6 storey wood frame?

[Spring2008]

Looks like these will be approved in certain areas as of Nov. I like the idea if will provide for cheaper units, as long as they're properly fire-proofed.

Six Storey Wood-Frame Construction


Starting in November 2014, The City will be accepting building permit applications for six-storey wood-frame for already approved land use zones. The building code currently limits wood-frame construction to a maximum of four storeys.

This decision comes after two years of participating in engagement with industry and responding to public review comments for the National Building Code. The goal of accepting this is to provide more options to the development industry and to address the housing crunch that Calgary is experiencing while considering the safety of its residents.

Allowing for six storey residential wood construction sets the stage for the development community to offer lower cost housing. The savings is much higher between wood construction and building in concrete, approximately 10-15 per cent cheaper, critical as a component of housing costs as the development community has cited Calgary as one of the most expensive places in Canada to construct from concrete.

Safety of these buildings is of primary importance. Similar to four storey wood frame construction, applicants are required to submit an enhanced Fire Safety Plan. These plans vary based on the site and the application, but could include items such as: additional site security during construction, garbage enclosures, additional fire extinguishers, no on-site smoking, etc.

The City has been working with other jurisdictions in Canada that have six-storey wood buildings to learn best practices to be accepted in Calgary including enhanced Fire Safety Plan during construction.

Any comments or questions related to this can be directed to 311.

http://www.calgary.ca/PDA/pd/Pages/Permits/Building-permits/six-storey-wood-frame.aspx