Did you know that the latest edition of the National Building Code of Canada (NBC) was released December 2025?
Developed by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes and published by the National Research Council of Canada, the NBC sets out the technical requirements for the design and construction of new buildings, as well as alterations, changes of use and demolition. These requirements address safety, health, accessibility, fire and structural protection and environmental performance.
Building on the 2024 updates, the 2025 NBC continues to advance accessibility, particularly within residential design.
What’s New in the 2025 NBC?
A key shift in the 2025 edition is the expansion of the accessibility objective to apply to all types of dwelling units, with flexibility for jurisdictions to adjust how the requirements are implemented locally.
Two new subsections have been introduced:
- Adaptable Dwelling Units
- Visitable Dwelling Units
In addition, updates within Section 3.8 (Accessibility) include requirements related to:
- Menstrual product dispensers
- Tactile direction indicators
- Emergency lighting
Together, these changes signal a broader move toward more inclusive, accessible-ready housing.
What Are Adaptable Dwelling Units?
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) defines adaptable housing as dwelling units designed to enable people of all ages and abilities to remain in their homes and communities as long as possible.
These units are designed with future modification in mind, allowing spaces to be easily adapted for aging-in-place or people with disabilities.
Key NBC requirements for Adaptable Dwelling Units (Subsection 3.8.4) include:
- Minimum entrance doorway widths
- Accessible electrical switches and receptacles
- Reinforced walls around water closets
- Reinforced walls around showers and bathtubs
What Are Visitable Dwelling Units?
Accessibility Standards Canada (ASC) and Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group) define visitable dwelling units as those that provide a basic level of access to accommodate visitors, including individuals using mobility aids, older adults, or those with temporary disabilities.
At minimum, these units enable someone to:
- Enter a dwelling safely
- Move independently throughout the visitable level
- Access a washroom facility
Key NBC requirements for Visitable Dwelling Units (subsection 3.8.5) include:
- Accessible paths of travel, doors and doorways
- Accessible washrooms
Note: These requirements apply where visitability is mandated by federal, provincial, territorial or municipal regulations.
Why This Matters
These updates reflect a growing recognition that accessibility is not a niche requirement. It is a baseline expectation for inclusive communities.
They also align with broader national initiatives, including:
- CMHC’s National Housing Strategy, which promotes visitable dwelling units
- Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility CertificationTM (RHFAC), which already incorporates adaptive housing principles
How Human Space Can Help
At Human Space, we support clients in navigating evolving accessibility requirements and translating them into meaningful, user-centered design outcomes.
Whether your project involves:
- Meeting NBC accessibility requirements
- Achieving RHFAC Certification
- Aligning with CMHC programs such as the Apartment Construction Loan Program (ACLP) or Mortgage Loan Insurance (MLI) Select
Our team can help you embed accessibility from the outset, ensuring compliances while enhancing usability and inclusion.
Learn More
Visit the Codes Canada publications to access the full 2025 NBC.