Kamloops Step Code Requirements
Current Step: 3 | ACH Target: 2.5 ACH50 | Climate Zone: 5 | HDD: ~3,600 | Permit Office: kamloops.ca/building
Current Requirements
Step 3 required since January 1, 2022 under Building Regulation Bylaw No. 11-84 for all new Part 9 residential buildings.
Climate Considerations
Semi-arid climate with hot summers (35C+) and cold winters. Unique challenges:
- Higher insulation requirements vs. warmer Okanagan communities
- Window sizing and orientation matter for both heating and cooling
- Cooling loads are a factor in the energy model
- Air leakage has a larger energy impact at temperature extremes
Permit Process
Standard BC framework: energy model with Kamloops-specific weather data, blower door test at 2.5 ACH50, and as-built compliance report.
Tips
- Different climate than the Okanagan. Same house plan = different energy model results.
- City offers local incentive top-ups for heat pump installations.
- At Step 3, incremental cost is 1% to 3%. FortisBC rebates offset significantly.
Plan for Step 4 now. Use our rebate calculator to estimate numbers.