SUMMARY & RECOMMENDATIONS

The attached tables contains th i .
codes for British Columbia. © detailed recommendations for amending the

; :
in general, the thrust of our recommendations is to:

revise and add to the definitions in the Building Code to ensure

consisten iti i i
consi cy among the definitions and in the application of the

single-family dwellings
secondary suites
dwelling units

suites

treat a building containing a main dwelling unit and a secondary
suite where possible as a single-family dwelling without reducing
life safety requirements;

accept sprinklering as an alternative where finishes or fire
separations between suites do not meet the minimum requirements
of the Code, with some exceptions (Appendix B, item 33);

where there are inter-connected forced air heating or ventilation
systems, require the separation of the systems so that air cannot -
move from. one suite to the other through the duct system;

require a minimum number of electrical outlets and circuits to
accommodate the conveniences of our current lifestyle; and

if the main utilities shut-offs are accessible by both suites, then
separate shut-offs for each suite are not required.

We have the following specific recommendations to make:

That Metro recommend to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs,
Recreation and Culture that there be a separate code document
promulgated for existing single-family dwelling buildings that
also contain an existing secondary suite.

That Metro submit this report, to the Ministry of Municipal
Affairs Recreation and Culture, through RAAC, as the Metro
contribution to extmining how existing secondary suites in
singie-family dwe lings might be accepted under the British
Columbia Building, Code.

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