Ontario Updates Building Code to Allow Taller Wood Frame Structures

📅 6 days ago 🏷️ Ontario General Contractors Association

Ontario has amended its Building Code to allow for taller wood frame buildings, enhancing safety measures for construction.

On September 23, 2014, Ontario Regulation 191/14 was officially filed to amend the existing 2012 Building Code, Ontario Regulation 332/12. This significant change permits the construction of certain wood frame buildings to reach a height of up to six storeys, an increase from the previous limit of four storeys. The new provisions will take effect on January 1, 2015, marking a notable shift in the construction landscape of the province.
The amended Building Code allows for the construction of residential buildings classified as 'Group C' and office buildings categorized as 'Group D' using wood-frame construction methods for structures up to six storeys. Additionally, these buildings can incorporate mixed-use occupancies below the third floor. This includes classifications such as 'Group A-2' for restaurants and 'Group E' for grocery stores, alongside the inclusion of parking garages.
To address safety concerns associated with increased building heights, the new regulations introduce several enhanced safety provisions that are not currently required for four-storey wood buildings. Among these provisions are enhanced automatic sprinkler systems that must conform to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 13 standard. Furthermore, all balconies that exceed 610mm in depth will also be required to have sprinkler systems installed.
The amended code imposes specific height restrictions, particularly concerning the fire access routes, ensuring that buildings remain accessible in emergencies. Additionally, the exterior cladding and roof covering of these structures must either be noncombustible or combustion-resistant, a crucial requirement for fire safety.
Further safety enhancements include additional compartmentalization measures for large sprinklered spaces, such as attics, to prevent the spread of fire. At least 10% of the building perimeter must be located within 15 meters of a designated fire safety access route, facilitating emergency response. Moreover, exit stairwells are mandated to have a fire-resistant rating of 1.5 hours and constructed from noncombustible materials.
The new regulations also stipulate that these taller wood structures must meet higher seismic load requirements compared to similar noncombustible buildings. To ensure compliance, more rigorous occupancy permit requirements are being implemented.
In response to these changes, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is collaborating with the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, which oversees the Office of the Fire Marshall, to develop comprehensive guidelines focusing on site fire safety during the construction phases of five and six storey wood buildings. This collaborative effort aims to ensure that safety remains a priority as Ontario embraces taller wood frame construction.

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