Introduction to the National Model Codes

Understanding Canada’s National Model Codes and how to get involved in their development.

What are the National Model Codes?

The model construction codes are sets of model rules that outline how buildings must be designed, constructed and operated. They provide minimum requirements that builders and designers must follow once adopted in regulation.

In Canada, the provinces and territories regulate the design and construction of houses and buildings. The National
Model Codes serve as models for provincial and territorial regulations.

The five documents that make up the National Model Codes are:

National Building Code of Canada (NBC)
National Plumbing Code of Canada (NPC)
National Fire Code of Canada (NFC)
National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NEBC)
National Farm Building Code of Canada (last published in 1995)

Who is the CBHCC?

The National Model Codes are developed by the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC), an intergovernmental body composed of provincial, territorial, and federal government department representatives.

The CBHCC is responsible for establishing a work plan that guides code development and addresses strategic priorities of each code cycle.

About the code development process

The National Model Codes are updated every five years, adapting to new technologies, materials, construction techniques, and research, to reflect the changing needs of Canadians.

Technical changes to the National Model Codes are developed and evaluated through a consensus-based process led by code development committees made up of expert volunteers from across the country. Proposed changes then undergo public review to gather feedback from the construction sector, interested organizations, and the public, before being finalized and approved by the CBHCC.

How to get involved in the code development process

Updating the National Model Codes is a collaborative effort, and the CBHCC welcomes participation from anyone who is interested. The 2030 code cycle is underway and there are a number of ways to get involved in the code development process. Options for participation include:

Submitting a code change request

Do you have a suggestion on how a National Model Code can be improved? Anyone with an interest in codes can submit a code change request through the CBHCC website at any time. Once received by the CBHCC, code change requests are triaged for alignment with the strategic priorities set for that code cycle. Code change requests that are aligned with prioritized work in the current code cycle are typically advanced to code development committees for consideration.

Volunteering on a code development committee

Code development committees work to develop proposed changes that support the strategic priorities of a given code cycle. For the 2030 National Model Codes, priorities include accessibility of buildings and dwellings, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and increasing housing supply. Individuals interested in contributing to code development work as a committee member can submit their expression of interest at any time through the CBHCC website. Member recruitment generally occurs prior to each code cycle in order to populate the committees, but vacancies and membership on task groups are filled on an ongoing basis.

Attending a meeting as an observer

Don’t have time to volunteer on a code development committee, but want to stay informed? Anyone is welcome to attend an in-person or virtual public meeting. Meeting dates can be found on the CBHCC meeting calendar. The CBHCC requests that interested individuals give at least two weeks’ notice if they plan to attend an in-person meeting. Notice of meeting attendance can be submitted to: codes@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Participating in a public review

The CBHCC regularly invites the construction sector, interested organizations, and the public to participate in public reviews of proposed changes to the National Model Codes. A public review provides the opportunity to look at proposed technical changes and provide feedback on whether the changes should be approved, altered, or withdrawn. The current public review runs from April 27 to June 22, 2026.