Mandate

The National Model Codes Committee (NMCC) on Harmonization will harmonize specific provincial and territorial code variations from the National Model Codes as described below and in accordance with the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) approved work plan.

Note: the breakdown of mandates shown below does not necessarily reflect the recommended task groups and working groups being planned.

  • Recommend code changes, where appropriate, to harmonize variations between the provincial/territorial codes and the National Model Codes in the following areas:
    • secondary suites, specifically considering jurisdictional requirements that do not restrict floor area,
    • installation of sprinkler protected glazed wall assemblies as an acceptable solution,
    • building classification categories where sprinklers are required,
    • [additional topics to be identified by the CBHCC].
  • Collaborate with the F/P/T Working Group on Technical Variations to maintain the list of additional variation topics to be addressed.

The NMCC is established by, and reports to, the CBHCC. The NMCC exists until the completion of its mandate or as otherwise directed by the CBHCC.

The NMCC will comply with the Operating Procedures of the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes.

Responsibilities

In accordance with the mandate described above:

  • develop proposed code changes for consideration for public review by the CBHCC;
    • in developing proposed code changes, consider:
      • harmonization with provincial/territorial variations where possible, if multiple provincial/territorial variations exist seek direction from the CBHCC;
      • code change requests forwarded by the CBHCC;
      • new and existing standards and guidelines; and
      • implications on other code requirements;
    • in developing proposed code changes, identify:
      • impacts of the proposed code changes; and
      • enforcement implications of the proposed code changes;
  • in consideration of public review comments received, recommend code changes for publication, for consideration by the CBHCC;
  • identify where research is needed to support the mandate and support coordination efforts;
  • identify opportunities for coordination with standard development and support coordination;
  • support development of material for the relevant user’s guides and commentaries, where applicable;
  • prepare a final report outlining a brief summary of the deliberations and considerations that led to the recommendation including any outstanding unresolved issues or concerns; and
  • through the Chair:
    • monitor progress against the approved CBHCC work plan and provide regular progress updates to the CBHCC; and
    • participate on the Standing Codes Coordination Committee, to ensure that there are no overlaps with, or conflicts between, the work being developed and that of other committees.