Safety Code Provisions and Wood-frame Structures
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association encourage Alberta Municipal Affairs to look to the National Building Code and Alberta Building Code for appropriate standards that would pertain to 6 story wood-frame mid-rise structures.
WHEREAS the best practices of building design and construction now incorporate greater safety, efficiency and a diversity in construction materials;
WHEREAS the cost of constructing a mid-rise residential wood-frame structure can incur a saving of approximately $100 per square foot;
WHEREAS many municipalities are striving to increase residential density while providing attainable housing in their downtown or suburban core districts;
WHEREAS the Alberta Building Code permits the construction of wood-frame structures only to a height of 4 stories;
WHEREAS the British Columbia Building Code was amended in April 2009 to permit the construction of 6 story wood-frame structures;
WHEREAS wood-frame structures in British Columbia must still meet strict building and safety code requirements, including being sprinklered to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13 standards; and
WHEREAS other provincial and municipal jurisdictions are now also investigating the advantages of mid-rise wood-frame structures.
Municipal Affairs - October 31, 2012
Six-story wood framed construction is not permitted in Canada with the exception of British Columbia. Wood framed buildings higher than four stories present increased safety risks. The Alberta Building Code (ABC) is based on the model National Building Code (NBC) and is the same as most other Canadian jurisdictions in permitting wood-frame residential buildings up to four stories in building height. Construction height requirements in the ABC are not developed based on market drivers, but rather focus on safety issues. We also look to the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) for guidance in developing new safety standards that can be included in the NBC and the ABC.
AUMA accepts this response.