’s Talk Delta for current guidance. |
| New Westminster | Step 5, OR Step 4 + Zero-Carbon Zero (EL-4) | EL-2 (Moderate) with Step 5 | Two compliance pathways beginning January 1, 2025: Energy Step 5 + Zero-Carbon Moderate (EL-2), OR Energy Step 4 + Zero-Carbon Zero (EL-4). |
| North Vancouver (City) | Step 4 + EL-3, OR Step 5 + EL-1 | See pathways | Two compliance pathways: Energy Step Code 4 + Zero Carbon Strong (EL-3), OR Energy Step Code 5 + Zero Carbon Measure Only (EL-1). Mid-construction blower door test required. |
| North Vancouver (District) | Step 5, OR Step 4 + EL-3 | See pathways | Two compliance pathways: Energy Step 5, OR Energy Step 4 + Zero-Carbon Strong (EL-3). Mid-construction blower door test required. |
| Richmond | Step 5, Step 4, or Step 3 | See pathways | Three compliance pathways: Energy Step 5 + Zero-Carbon Moderate (EL-2), OR Energy Step 4 + Zero-Carbon Strong (EL-3), OR Energy Step 3 (BCBC) + Zero-Carbon Zero (EL-4). Air barrier red line definition plan drawing required. |
| Surrey | Step 3 | EL-1 (Measure Only) | Surrey requires a mid-construction blower door test before insulation inspection — in addition to the standard as-built test. |
| West Vancouver | Step 4 + EL-3, OR Step 5 + EL-1 | See pathways | Two compliance pathways: Energy Step Code 4 + Zero Carbon Strong (EL-3), OR Energy Step Code 5 + Zero Carbon Measure Only (EL-1). |
Sunshine Coast
| Municipality / Area | Energy Step Code (Part 9) | Zero Carbon Step Code (Part 9) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast Regional District | Step 3 | EL-1 (Measure Only) | Covers Gibsons, Sechelt, Halfmoon Bay, Roberts Creek, Pender Harbour, and unincorporated areas. Provincial minimum applies. |
| Bowen Island | Step 3 | EL-1 (Measure Only) | Step 3 since October 2020. Step 4 expected 2027 per municipal planning. |
| Powell River | Step 3 | EL-1 (Measure Only) | Provincial minimum applies. |
The City of Vancouver uses a different compliance framework than Step Code. The City of Vancouver Energy Checklists relate to the Vancouver Building By-law (VBBL). The Vancouver Energy Checklist process is similar to Step Code but some metrics are different and the compliance documentation is different. For details, see the City of Vancouver Energy Checklist Compliance page. For renovations in the City of Vancouver see the Renovation Energy Update Program (REUP) page for existing homes.
We Handle Step Code and Energy Checklist Compliance So You Can Build
Send us your project address and architectural drawings. We confirm the exact Step Code, Energy Checklist, and Zero Carbon requirements for your permit date, create the energy model, prepare all municipality-specific documentation, and conduct blower door testing at completion. Typical turnaround for pre-construction compliance packages is 2–4 weeks.
Learn About Our Step Code Compliance ServicesNot Sure What Your Municipality Requires?
Send us your project address and permit timeline. We will confirm the current Energy Step Code and Zero Carbon Step Code requirements and provide a quote for full compliance support.
