Building Regulation advisories, bulletins and variances

These documents offer clarification on the application of the Alberta Building Code, Canadian Electrical Code, National Plumbing Code and the Natural Gas and Propane Installation Code, as well as The City’s Land Use Bylaw. A bulletin is a regulation under a code. An advisory is an interpretation of a code or municipal regulation. A variance is written permission to modify the application of the code, provided that an equivalent or greater level of safety is provided.

Regulation Bulletins

2006 Regulation Bulletin	Title	2014 Regulation Bulletin	Title
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-001	Title: Exit doors opening onto step	2014 Regulation Bulletin: Removed	Title: Removed
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-002	Title: Major and subsidiary occupancies and their fire separation	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-001	Title: Major and subsidiary occupancies and their fire separation
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-003	Title: Exits opening into enclosed yards without gates	2014 Regulation Bulletin: Removed	Title: Removed
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-004	Title: Exiting through lobbies	2014 Regulation Bulletin: Removed	Title: Removed
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-005	Title: Use of chain-link fences for fencing and barricading of construction sites	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-002	Title: Use of chain-link fences for fencing and barricading of construction sites
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-006	Title: Distinguishing "localized depressions" for determination of grade	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-003	Title: Distinguishing "localized depressions" for determination of grade
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-007	Title: Directional exit signs	2014 Regulation Bulletin: Removed	Title: Removed
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-008	Title: Limiting distance requirements for carports	2014 Regulation Bulletin: Removed	Title: Removed
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-009	Title: Washroom facilities for food establishments in shopping malls	2014 Regulation Bulletin: Removed	Title: Removed
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-010	Title: Fire dampers in ducts passing through vertical fire separations between suites	2014 Regulation Bulletin: Removed	Title: Removed
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-011	Title: Double wall assemblies with gypsum board within studs	2014 Regulation Bulletin: Removed	Title: Removed
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-012	Title: Stair handrails	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-004	Title: Stair handrails
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-013	Title: Use of cultured marble hearth extensions	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-005	Title: Use of cultured marble hearth extensions
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-014	Title: Movable partitions in a means of egress	2014 Regulation Bulletin: Removed	Title: Removed
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-015	Title: Guidelines for instant lube stations	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-006	Title: Guidelines for instant lube stations
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-016	Title: Gas log lighters in masonry fireplaces	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-007	Title: Gas log lighters in masonry fireplaces
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-017	Title: Bedroom windows used for emergency escape	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-008	Title: Bedroom windows used for emergency escape
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-018	Title: Green running man pictogram exit signs	2014 Regulation Bulletin: Removed	Title: Removed
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-019	Title: Size of actuating pads or bars of emergency (panic) hardware	2014 Regulation Bulletin: Removed	Title: Removed
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-020	Title: Release of electro-magnetic locking devices by light sensors	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-010	Title: Release of electro-magnetic locking devices by light sensors
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-021	Title: Permits for temporary tents	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-011	Title: Foundations for detached garages and accessory buildings serving dwelling units within the scope of ABC 2014 9.35 or ABC DIV B9.12.2.2.6
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-022	Title: Emergency access to floor areas	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-012	Title: Emergency access to floor areas
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-023	Title: Barrier-free washroom requirements in existing buildings	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-013	Title: Barrier-free washroom requirements in existing buildings
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-024	Title: Guidelines for industrial greenhouses	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-014	Title: Guidelines for industrial greenhouses
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-025	Title: Guidelines for single tenant concept	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-015	Title: Guidelines for single tenant concept
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-026	Title: Home-made wood roof trusses	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-016	Title: Home-made wood roof trusses
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-027	Title: Storage of material in parking garages	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-017	Title: Storage of material in parking garages
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-029	Title: Wood trellises, decking, planters, benches, railings, etc., on roofs of noncombustible buildings	2014 Regulation Bulletin: Removed	Title: Removed
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-030	Title: Supply of combustion air for fireplaces in residential buildings	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-018	Title: Supply of combustion air for fireplaces in residential buildings
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-031	Title: Introduction of batt insulation into ULC tested fire rated assemblies	2014 Regulation Bulletin: Removed	Title: Removed
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-032	Title: Subdivision of semi-detached dwelling units and row housing by party walls	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-019	Title: Subdivision of semi-detached dwelling units and row housing by party walls
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-033	Title: Building Code application to +15 walkways	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-020	Title: Building Code application to +15 walkways
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-034	Title: Earthquake design	2014 Regulation Bulletin: Removed	Title: Removed
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-035	Title: Classification of vocational and other specialized schools	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-021	Title: Classification of vocational and other specialized schools
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-036	Title: Landings, floors, etc..., supported by OSB/plywood hangers	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-022	Title: Landings, floors, etc..., supported by OSB/plywood hangers
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-037	Title: Exterior stairs passing adjacent to unprotected openings in another fire compartment	2014 Regulation Bulletin: Removed	Title: Removed
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-038	Title: Egressing from occupancies	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-023	Title: Egressing from occupancies
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-039	Title: Coffee shops & restaurants within other occupancies	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-024	Title: Coffee shops & restaurants within other occupancies
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-040	Title: Application of the Building Code & the Building Permit bylaw	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-025	Title: Application of the Building Code & the Building Permit bylaw
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-041	Title: Detached garages serving two to four dwelling units	2014 Regulation Bulletin: Removed	Title: Removed
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-042	Title: Smoke separation using unrated walls	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-026	Title: Smoke separation using unrated walls
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-043	Title: Horizontal fire dampers in combustible floor assemblies	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-027	Title: Horizontal fire dampers in combustible floor assemblies
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-044	Title: Doors opening to future elevated decks	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-028	Title: Doors opening to future elevated decks
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-045	Title: Fire separation details at floor/wall assembly intersections between suites in multi-family residential buildings	2014 Regulation Bulletin: Removed	Title: Removed
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-046	Title: Installation of electric chair lifts adjacent to required exits	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-029	Title: Installation of electric chair lifts adjacent to required exits
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-047	Title: Shafts inside furance rooms in up and down 4 plexes	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-030	Title: Shafts inside furance rooms in up and down 4 plexes
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-048	Title: Openable windows in garages and carports	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-031	Title: Openable windows in garages and carports
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-049	Title: Travel distance inside rooms and suites	2014 Regulation Bulletin: Removed	Title: Removed
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-050	Title: Protection of soffits	2014 Regulation Bulletin: Removed	Title: Removed
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-051	Title: Building Permit and guard requirements for retaining walls	2014 Regulation Bulletin: Removed	Title: Removed
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-052	Title: Spatial separation to building spaces with no occupancy	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-032	Title: Spatial separation to building spaces with no occupancy
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-053	Title: Finishes around urinals	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-033	Title: Finishes around urinals
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-054	Title: Thumb-turn latches in exit doors	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-034	Title: Thumb-turn latches in exit doors
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-055	Title: Span tables for built-up floor beams	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-035	Title: Span tables for built-up floor beams
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-056	Title: Door viewers	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-036	Title: Door viewers
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-057	Title: Combustible piping penetrations (water distribution pipes)	2014 Regulation Bulletin: Removed	Title: Removed
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-058	Title: Service trenches crossing under wall foundations	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-037	Title: Service trenches crossing under wall foundations
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-059	Title: Party walls or suite separation walls continuing into crawl spaces	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-038	Title: Party walls or suite separation walls continuing into crawl spaces
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-060	Title: Glass fibre insulation in built-up rated wall assemblies	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-039	Title: Glass fibre insulation in built-up rated wall assemblies
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-061	Title: Hose stations and cabinets in the ABC 2006	2014 Regulation Bulletin: Removed	Title: Removed
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-062	Title: Floors connected by stairs not forming required exits	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-041	Title: Floors connected by stairs not forming required exits
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-063	Title: Firefighting access for part 9 buildings	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-042	Title: Firefighting access for part 9 buildings
2006 Regulation Bulletin: RB06-064	Title: Alterations to fire alarm systems	2014 Regulation Bulletin: Removed	Title: Removed
2006 Regulation Bulletin:	Title:	2014 Regulation Bulletin: RB14-043	Title: Application of barrier-free requirements to live-work units

Advisories

Advisory Type & Code	Date	Subject
Plumbing Advisory P20-002	May. 22, 2023	Potable water systems and protection against thermal expansion
Plumbing Advisory P20-001	Apr. 26, 2023	Enforcement of The National Plumbing Code 2020
Building Advisory B19-008	March 8, 2023	Temporary Outdoor Tents Canopies
Gas Advisory G20-001	Jan. 3, 2023	Gas installations utilizing needle-type shut-off valves
Plumbing Advisory P15-002	Oct. 4, 2022	Secondary suites backwater valves and protection from backflow
Plumbing Advisory P15-001	Oct. 4, 2022	Secondary suites, shut off valves, and potable water distribution systems
Building Advisory A19-004	Aug. 31, 2022	Exterior egress requirements for single family homes
Building Advisory A19-006	June 22, 2022	Alternative classification of small assembly occupancies
Building Advisory A19-003	June 7, 2022	Existing Secondary Suite Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Building Advisory A19-005	June 1, 2022	Egress Window Guidelines
Building Advisory A19-002	April 12, 2022	Building Permit Complete Application
Building Advisory	Dec. 1, 2021	Secondary Suites - Existing Prior to March 12, 2018
Building Advisory	Feb. 3, 2021	Prohibited installation or use of non-certified gas fireplaces manufactured by Canadian Fire Hearth Mfg. Inc. and Luxor mfg. Inc.
Building Advisory	Oct. 2, 2020	EIFS to NB 2019 - Alberta Edition
Building Advisory	Oct. 1, 2020	Building Code Requirements for 5G Cell Phone Attenae
Building Advisory	March 1., 2020	Application of the Building Code Regulation for Multi-Building Projects in Transition from 2014 ABC to NBC 2019 (AE)
Building Advisory	Oct. 31, 2019	Building Permit Requirements for Single vs Multiple Buildings
Buidling Advisory	Oct. 25, 2019	Administration of Requirement for Real Property Report
Buidling Advisory	Oct. 9, 2019	Administration of Apparent Sound Transmission Classification (ASTC) Requirements
Buidling Advisory	Oct. 9, 2019	Protection of Openings Near Unenclosed Exterior Stairs and Ramps
Buidling Advisory	July 11, 2019	Micro Brewery
Buidling Advisory	July 10, 2019	Permanent Hail Structures
Buidling Advisory	Dec. 21, 2018	Intermodal Containers
Buidling Advisory	Nov. 1, 2018	Electrical CSA listed manufactured ground electrodes
Building Advisory	Sept. 1, 2017	Combined Outline Plan and Land use process changes
Building Advisory	Aug. 1, 2017	Sprinkler Protected Glazing Systems
Building Advisory	June 1, 2017	Care Facility Building Permit Fee Calculator
Building Advisory	April 30, 2017	New Mixed Use Districts
Building Advisory	April 1, 2017	Alberta Building Code Section 9.36: Application to existing buildings
Gas Advisory	Feb. 1, 2017	Location of gas piping
Gas Advisory	Jan. 15, 2017	Clearance to combustible materials on gas cooking appliances
Plumbing Advisory	Jan. 1, 2017	2015 Plumbing Code Enforcement
Building Advisory	Nov. 30, 2016	2017 GST changes
Building Advisory	Nov. 25, 2016	Hotel and warehouse calculation forms
Building Advisory	Nov. 20, 2016	Lowered high-rise and low-rise market values
Building Advisory	Nov. 14, 2016	Backyard suites
Gas Advisory	Nov. 9, 2016	Hydronic Heating Systems
Gas Advisory	Nov. 1, 2016	Temporary gas connections
Building Advisory	July 30, 2016	Fire Alarm Pull Stations
Building Advisory	July 22, 2016	Amended low-rise and high-rise building permit fee calcualtions
Building Advisory	July 5, 2016	Receptacle Protection for Health Care Equipment
Building Advisory	June 29, 2016	Grease interceptors and drainage system protection
Building Advisory	June 23, 2016	Hydronic heating permits
Plumbing Advisory	June 5, 2016	Sanitary and Storm Drain Connections
Building Advisory	April 30, 2016	Advanced Weather Forecasting system
Building Advisory	April 28, 2016	Construction Site Fencing
Building Advisory	April 20, 2016	Hoisting and Securing of Construction Material and Debris
Building Advisory	April 18, 2016	Public Protection Site Safety plan
Gas Advisory	April 8, 2016	BTU loads for future applicance gas Line outlets
Building Advisory	April 5, 2016	Two Hour Fire Rated Cables
Building Advisory	March 30, 2016	Air Tight Electrical Boxes
Building Advisory	March 29, 2016	Asbestos Abatement for Demolition Projects
Building Advisory	March 27, 2016	Determination of Estimated Construction Value & Building Permit Fees for Non-combustible High Rise Residential Buildings
Building Advisory	March 27, 2016	Determination of Estimated Construction Value & Building Permit Fees for Multi-Family Wood Frame Residential Buildings
Building Advisory	March 15,, 2016	Driveway Slope
Building Advisory	March 11, 2016	Existing Building Maintenance
Building Advisory	March 10, 2016	Guide to Applying for an Alternative Solution (Variance)
Building Advisory	March 8, 2016	Paint Spray Booths
Building Advisory	March 8, 2016	Permits for Bleachers used in Stampede Parade
Building Advisory	March 8, 2016	Standard form Indemnity Agreement for excavations adjacent to streets
Gas Advisory	March 8, 2016	Temporary Construction Heat
Building Advisory	March 7, 2016	Use of Exterior Insulation Finish Systems- Part 9 ABC 2014
Plumbing Advisory	March 5, 2016	Water Temperature Control
Building Advisory	March 1, 2016	Application of ABC for Structural Insulated Panels
Building Advisory	Feb. 14, 2016	Standardized fee for parking stall volumetric encroachments
Building Advisory	Jan. 30, 2016	Quick-Release Commercial Building Permits
Gas Advisory	Jan. 27, 2016	Enforcement New Gas Code Editions
Building Advisory	Jan. 22, 2016	Commissioning 2014 Alberta Building Code-2014 Alberta Fire Code
Building Advisory	Jan. 20, 2016	Quick-release permits
Building Advisory	Nov. 1, 2016	Racking - Building Permit Requirements
Building Advisory	Sept. 6, 2016	Dangers of the incorrect incandescent light bulbs in lighting fixtures (over lamping)

Variances

Variances supporting documents

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This information has no legal status and cannot be used as an official interpretation of the various bylaws, codes and regulations currently in effect. The City of Calgary accepts no responsibility to persons relying solely on this information. Web pages are updated periodically.