Mandate

The National Model Codes Committee (NMCC) on Housing Supply will develop proposed code changes to consider innovative construction methodologies, enabling additional construction options for housing including modular housing, developing potential provisions for relocated buildings, and supporting densification efforts by considering provisions for tiny homes in 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.

Tiny homes
  • Identify construction components in tiny houses that may be subject to existing requirements in Part 9 of the National Building Code and develop proposed code changes for relaxations of provisions where appropriate.
Building relocation
  • Where applicable, develop requirements specific to relocated buildings (e.g., definitions, fire-resistance ratings and fire separation requirements, energy efficiency, etc.).
Modular construction
  • Identify any regulatory barriers to modular construction in the National Model Codes and recommend changes where appropriate.
  • Identify potential conflicts between standards and the National Model Codes and, where appropriate, propose code changes to resolve conflicts, which may include referencing standards related to modular construction.
  • Assess whether there are components of factory-constructed buildings/components, or buildings/components constructed off-site that differ from site-built buildings that would warrant specific requirements in the National Model Codes, and develop proposed code changes where appropriate.

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;
  • develop material on proposed changes 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.