Decoding the Code development process

Development of content for the National Model Construction Codes follows a consensus-based process directed by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC). This ongoing process starts with an initial code change request and ends with the publication of an approved change. In any given year:

• a number of code change requests are received and forwarded to committees for consideration
• code changes stemming from these requests are proposed by committees and submitted for public review, and
• proposed changes that have already gone through public review are considered by the CCBFC for final approval.

When one or more committees determine that they need to work on a code change request, they seek approval from the CCBFC to add it to their work plan and set its priority. If approval is granted, the committees undertake a more detailed review of the problem, after which it may result in the development of one or more proposed changes. These proposed changes are first studied by the provinces and territories and then submitted for public review to obtain feedback from individuals, the construction industry and other stakeholders.

Following the public review, all comments are considered. As a result, a proposed change may be revised, deferred or withdrawn entirely. If a proposed change elicits no comments, it is accepted as is.

Final proposed changes are always reviewed by the provinces and territories before being submitted to the CCBFC for approval. Those receiving CCBFC approval are published in the next edition of the Code in question or as a revision to the current edition.