Approval for various types of housing is not solely the responsibility of local government. For instance, housing must meet specific requirements as set out in the BC Building Code and the Canadian Standards Association for Manufactured Homes. The following table describes the types of housing and the regulatory requirements for each type.
Housing Type
Conventional Framing constructed on site
Can include structurally insulated panels; wood/timber frame; cob; rammed earth; steel; strawbale BUT is built to BCBC standards on permanent foundation
Building/Construction Standard in Effect
BC Building Code
Permitted on Gabriola Island as a Permanent Dwelling
YES
Permitted on Gabriola Island as a temporary dwelling (up to 2yrs while constructing a permanent dwelling)
YES
Housing Type
Manufactured home constructed in a factory under CSA Standards and transported to site; placed on semi-permanent or permanent foundation
Building/Construction Standard in Effect
CSA – Canadian Standards Association for Manufactured Homes
Permitted on Gabriola Island as a Permanent Dwelling
YES
Permitted on Gabriola Island as a temporary dwelling (up to 2yrs while constructing a permanent dwelling)
YES
Housing Type
Modular/pre-fab home
sections/walls are built offsite in a factory and transported to site then assembled on site placed on approved foundation
Building/Construction Standard in Effect
CSA – Canadian Standards Association for prefabricated buildings, modules and panels
AND BC Building Code for seismic foundation
Permitted on Gabriola Island as a Permanent Dwelling
YES
Permitted on Gabriola Island as a temporary dwelling (up to 2yrs while constructing a permanent dwelling)
YES
Housing Type
Micro Homes
(approximately 100- 500sqft) built either offsite or onsite. Anchored to an approved foundation
Building/Construction Standard in Effect
BC Building Code
Permitted on Gabriola Island as a Permanent Dwelling
YES
Permitted on Gabriola Island as a temporary dwelling (up to 2yrs while constructing a permanent dwelling)
YES
Housing Type
Recreational Vehicles (RVs, motorhomes, fifth wheels, travel trailer, park model trailers)
Building/Construction Standard in Effect
CSA – Canadian Standards Association for recreational vehicles
Permitted on Gabriola Island as a Permanent Dwelling
NO – Building Inspector will not permit occupancy under provincial regulations (BCBC)
Permitted on Gabriola Island as a temporary dwelling (up to 2yrs while constructing a permanent dwelling)
YES – must be connected to approved sewage disposal system
Housing Type
Tiny Homes on wheels/trailer/chassis
Building/Construction Standard in Effect
Some tiny home companies offer certain types of certification similar to CSA standard for RVs.
Permitted on Gabriola Island as a Permanent Dwelling
NO – unless dwelling portion can be constructed to meet BC Building Code/CSA and anchored to approved foundation
Building Inspector may not permit occupancy under provincial regulations (BCBC)
Permitted on Gabriola Island as a temporary dwelling (up to 2yrs while constructing a permanent dwelling)
Possibly – must be connected to approved sewage disposal system
Could have issue with using as temporary residence since Building Inspector may not permit occupancy under provincial regulations (BCBC)
Housing Type
Yurt, canvas tents
Building/Construction Standard in Effect
N/A
Permitted on Gabriola Island as a Permanent Dwelling
NO
Permitted on Gabriola Island as a temporary dwelling (up to 2yrs while constructing a permanent dwelling)
Possibly – must be connected to approved sewage disposal system
Could have issue with using as temporary residence since Building Inspector may not permit occupancy under provincial regulations (BCBC)