As per the BC Building Code, new changes are coming May 1st, 2023 in the City of Port Alberni.

Please see the City of Port Alberni Energy Step Code Requirements.

City of Port Alberni Energy Step Code Requirements

GENERAL INFORMATION

These requirements are intended to provide Certified Energy Advisors, Designers, Registered Professionals, Contractors, Developers
and Property Owners the information necessary to successfully submit a building permit application for a building required to comply
with the BC Energy Step Code in the City of Port Alberni.

THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED AS PART OF ALL NEW BUILDING PERMITS THAT REQUIRE STEP CODE
COMPLIANCE (EFFECTIVE MAY 1st, 2023)
 

PART 9 BUILDINGS

Application

•  Pre‐construction BC Energy Compliance Report prepared by an Energy Advisor
•  Energy Modeling Report as described in 9.36.6.4 of the BC Building Code (BCBC) Step Code 3
•  Building permit drawings that are consistent with the submitted energy modelling and compliance report
•  Submitted drawings shall include:
    - Energy statements on drawings indicating that the project complies with the Energy Step Code, is based on Climate Zone 5 calculations
      (3,100 heating degree days), the specific Step pursued and the required Step Code target metrics (TEDI, TEUI/MEUI, Air-tightness)
   - The main cross section drawing shall show a continuous identifiable line indicating the air barrier location or method used, including all
      materials incorporated as part of the buildings air barrier system
   - Backup heat from wood stoves (EPA Approved) and decorative gas fireplaces will be excluded in Part 9 Buildings.

Mid‐Construction

•  At the approximate mid‐stage of construction, prior to the interior cover of the wall assembly, the building shall be
   tested for air‐tightness and the owner shall provide the City with a Mid‐Construction BC Energy Compliance Report
   prepared by an Energy Advisor Pre‐Occupancy
 

Pre-Occupancy

•  Prior to requesting occupancy, the owner shall provide the City with an As‐Built BC Energy 
Compliance Report prepared by an Energy Advisor

PART 3 BUILDINGS

Application    
 
•  Modeling report and confirmation of design compliance with the Energy Step Code 2 signed and sealed by a registered professional
•  Letters of Assurance from all applicable registered professionals in addition to design drawings with the information as specified in
   Division C, 2.2.9.2 of the BCBC

Pre‐Occupancy, the owner shall provide:

•  Confirmation, including testing results, of As‐Built BC Energy Compliance Report, signed and  sealed by a registered professional
•  Letters of Assurance from all applicable registered professionals

NOTE: The Registered Professionals of Record for architectural, mechanical, plumbing and electrical 
disciplines each have specific responsibilities to energy efficiency requirements under the Energy 
Step Code. The City will not accept Letters of Assurance in the form of Schedule B if the Energy 
Step Code reference has been crossed out.

Should you have any questions or comments regarding these requirements, please contact the City of 
Port Alberni Development Services at 250-720-2835 or developmentservices@portalberni.ca