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Registered Building Design Specialists
BCBC Part 9 Housing & Small Buildings
for Nanaimo & Mid-Island Region
Services PST exempt - read our FAQ page
+1 250 667 3286
Frequently asked questions - FAQ
PST Exempt - Navigating BCBC - Part 9 FEESServices and Project TypesDesign Process and CommunicationQualifications and Experience
1. What are BCBC Part 9 buildings?
Part 9 of the British Columbia Building Code (BCBC) regulates small buildings and housing typologies. This includes Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs/laneway homes), Single Family Dwellings (SFDs), and the provincial Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) multiplex frameworks. These buildings do not legally require a registered architect for design or municipal permitting.
2. What is changing with BC Provincial Sales Tax (PST) for design services?
Effective October 1, 2026, the Government of British Columbia is expanding the PST to cover professional architectural services. If you hire a registered architect for your design, a 7% PST will be applied to 30% of the total service fee (an effective tax addition of 2.1% on the invoice).
3. Why are ASTTBC and BCABD Building Designers exempt from this PST?
The provincial tax expansion specifically targets professional services provided by registered architects, engineers, and geoscientists. Qualified independent Building Designers registered with the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) or the BC Association of Building Designers (BCABD) operate under a distinct professional classification. Their design services remain entirely exempt from this tax base.
4. Can an ASTTBC or BCABD designer provide the exact same permit drawings as an architect?
Yes. For all structures falling within BCBC Part 9 parameters, ASTTBC and BCABD registered Building Designers specialize in creating code-compliant, permit-ready construction documents. They provide the precise technical drawings, site plans, and floor plans required by your local municipality to secure building permits.
5. How does this impact my project budget?
By hiring an independent ASTTBC or BCABD registered Building Designer for your multiplex, custom home, or laneway suite, you avoid paying the added provincial sales tax on design fees. On large residential developments or complex multi-unit infill designs, keeping your design services PST-exempt directly reduces soft costs and helps protect your project margins.
6. Does this change how municipal approvals work for SSMUH or ADU projects?
No. Municipalities evaluate permit submissions based on compliance with the BC Building Code and local zoning bylaws—not the specific title of the designer, provided the building falls under Part 9 guidelines. Working with an ASTTBC or BCABD professional ensures your project meets all provincial density mandates without unnecessary overhead.
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