Under the BC Building Code, what is the maximum number of storeys permitted for a residential wood-frame building?

Q: What is the correct answer to: Under the BC Building Code, what is the maximum number of storeys permitted for a residential wood-frame building?

The correct answer is 6 storeys (encapsulated mass timber construction allows up to 12). Option B is correct because the BC Building Code permits conventional wood-frame construction up to 6 storeys for residential buildings. Additionally, BC has been a pioneer in encapsulated mass timber (CLT/glulam) construction, allowing buildings up to 12 storeys under specific engineering, fire safety, and encapsulation requirements. This has expanded development options and positioned BC as a leader in sustainable wood construction.

Q: What background knowledge is needed for this Land Use & Planning question?

BC's Building Code has progressively increased allowable heights for wood construction. Conventional wood-frame (stick-built) residential buildings are permitted up to 6 storeys. Encapsulated mass timber construction (using cross-laminated timber, glulam beams) is permitted up to 12 storeys with specific fire safety, structural engineering, and encapsulation requirements. These provisions support BC's forestry industry, reduce carbon footprints compared to concrete/steel, and enable more affordable mid-rise construction. The 6-storey wood-frame allowance particularly affects the missing middle housing segment.

Q: What is a good way to remember the answer to this Land Use & Planning question?

Remember '6 Frame, 12 Timber' — 6 storeys for conventional wood frame, up to 12 storeys for encapsulated mass timber in BC. When the exam asks about wood building heights in BC, recall '6 Frame, 12 Timber' — this gives you both key numbers to identify the correct answer.

Q: What exam tip applies to this Land Use & Planning question?

BC Building Code height questions often test whether you know the current limit (6 storeys for wood frame) versus outdated limits (3 or 4 storeys). Also note the mass timber extension to 12 storeys as a BC-specific innovation.

Q: How does this Land Use & Planning concept apply in real world practice?

A developer in Kelowna plans a 6-storey rental apartment building on a site zoned for multi-family. They choose wood-frame construction for cost savings compared to concrete. The BC Building Code permits this height in wood frame with appropriate fire separations, sprinkler systems, and structural design. If they wanted to go higher, they could explore mass timber construction up to 12 storeys.

Question

Land Use & PlanningBCMEDIUM

Under the BC Building Code, what is the maximum number of storeys permitted for a residential wood-frame building?

Answer Options

A

4 storeys

B

6 storeys (encapsulated mass timber construction allows up to 12)

C

3 storeys

D

10 storeys with no restrictions