National Model Construction Codes

Under Canada's Constitution Act, building, fire safety and plumbing regulations are the responsibility of provincial and territorial governments. The National Research Council of Canada, through the Institute for Research in Construction, publishes six National Model Construction Codes on behalf of the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes, which must be adopted by a regulatory authority in order to come into effect. In some cases, the Codes are amended and/or supplemented to suit regional needs, and then published as provincial codes. The six codes are as follows.

	The National Building Code of Canada (NBC) addresses the design and construction of new buildings and the substantial renovation of existing buildings.   User's Guide – NBC 2010: Structural Commentaries (Part 4 of Division B) Contains valuable background information and, in some cases, suggested approaches to certain design questions related to limit states design, snow loads, rain loads and design for seismic effects
	The National Fire Code of Canada (NFC) provides minimum fire safety requirements for buildings, structures and areas where hazardous materials are used, and addresses fire protection and fire prevention in the ongoing operation of buildings and facilities.   Supplement to the NFC 2010: Intent Statements
	The National Plumbing Code of Canada (NPC) covers the design and installation of plumbing systems in buildings and facilities.   Supplement to the NPC 2010: Intent Statements
	The National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) provides technical requirements for the construction of energy-efficient buildings.
	The National Energy Code of Canada for Houses (NECH) provides technical requirements for the construction of energy-efficient houses.
	The National Farm Building Code of Canada (NFBC) provides relaxations of the requirements in the NBC and addresses the particular needs of farm buildings.