Kelowna Step Code Requirements
Current Step: 3 | ACH Target: 2.5 ACH50 | Climate Zone: 5 | HDD: 3,715 | Permit Office: kelowna.ca/building
Current Requirements
Step 3 required for all new Part 9 residential buildings since June 1, 2021. Energy advisors must use HDD 3715 in compliance reports (updated September 12, 2023).
Permit Process
- Pre-construction: Energy advisor models design, produces compliance report for permit application.
- Mid-construction (optional): Blower door test at pre-drywall stage. $325 rebate from Kelowna (max 3 per builder).
- As-built (required): Final blower door test + compliance report for occupancy.
Available Rebates
- City of Kelowna: $325 mid-construction blower door test rebate
- FortisBC: Up to $15,000 for Step 4, $20,000 for Step 5 (full guide)
- CleanBC: Additional federal/provincial incentives that stack
Combined rebate potential for Step 4: $15,000+ on a single home. Duplexes and triplexes multiply.
Looking Ahead
Step 4 is expected province-wide in 2027. Builders capturing FortisBC rebates now by building above Step 3 are ahead. The airtightness jump from 2.5 to 1.5 ACH50 is significant. Start with a mid-construction test on your next build.
Use our rebate calculator to estimate your Kelowna project numbers.