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 is 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 on January 1, 2024, including:

Energy Changes

• Saskatchewan is adopting a single climatic zone, with all parts of the Province to be Zone 7A.
• Establishing energy efficiency Tiers for the construction of buildings:  
• Under the NECB, Tier 1 will apply for larger buildings.  
• Under the NBC, Tier 2 will apply to smaller buildings, including houses. 
• Tier 3 minimum energy requirements will come into effect on January 1, 2025.
• Air tightness can be used as part of a compliance path with a depressurization test (blower door test) to confirm compliance

• Existing buildings constructed before January 1, 2019, are exempt from these energy efficiency provisions when being renovated. 

Commercial Changes

• Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction (EMTC)
• EMTC will allow for the construction of 12 12-story combustibles.
• 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.
• The turning circle size has increased.
• Washroom sizes and clearances have increased.
• Seating space 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.

Residential Changes

• New residential window opening limitations requirements to protect against falling more than 1800 mm.
• The bedroom egress requirements are still required and must work in conjunction with the above window requirements.
• Air intake and exhaust outlet clearance are increased to aid in the cross-contamination of air streams.

If you have questions regarding adopting the 2020 National Codes, contact our Building Division.

Michael Nelson
Chief Building Official  
306.953-4370