Adoption of 2020 National Codes
Tier 3 Minimum Energy Requirements
Saskatchewan Adopts 2020 National Construction Codes
The Government of Saskatchewan recently adopted the 2020 editions of the national construction codes. The 2020 codes come into effect in Saskatchewan on January 1, 2024. Free access to the national construction codes are available through the National Research Council of Canada:
National Building Code of Canada (NBC) 2020,
National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) 2020, and
National Plumbing Code (NPC) 2020.
A number of changes will come into effect January 1, 2024, including:
Energy Changes
- Saskatchewan is adopting a single climatic zone, all parts of the province to be Zone 7A.
- On January 1, 2024, residential energy requirements (NBC Section 9.36) are being adopted at minimum Tier 2.
- Tier 3 minimum energy requirements will come into effect on January 1, 2026.
- Air tightness can be used as part of a compliance path with a depressurization test (blower door test) to confirm compliance.
Commercial Changes
- Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction (EMTC)
- EMTC will allow for the construction of 12 story combustible.
- The National Fire Code has added safety protocols to be adhered to while under construction.
- Requirements for determining fire ratings of EMT members.
- EMTC will allow for the construction of 12 story combustible.
- Barrier Free
- Path of travel (exterior walks) requirements from parking spaces required to be designed as ramps.
- Power door operator requirements increased.
- Minimum door widths increased as well as clearances beside and in front of doors.
- Turning circle size has increased.
- Washrooms sizes and clearances have increased.
- Seating spaces requirements have been revised.
- Tactile indicators and signs for
- stairs and difference in walking surfaces greater than 300 mm.
- exit signs beside exit doors.
- Stairway floor numbering.
- Air leakage performance classifications and air barrier assembly standards introduced to clarify comfort of indoor spaces.
- Smoke alarms may be allowed to be connected wirelessly (Bluetooth) connectivity.
Residential Changes
- New residential window opening limitations requirements to protect against falling more than 1800 mm.
- The bedroom egress requirements are still required and need to work in conjunction with the above window requirements.
- Smoke alarms may be allowed to be connected wirelessly (Bluetooth) connectivity.
- A unit still requires an individual hard wired power supply.
- Air intake and exhaust outlets clearance are increased to aid in cross contamination of air streams.
Plumbing Code
- The Plumbing Regulations introduce a new protection from backflow requirement for fixtures below street level or grade.
- Maximum water temperature discharging from a shower head or into a tub for seniors residents.
- Introduction of fibrocement pipe and fittings and polyethylene of raised temperature (PE-RT) tube.
- Introduction of rainwater harvesting system requirements for potable water systems.
- Revision to non-potable water systems.
Applicable forms and documents will be available on saskatoon.ca/buildingforms as they become available.
If you have questions regarding the adoption of the 2020 National Codes, our Building Standards team is here to help.
Greg Lawrence
Residential Permit Review Supervisor
greg.lawrence@saskatoon.ca
306.986.3032
Dylan Ramsay
Senior Commercial Building Code Engineer
dylan.ramsay@saskatoon.ca
306.975.7634
Brad Rurak
Senior Plumbing Inspector
brad.rurak@saskatoon.ca
306.975.7647