Fire Bylaw and radio antenna system

City Council approved the proposed 2019 Fire Bylaw that contained a number of significant initiatives that will have a positive impact for the safety of the general public. The 2019 Fire Bylaw will be updated to reference the 2018 BC Fire Code. .

Existing unique-to-Vancouver provisions will be reconfirmed, and three new ones added. They are:

1. Structural certification of exterior means of egress and fire escapes must be performed every 5 years by a professional engineer engaged by the building owner. This requirement applies only to buildings 4 storeys in height or more, and where the difference in floor or ground level is more than two metres. 

2. Solid waste containers (dumpsters) over 1500 L must be constructed of noncombustible materials if they are to be located outdoors. This bylaw provision will also apply to any dumpster located inside a building but left unattended outside at any time. Plastic dumpsters may be allowed but only under a site-specific fire permit and under certain conditions.  

3. A radio antenna system (in-building repeater system) must be installed in larger new buildings. For an existing building, if an alteration triggers a requirement to install a new sprinkler system, then it will trigger the requirement to install a radio antenna system. This bylaw is unique to Vancouver as a committee of experts and industry representatives was formed to assist in writing the specifications to balance the needs of industry and life safety.   

Information provided by Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services, City of Vancouver