Part 9 - Housing and Small Buildings

Section 9.1 General

9.1.1. Application

9.1.1.1. Application

(1)The application of this Part shall be as described in Subsection 1.3.3. of Division A.

9.1.1.2. Signs

(1)Signs shall conform to the requirements in Section 3.15.

9.1.1.3. Self-Service Storage Buildings

(1)Self-service storage buildings shall conform to the requirements in Section 3.10.

9.1.1.4. Tents and Air-Supported Structures

(1)Tents shall conform to the requirements in Subsection 3.14.1.

(2)Air-supported structures shall conform to the requirements in Subsection 3.14.2.

9.1.1.5. Proximity to Existing Above Ground Electrical Conductors

(1)Where a building is constructed in close proximity to existing above ground electrical conductors, the requirements of Subsection 3.1.20. shall apply.

9.1.1.6. Food Premises

(1)The requirements of Subsection 3.7.6. apply to all food premises.

9.1.1.7. Radon

(1)In addition to all other requirements, a building in the following designated areas shall be designed and constructed so that the annual average concentration of radon 222 does not exceed 200 Bq/m 3 of air and the annual average concentration of the short lived daughters of radon 222 does not exceed 0.02 working levels inside the building for,

(a)the City of Elliot Lake in the Territorial District of Algoma,

(b)the Township of Faraday in the County of Hastings, and

(c)the geographic Township of Hyman in the Territorial District of Sudbury.

9.1.1.8. Building in Flood Plains

(1)Buildings constructed on flood plains shall,

(a)be designed and constructed in accordance with good engineering practice to withstand anticipated vertical and horizontal hydrostatic pressures acting on the structure, and

(b)incorporate floodproofing measures that will preserve the integrity of exits and means of egress during times of flooding.

9.1.1.9. Site Assembled and Factory-Built Buildings (See Note A-9.1.1.9.)

(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2) and in Sentences 12.2.1.2.(1) and (2), a manufactured building is deemed to comply with this Code if it is designed and constructed in compliance with,

(a)CSA Z240.2.1, “Structural requirements for manufactured homes,” if the building is constructed in sections not wider than 4.88 m, or

(b)CSA A277, “Procedure for certification of prefabricated buildings, modules, and panels.”

(2)The requirements of this Code shall apply to,

(a)building components designed and constructed outside the place of manufacture, and

(b)site installation of such buildings.

9.1.1.10. Public Pools and Public Spas

(1)Public pools shall conform to the requirements of Section 3.11. and public spas shall conform to the requirements of Section 3.12.

9.1.1.11. Shelf and Rack Storage Systems

(1)Shelf and rack storage systems shall conform to the requirements of Section 3.16.

Section 9.2 Definitions

9.2.1. General

9.2.1.1. Defined Words

(1)Words in italics are defined in Article 1.4.1.2. of Division A.

Section 9.3 Materials, Systems and Equipment

9.3.1. Concrete

9.3.1.1. General

(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2) and Articles 9.3.1.6. and 9.3.1.7., unreinforced and nominally reinforced concrete shall be designed, mixed, placed, cured and tested in accordance with the requirements for “R” class concrete stated in Section 9 of CSA A23.1, “Concrete materials and methods of concrete construction.”

(2)Unreinforced and nominally reinforced site-batched concrete shall be designed, mixed, placed and cured in accordance with Articles 9.3.1.2. to 9.3.1.9.

(3)Except as provided in Sentence (4), Subsection 9.15.4. and Section 9.40., reinforced concrete shall be designed to conform to the requirements of Part 4. ( 4) For flat insulating concrete form walls not exceeding 2 storeys in building height and having a maximum floor to floor height of 3 m, in buildings of light-frame construction, the concrete and reinforcing shall comply with Part 4 or

(a)the concrete shall conform to CSA A23.1, “Concrete materials and methods of concrete construction,” with a maximum aggregate size of 19 mm, and

(b)the reinforcing shall,

(i)conform to CSA G30.18, “Carbon steel bars for concrete reinforcement”,

(ii)have a minimum specified yield strength of 400 MPa, and

(iii)be lapped a minimum of 450 mm for 10M bars and 650 mm for 15M bars. (See also Articles 9.15.4.5. and 9.20.17.2. to 9.20.17.4.)

9.3.1.2. Cement

(1)Cement shall meet the requirements of CSA A3001, “Cementitious materials for use in concrete.”

9.3.1.3. Concrete in Contact With Sulfate Soil

(1)Concrete in contact with sulphate soil, which is deleterious to normal cement, shall conform to the requirements in Clause 4.1.1.6 of CSA A23.1, “Concrete materials and methods of concrete construction.”

9.3.1.4. Aggregates

(1)Aggregates shall

(a)consist of sand, gravel, crushed rock, crushed air-cooled blast furnace slag, expanded shale or expanded clay conforming to CSA A23.1, “Concrete materials and methods of concrete construction,” and

(b)be clean, well-graded and free of injurious amounts of organic and other deleterious material.

9.3.1.5. Water

(1)Water shall be clean and free of injurious amounts of oil, organic matter, sediment or any other deleterious material.

9.3.1.6. Compressive Strength (See also Article 9.12.4.1., Sentence 9.15.4.2.(1) and Article 9.18.6.1.)

(1)Except as provided elsewhere in this Part, the compressive strength of unreinforced concrete after 28 days shall be not less than,

(a)32 MPa for garage floors, carport floors and all exterior flatwork,

(b)20 MPa for interior floors other than those for garages and carports, and

(c)15 MPa for all other applications.

(2)Site-batched concrete used for garage floors, carport floors and exterior flatwork shall have air entrainment of 5 to 8%.

9.3.1.7. Concrete Mixes (See Note A-9.3.1.7.)

(1)For pre-mixed concrete and for the site-batched concrete mixes described in Table 9.3.1.7., the maximum ratio of water to cementing materials measured by weight shall not exceed

(a)0.45 for garage floors, carport floors and all exterior flatwork,

(b)0.65 for interior floors other than those for garages and carports, and

(c)0.70 for all other applications.

(2)The size of aggregate in unreinforced site-batched concrete mixes referred to in Sentence (1) shall not exceed,

(a)1/5 the distance between the sides of vertical forms, or

(b)1/3 the thickness of flatwork. Table 9.3.1.7. Site-Batched Concrete Mixes Forming Part of Sentence 9.3.1.7.(1)

9.3.1.8. Admixtures

(1)Admixtures shall conform to ASTM C260 / C260M, “Standard Specification for Air-Entraining Admixtures for Concrete,” or ASTM C494 / C494M, “Standard Specification for Chemical Admixtures for Concrete,” as applicable.

9.3.1.9. Cold Weather Requirements

(1)When the air temperature is below 5 ° C, concrete shall be

(a)kept at a temperature of not less than 10 ° C or more than 25 ° C while being mixed and placed, and

(b)maintained at a temperature of not less than 10 ° C for 72 h after placing.

(2)No frozen material or ice shall be used in concrete described in Sentence (1).

9.3.2. Lumber and Wood Products

9.3.2.1. Grade Marking

(1)Lumber for joists, rafters, trusses and beams and for the uses listed in Table 9.3.2.1. shall be identified by a grade stamp to indicate its grade as determined by the NLGA, “Standard Grading Rules for Canadian Lumber.” (See Note A- 9.3.2.1.(1))

9.3.2.2. Lumber Grades

(1)Except for joists, rafters, trusses and beams, visually graded lumber shall conform to the grades in Table 9.3.2.1. (See Article 9.23.4.2. for joists, rafters and beams and Article 9.23.14.11. for trusses.)

9.3.2.3. Machine Stress Rated Lumber

(1)Machine stress rated lumber shall conform to the requirements of Subsection 4.3.1.

9.3.2.4. OSB, Waferboard and Plywood Marking

(1)OSB, waferboard and plywood used for roof sheathing, wall sheathing and subflooring shall be legibly identified on the face of the material indicating,

(a)the manufacturer of the material,

(b)the standard to which it is produced, and

(c)that the material is of an exterior type.

9.3.2.5. Moisture Content

(1)Moisture content of lumber shall be not more than 19% at the time of installation.

9.3.2.6. Lumber Dimensions

(1)Lumber dimensions referred to in this Part are actual dimensions determined in conformance with CSA O141, “Softwood Lumber.”

9.3.2.7. Panel Thickness Tolerances

(1)The thicknesses specified in this Part for plywood, hardboard, particleboard, OSB and waferboard shall be subject to the tolerances permitted in the standards referenced for these products unless specifically indicated herein.

9.3.2.8. Undersized Lumber

(1)Joist, rafter, lintel and beam members up to 5% less than the actual Canadian standard sizes are permitted to be used provided the allowable spans for the grade and species of lumber under consideration are reduced 5% from those shown in the Span Tables for full size members. (See Note A-9.3.2.8.(1))

9.3.2.9. Termite and Decay Protection

(1)In localities where termites are known to occur,

(a)clearance between structural wood elements and the finished ground level directly below them shall be not less than 450 mm and, except as provided in Sentence (2), all sides of the supporting elements shall be visible to permit inspection, or

(b)structural wood elements, supported by elements in contact with the ground or exposed over bare soil, shall be pressure-treated with a chemical that is toxic to termites. (See Note A-9.3.2.9.(1))

(2)In localities where termites are known to occur and foundations are insulated or otherwise finished in a manner that could conceal a termite infestation,

(a)a metal or plastic barrier shall be installed through the insulation and any other separation or finish materials above finished ground level to control the passage of termites behind or through the insulation, separation or finish materials, and

(b)all sides of the finished supporting assembly shall be visible to permit inspection.

(3)Structural wood elements shall be pressure-treated with a preservative to resist decay where the vertical clearance between structural wood elements and the finished ground level is less than 150 mm. (See Note A-9.3.2.9.(3)) (3.1) In localities where termites are known to occur and where windows or other openings at or below grade contain wood elements, the bottom of window wells or adjacent ground shall be at least 150 mm below the nearest wood unless the wood is pressure-treated with a chemical toxic to termites.

(4)Structural wood elements used in retaining walls and cribbing shall be pressure-treated with a preservative to resist decay, where

(a)the retaining wall or cribbing supports ground that is critical to the stability of building foundations, or

(b)the retaining wall or cribbing is greater than 1.2 m in height. (See Note A-9.3.2.9.(4))

(5)Where wood is required by this Article to be treated to resist termites or decay, such treatment shall be in accordance with Table 2, “Use Categories for Specific Products, Uses, and Exposures,” of CAN/CSA-O80.1, “Specification of treated wood,” as follows:

(a)protected from direct exposure to water during and after the completion of construction, and

(i)interior construction,

(ii)above-ground applications, and

(iii)applications where the wood member remains dry,

(b)separated from permeable supporting materials by a moisture barrier that is resistant to all expected mechanisms of deterioration in the service environment if the vertical clearance to the ground is less than 150 mm. (7) Wood that is required by this Article to be treated to resist termites or decay shall be identified by a mark to indicate the type of preservative used and conformance to the relevant required Use Category.

(i)interior construction,

(ii)above-ground applications, and

(iii)applications where the wood member may be subjected to occasional sources of moisture,

(c)Use Category 3.2 (UC3.2), where the wood member is used in

(i)exterior construction,

(ii)above-ground applications, and

(iii)applications where the wood member is uncoated or is used in a configuration conducive to moisture accumulation,

(d)Use Category 4.1 (UC4.1), where

(i)the wood member is used in contact with the ground,

(ii)the wood member is used in contact with fresh water, or

(iii)the vertical clearance between the wood element and the finished ground level is less than 150 mm and the wood elements are not separated from permeable supporting materials by a moisture barrier, or

(e)Use Category 4.2 (UC4.2), where the wood member is used in critical structural components, including permanent wood foundations. (6) Where wood is protected in accordance with UC1 or UC2 using an inorganic boron preservative, the wood shall be

9.3.3. Metal

9.3.3.1. Sheet Metal Thickness

(1)Minimum thicknesses for sheet metal material that are stated in this Part refer to the actual minimum base metal thicknesses measured at any point of the material, and in the case of galvanized steel described in Sentence 9.3.3.2.(1), include the thickness of the galvanizing coating unless otherwise indicated.

9.3.3.2. Galvanized Sheet Steel

(1)Where sheet steel is required to be galvanized, it shall be metallic-coated with zinc or an alloy of 55% aluminum- zinc meeting the requirements of

(a)ASTM A653 / A653M, “Standard Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron Alloy- Coated (Galvannealed) by the Hot-Dip Process,” or

(b)ASTM A792 / A792M, “Standard Specification for Sheet Steel, 55% Aluminum-Zinc Alloy-Coated by the Hot-Dip Process.”

(2)Where galvanized sheet steel is intended for use in locations exposed to the weather or as a flashing material, it shall have a zinc coating not less than the G90 (Z275) coating designation or an aluminum-zinc alloy coating not less than the AZM150 coating designation, as referred to in Sentence (1).

Section 9.4 Structural Requirements

9.4.1. Structural Design Requirements and Application Limitations

9.4.1.1. General (See Note A-9.4.1.1.)

(1)Subject to the application limitations defined elsewhere in this Part, structural members and their connections shall

(a)conform to requirements provided elsewhere in this Part,

(b)be designed according to good engineering practice such as provided in the CWC 2014, “Engineering Guide for Wood Frame Construction,” or

(c)be designed according to Part 4 using the loads and deflection and vibration limits specified in,

(i)this Part, or

(ii)Part 4.

(2)Where floor framing is designed in accordance with Clause (1)(b) or

(c)and where supporting wall framing and fastenings, or footings, are designed according to Clause (1)(a), the maximum specified live load on the floor according to Table 4.1.5.3. shall not exceed 2.4 kPa.

(3)Location-specific information for structural design, including snow and wind loads and seismic spectral response accelerations, shall be determined according to MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-1, “Climatic and Seismic Data.” (See Note A-9.4.1.1.(3))

9.4.2. Specified Loads

9.4.2.1. Application (See Note A-9.4.2.1. and 9.4.2.2.)

(1)This Subsection applies to light-frame construction whose wall, floor and roof planes are generally comprised of frames of small repetitive structural members, and where

(a)the roof and wall planes are clad, sheathed or braced on at least one side,

(b)the small repetitive structural members are spaced not more than 600 mm o.c.,

(c)the clear span of any structural member does not exceed 12.2 m,

(d)the maximum deflection of the structural roof members conforms to Article 9.4.3.1.,

(e)the maximum total roof area, notwithstanding any separation of adjoining buildings by firewalls, is 4 550 m², and

(f)for flat roofs, there are no significant obstructions on the roof, such as parapet walls, spaced closer than the distance calculated by D o

9.4.2.2. Specified Snow Loads (See Note A-9.4.2.1. and 9.4.2.2.)

(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (4), specified snow loads shall be not less than those calculated using the following formula: S = C b

(2)In no case shall the specified snow load be less than 1 kPa.

(3)Bow string, arch or semi-circular roof trusses having an unsupported span greater than 6 m shall be designed in conformance with the snow load requirements in Subsection 4.1.6.

(4)Where the height of a roof step at the intersection of an upper level roof and a lower level roof is greater than 2 m, and the upper level roof has a slope less than 1 in 6 and an area greater than 600 m², the specified snow load on the lower level roof shall be

(a)for distances from the roof step that are less than or equal to the drift length, x d

(b)for distances from the roof step that are greater than the drift length, x d

(5)For the purposes of Sentence (4), the drift length, x d

9.4.2.3. Platforms Subject to Snow and Occupancy Loads

(1)Balconies, decks and other accessible exterior platforms intended for an occupancy and subject to snow loads shall be designed to carry the specified roof snow load or 1.9 kPa, whichever is greater, where the platform, or each segregated area of the platform, serves a single dwelling unit. (See Note A-9.4.2.3.(1))

9.4.2.4. Attics and Roof Spaces

(1)Ceiling joists or truss bottom chords in residential attic or roof spaces having limited accessibility that precludes the storage of equipment or material shall be designed for a total specified load of not less than 0.35 kPa, where the total specified load is the sum of the specified dead load plus the specified live load of the ceiling. (See Note A-9.4.2.4.(1))

9.4.3. Deflections

9.4.3.1. Deflections

(1)The maximum deflection of structural members shall conform to Table 9.4.3.1.

(2)Dead loads need not be considered in computing deflections referred to in Sentence (1).

9.4.4. Foundation Conditions

9.4.4.1. Allowable Bearing Pressures

(1)Footing sizes for shallow foundations shall be

(a)determined in accordance with Section 9.15., or

(b)designed in accordance with Section 4.2. using,

(i)the maximum allowable bearing pressures in Table 9.4.4.1., or

(ii)allowable bearing pressures determined from subsurface investigation.

(2)The design procedures described in Section 4.2. are permitted to be used in lieu of the design procedures in this Subsection. Table 9.4.4.1. Allowable Bearing Pressure for Soil or Rock Forming Part of Sentence 9.4.4.1.(1)

(3)The design procedures described in Section 4.2. shall be used where,

(a)deep foundations are used,

(b)the footing size falls outside the scope of this Section, or

(c)the foundation is constructed on peat, filled ground or on sensitive clays as described in Article 9.15.1.1.

9.4.4.2. Foundation Capacity in Weaker Soil and Rock

(1)Where a soil or rock within a distance equal to twice the footing width below the bearing surface has a lower allowable bearing pressure than that at the bearing surface as shown in Article 9.4.4.1., the design capacity of the foundation shall not be greater than would cause the weakest soil or rock to be stressed beyond its allowable bearing pressure.

(2)In calculating subsurface pressures referred to in Sentence (1), the loads from the footings shall be assumed to be distributed uniformly over a horizontal plane within a frustum extending downward from the footing at an angle of 60 ° to the horizontal.

9.4.4.3. High Water Table

(1)Where a foundation bears on gravel, sand or silt, and the water table is within a distance below the bearing surface equal to the width of the foundation, the allowable bearing pressure shall be 50% of that determined in Article 9.4.4.1.

9.4.4.4. Soil Movement

(1)Where a foundation is located in an area where soil movement caused by changes in soil moisture content, freezing, or chemical-microbiological oxidation is known to occur to the extent that it will damage a building, measures shall be taken to preclude such movement or to reduce the effects on the building so that the building’s stability and the performance of assemblies will not be adversely affected. (See Note A-9.4.4.4.(1))

9.4.4.5. Reserved

9.4.4.6. Walls Supporting Drained Earth (See Note A-9.4.4.6. and 9.15.1.1.)

(1)Except where constructed in accordance with Section 9.15., walls supporting drained earth shall be designed

(a)for a pressure equivalent to that exerted by a fluid with a density of not less than 480 kg/m 3 and a depth equal to that of the retained earth, or

(b)in accordance with Section 4.2. so as to be able to resist the loads and effects described in Article 4.1.2.1.

(2)Walls supporting other than drained earth shall be designed

(a)for the pressure described in Clause (1)(a) plus the fluid pressure of the surcharge, or

(b)in accordance with Section 4.2. so as to be able to resist the loads and effects described in Article 4.1.2.1.

Section 9.5 Design of Areas, Spaces and Doorways

9.5.1. General

9.5.1.0A. Application

(1)Except as otherwise specified in this Part, this Section applies only to dwelling units that are intended for use on a continuing or year-round basis as the principal residence of the occupant.

9.5.1.1. Method of Measurement

(1)Except as otherwise specified in this Part, the areas, dimensions and heights of rooms or spaces shall be measured between finished wall surfaces and between finished floor and ceiling surfaces.

9.5.1.1A. Floor Areas

(1)Minimum floor areas specified in this Section do not include closets or built-in bedroom cabinets unless otherwise indicated.

9.5.1.2. Combination Rooms (See Note A-9.5.1.2.)

(1)Two or more areas may be considered as a combination room if the opening between the areas occupies the larger of 3 m² or 40% or more of the wall measured on the side of the dependent area.

(2)Where the dependent area is a bedroom, direct passage shall be provided between the two areas.

(3)The opening required in Sentence (1) shall not contain doors or windows.

9.5.1.3. Lesser Areas and Dimensions

(1)Areas of rooms and spaces are permitted to be less than required in this Section provided it can be shown that the rooms and spaces are adequate for their intended use, such as by the provision of built-in furniture to compensate for reduced sizes.

9.5.2. Barrier-Free Design

9.5.2.1. General

(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2) and Article 3.8.1.1., every building shall be designed in conformance with Section 3.8.

(2)The requirements of Section 3.8. need not be provided for detached houses, semi-detached houses, houses with a secondary suite, duplexes, triplexes, row houses and boarding or rooming houses with fewer than eight boarders or roomers.

9.5.2.2. Protection on Floor Areas With a Barrier-Free Path of Travel

(1)Where a barrier-free path of travel required in Article 9.5.2.1. is provided to any storey above the first storey, the requirements in Article 3.3.1.7. shall apply.

9.5.2.3. Reserved

9.5.2.4. Stud Wall Reinforcement

(1)If wood wall studs or sheet steel wall studs enclose the main bathroom in a dwelling unit, reinforcement shall be installed to permit the future installation of the following:

(a)for a water closet, a grab bar described in Clauses 3.8.3.8.(3)(a) and a grab bar described in Clause 3.8.3.8.(3)(c),

(b)for a shower, a grab bar described in Clause 3.8.3.13.(2)(g), and

(c)for a bathtub, a grab bar described in Clause 3.8.3.13.(7)(e). (See Note A-9.5.2.4.(1))

9.5.3. Ceiling Heights

9.5.3.1. Ceiling Heights of Rooms or Spaces

(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), the ceiling heights and clear heights in rooms or spaces in residential occupancies and live/work units shall conform to Table 9.5.3.1.

(2)Ceiling heights in secondary suites shall be not less than 1.95 m.

(3)Clear heights under beams and ducting in secondary suites shall be not less than 1.85 m.

(4)Areas in rooms or spaces over which ceiling height and clear height are not less than the minimum specified in Table 9.5.3.1. or Sentence (2) or (3) shall be contiguous with the entry or entries to those rooms or spaces. Table 9.5.3.1. Room Ceiling Heights Forming Part of Sentences 9.5.3.1.(1) and (4)

9.5.3.2. Mezzanines

(1)The ceiling height above and below a mezzanine floor assembly in all occupancies shall be not less than 2.1 m.

9.5.3.3. Storage Garages

(1)Kitchen areas within dwelling units either separate from or in combination with other spaces, shall have an area of not less than 4.2 m² including the area occupied by the base cabinets, except that in dwelling units containing sleeping accommodation for not more than two persons, the minimum area shall be 3.7 m².

(2)Where the area of a living space is combined with a kitchen and dining area, the living area alone in a dwelling unit that contains sleeping accommodation for not more than two persons shall be not less than 11 m².

9.5.4. Hallways

9.5.4.1. Hallway Width

(1)The unobstructed width of a hallway within a dwelling unit shall be not less than 860 mm, except that the hallway width is permitted to be 710 mm where

(a)there are only bedrooms and bathrooms at the end of the hallway furthest from the living area, and

(b)a second exit is provided

(i)in the hallway near the end furthest from the living area, or

(ii)in each bedroom served by the hallway.

9.5.5. Doorway Sizes

9.5.5.1. Doorway Opening Sizes

(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2) and Articles 9.5.5.3., 9.9.6.2. and 9.9.6.3., doorway openings within dwelling units and within houses with a secondary suite including their common spaces shall be designed to accommodate at least the door sizes given in Table 9.5.5.1. for swing-type and folding doors.

(2)Doorway openings within secondary suites shall be designed to accommodate swing-type and folding doors not less than 1 890 mm high where the ceiling height complies with Sentence 9.5.3.1.(2).

9.5.5.2. Doors to Public Water-Closet Rooms

(1)Doors to public water closet rooms shall be not less than 810 mm wide and 2 030 mm high.

9.5.5.3. Doors to Bathrooms

(1)Where a barrier-free path of travel conforming to Section 3.8. is provided into a suite of residential occupancy and where a bathroom within the suite is at the level of the suite entrance door, the doorway to such bathroom and to each bedroom at the same level as such bathroom shall have, when the door is in the open position, a clear width of not less than,

(a)760 mm where the door is served by a corridor or space not less than 1 060 mm wide, and

(b)810 mm where the door is served by a corridor or space less than 1 060 mm wide.

Section 9.6 Glass

9.6.1. General

9.6.1.1. Application

(1)This Section applies to

(a)glass in

(i)interior doors and interior windows and their sidelights,

(ii)clothes closets,

(iii)site-built exterior windows, doors and skylights,

(iv)shower or bathtub enclosures,

(v)glazed panels and partitions, and

(b)the protection of glass.

9.6.1.2. Material Standards for Glass

(1)Glass shall conform to

(a)CAN/CGSB-12.1, “Safety Glazing,”

(b)CAN/CGSB-12.2-M, “Flat, Clear Sheet Glass,”

(c)CAN/CGSB-12.3-M, “Flat, Clear Float Glass,”

(d)CAN/CGSB-12.4-M, “Heat Absorbing Glass,”

(e)CAN/CGSB-12.8, “Insulating glass units,”

(f)CAN/CGSB-12.9, “Spandrel glass,”

(g)CAN/CGSB-12.10-M, “Glass, Light and Heat Reflecting,”

(h)CAN/CGSB-12.11-M, “Wired Safety Glass,” or

(i)ASTM E2190, “Standard Specification for Insulating Glass Unit Performance and Evaluation.”

(2)Mirrored glass doors are only permitted to be used only at the entrance to clothes closets and shall conform to the requirements of CAN/CGSB-82.6-M, “Doors, Mirrored Glass, Sliding or Folding, Wardrobe.” (See Note A-9.6.1.2.(2))

(3)Mirrored glass doors reinforced with a film backing shall meet the impact resistance requirements specified in CAN/CGSB-12.5-M, “Mirrors, Silvered.”

9.6.1.3. Structural Sufficiency of Glass

(1)The maximum hourly wind pressure with one chance in fifty of being exceeded in any one year, as provided in MMAH Supplementary Standard SB- 1, “Climatic and Seismic Data. ”

(2)Where the building has an essentially uniform distribution of paths for air leakage, including operable openings, but no large openings that would permit wind gusts to rapidly enter the building and the building is not in an exceptionally exposed location such as a hilltop, the maximum area of individual panes of glass for windows shall conform to

(a)Tables 9.6.1.3.-A to 9.6.1.3.-C, where the building has a height from grade to the uppermost roof of 12 m or less, and is located in a built-up area, no less than 120 m away from the boundary between this area and open terrain, or

(b)Tables 9.6.1.3.-D to 9.6.1.3.-F. (See Note A-9.6.1.3.(2))

(3)The maximum area of individual panes of glass for doors shall conform to Table 9.6.1.3.-G. Table 9.6.1.3.-A Maximum Glass Area for Windows in Areas for which the 1-in-50 Hourly Wind Pressure (HWP) is Less than 0.55 kPa

9.6.1.4. Types of Glass and Protection of Glass

(1)Glass sidelights greater than 500 mm wide that could be mistaken for doors, glass in storm doors and glass in sliding doors within or at every entrance to a dwelling unit and in public areas shall be

(a)safety glazing of the tempered or laminated type conforming to CAN/CGSB-12.1, “Safety Glazing,” or

(b)wired glass conforming to CAN/CGSB-12.11-M, “Wired Safety Glass.”

(2)Except as provided in Sentence (4), glass in entrance doors to dwelling units and in public areas, other than the entrance doors described in Sentence (1), shall be safety glazing or wired glass of the type described in Sentence (1) where the glass area exceeds 0.5 m² and extends to less than 900 mm from the bottom of the door.

(3)Except as provided in Sentence (4), transparent panels that could be mistaken as a means of egress shall be protected by barriers or railings.

(4)Sliding glass partitions that separate a public corridor from an adjacent occupancy and that are open during normal working hours need not conform to Sentences (2), (3) and (5), except that such partitions shall be suitably marked to indicate their existence and position.

(5)Except as provided in Sentence (4), every glass or transparent door accessible to the public shall be equipped with hardware, bars or other permanent fixtures designed so that the existence and position of such doors is readily apparent.

(6)Glazing used for a shower or bathtub enclosure shall conform to Class A of CAN/CGSB-12.1, “Safety Glazing.”

Section 9.7 Windows, Doors and Skylights

9.7.1. General

9.7.1.1. Application

(1)This Section applies to

(a)windows, doors and skylights separating conditioned space from unconditioned space or the exterior, and

(b)main entrance doors.

(2)For the purpose of this Section, the term “skylight” refers to unit skylights, roof windows and tubular daylighting devices.

(3)For the purpose of this Section, the term “doors” includes glazing in doors and sidelights for doors.

9.7.2. Required Windows, Doors and Skylights

9.7.2.1. Entrance Doors

(1)A door shall be provided at each entrance to a dwelling unit.

(2)Main entrance doors to dwelling units shall be provided with

(a)a door viewer or transparent glazing in the door, or

(b)a sidelight.

9.7.2.2. Other Requirements for Windows, Doors and Skylights

(1)Minimum sizes of doorways and doors within a barrier-free path of travel shall conform to Section 9.5.

(2)The protection of window and door openings to protect persons from falling through them shall conform to Article 9.8.8.1.

(3)Properties of windows and doors within exits shall conform to Section 9.9.

(4)Windows and doors installed to provide the required means of egress from bedrooms shall conform to Subsection 9.9.10.

(5)The location and protection of windows, doors and skylights in order to control the spread of fire shall conform to Subsection 9.10.12.

(6)Doors between dwelling units and attached garages shall conform to Article 9.10.13.15.

(7)The surface flame-spread rating for doors and skylights shall conform to Article 9.10.17.1.

(8)Windows and doors installed to provide the required access to a building for firefighting purposes shall conform to Subsection 9.10.20.

(9)Windows and skylights installed to provide required non-heating season ventilation shall conform to Article 9.32.2.2.

9.7.2.3. Minimum Window Areas

(1)Except as required in Article 9.9.10.1. and Sentence (3), the minimum window glass areas for rooms in buildings of residential occupancy or rooms that are used for sleeping shall conform to Table 9.7.2.3.

(2)The unobstructed glass area of a door or skylight is considered equivalent to that of a window.

(3)Work areas in live/work units shall conform to Clause 3.7.2.1.(2)(a).

(4)Where rooms with different requirements for window glass area are combined as described in Sentence 9.5.1.4.(1), the more restrictive requirement shall govern. Table 9.7.2.3. Glass Areas for Rooms of Residential Occupancy Forming Part of Sentence 9.7.2.3.(1)

9.7.3. Performance of Windows, Doors and Skylights

9.7.3.1. General Performance Criteria

(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (4), windows, doors and skylights and their components separating conditioned space from unconditioned space or the exterior shall be designed, constructed and installed so that, when in the closed position, they

(a)resist the ingress of precipitation into interior space, (See Note A-9.7.4.2.(1))

(b)resist wind loads,

(c)control air leakage,

(d)resist the ingress of insects and vermin,

(e)where required, resist forced entry, and

(f)are easily operable when not intended to be fixed.

(2)Skylights and their components shall be designed, constructed and installed so that, when in the closed position, they resist snow loads.

(3)Main entrance doors and their components shall be designed, constructed and installed so that, when in the closed position, they

(a)control air leakage,

(b)resist the ingress of insects and vermin,

(c)resist forced entry, and

(d)are easily operable.

(4)Storm doors, sliding doors and their components shall be designed, constructed and installed so that, when in the closed position, they

(a)resist wind loads,

(b)control air leakage to a minimum allowable 5 m 3 h/m and a maximum allowable 8.35 m 3 h/m,

(c)resist the ingress of insects and vermin, and

(d)are easily operable.

(5)Compliance with the performance requirements described in Sentences (1) to (4) shall be demonstrated by

(a)complying with the requirements in

(i)Subsection 9.7.4. or 9.7.5., and

(ii)Subsection 9.7.6., or

(b)design and construction conforming to Part 5.

9.7.3.2. Heat Transfer Performance

(1)Windows, doors and skylights described in Clause 9.7.1.1.(1)(a) and their components shall be designed, constructed and installed to

(a)minimize surface condensation on the warm side of the component, and (See Note A-9.7.3.2.(1)(a))

(b)ensure comfortable conditions for occupants.

(2)Compliance with the heat transfer performance requirements described in Sentence (1) shall be demonstrated by

(a)complying with the requirements in Article 9.7.3.3., or

(b)design and construction conforming to Part 5.

9.7.3.3. Thermal Characteristics of Windows, Doors and Skylights

(1)U-values for specific products can be determined according to measures referenced in AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, “NAFS - North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights. ” Temperature index (I) is determined accordin g to the physical test procedure given in CSA A440.2/A440.3, “Fenestration energy performance/User guide to CSA A440.2- 19, Fenestration energy performance. ”

(2)There is no appropriate test procedure available for testing the condensation resistance of sloped glazing.

(a)vehicular access doors,

(b)storm windows and doors, or

(c)windows and doors that are required to have a fire-resistance rating.

(3)Windows, doors and skylights with or without storm doors or sash that are installed in buildings where the intended use of the interior space will not result in high moisture generation shall have a maximum thermal transmittance (U- value) or minimum temperature index (I) in accordance with Table 9.7.3.3.

(4)Windows, doors and skylights, with or without storm doors or sash that are installed in portions of buildings where the intended use of the interior space will result in high moisture generation shall be designed in conformance with Subsection 5.3. (See Note A-9.25.5.2.) Table 9.7.3.3. Maximum U-value or Minimum Temperature Index (I) for Windows, Doors and Skylights (1)(2)(3) Forming Part of Sentence 9.7.3.3.(3)

9.7.4. Manufactured Windows, Doors and Skylights

9.7.4.1. Application

(1)This Subsection applies to windows, doors and skylights covered in the scope of AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, “North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights” (Harmonized Standard).

9.7.4.2. General

(1)Manufactured and pre-assembled windows, doors and skylights and their installation shall conform to

(a)AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, “North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights” (Harmonized Standard),

(b)CSA A440S1, “Canadian Supplement to AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-17, North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights,”

(c)the remainder of this Subsection, and

(d)the applicable requirements in Subsection 9.7.6. (See Note A-9.7.4.2.(1))

9.7.4.3. Performance Requirements

(1)Performance grades for windows, doors and skylights shall be selected according to CSA A440S1, “Canadian Supplement to AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-17, North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights” so as to be appropriate for the conditions and geographic location in which the window, door or skylight will be installed.

(2)Windows, doors and skylights shall conform to the performance grades selected under Sentence (1) when tested in accordance with AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, “North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights” (Harmonized Standard).

(3)The minimum level of performance required for windows, doors and skylights shall be that of the Performance Class R.

(4)Exterior wood doors shall conform to CAN/CSA-O132.2 Series, “Wood Flush Doors,” and shall have legibly indicated on them

(a)the name of the manufacturer,

(b)the standard to which they were produced, and

(c)that they are of an exterior type.

9.7.5. Site-Built Windows, Doors and Skylights

9.7.5.1. Application and Compliance

(1)Materials, design, construction and installation of windows, doors and skylights that separate conditioned space from unconditioned space or the exterior but that are not within the scope of AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, “North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights,” shall conform

(a)to

(i)the remainder of this Subsection or Subsection 9.7.4., and

(ii)the applicable requirements in Subsection 9.7.6., or

(b)to Part 5.

(2)Glass for site-built windows, doors, sidelights for doors, and skylights shall comply with Section 9.6.

9.7.5.2. Resistance to Forced Entry for Doors

(1)Except for exterior doors to garages and to other ancillary spaces, this Article applies to

(a)swinging entrance doors to dwelling units,

(b)swinging doors between dwelling units and attached garages or other ancillary spaces, and

(c)swinging doors that provide access directly or indirectly from a storage garage to a dwelling unit. (See Note A-9.7.5.2.(1))

(2)Doors, frames and hardware that conform to a security level of at least Grade 10 as described in the Annex to ASTM F476, “Standard Test Methods for Security of Swinging Door Assemblies,” are not required to conform to Sentences (3) to (7). (See Note A-9.7.5.2.(2))

(3)Except as permitted in Sentence (2), wood doors as described in Sentence (1) shall

(a)be solid core or stile-and-rail type,

(b)be not less than 45 mm thick, and

(c)if of the stile-and-rail type, have a panel thickness of not less than 19 mm, with a total panel area not more than half of the door area.

(4)Except as permitted in Sentence (2), doors described in Sentence (1) shall be provided with

(a)a deadbolt lock with a cylinder having no fewer than 5 pins, and

(b)a bolt throw not less than 25 mm long, protected with a solid or hardened free-turning ring or beveled cylinder housing. (See Article 9.9.6.7.)

(5)Except as permitted in Sentence (2), an inactive leaf in double doors used in locations specified in Sentence (1) shall be provided with heavy-duty bolts top and bottom having an engagement of not less than 15 mm.

(6)Except as permitted in Sentence (2), hinges for doors described in Sentence (1) shall be fastened

(a)to wood doors with wood screws not less than 25 mm long and to wood frames with wood screws such that at least 2 screws per hinge penetrate not less than 30 mm into solid wood, or

(b)to metal doors and metal frames with machine screws not smaller than No. 10 and not less than 10 mm long. (See Note A-9.7.5.2.(6))

(7)Strikeplates for deadbolts described in Sentence (4) shall be fastened

(a)to wood frames with wood screws that penetrate not less than 30 mm into solid wood, or

(b)to metal frames with machine screws not smaller than No. 8 and not less than 10 mm long. (See Note A-9.7.5.2.(6))

(8)Except for storm doors or screen doors, doors described in Sentence (1) that swing outward shall be provided with hinges or pins so that the doors cannot be removed when they are in the closed position. (See Note A-9.7.5.2.(8))

(9)Solid blocking shall be provided on both sides at the lock height between the jambs for doors described in Sentence (1) and the structural framing so that the jambs will resist spreading by force.

9.7.5.3. Resistance to Forced Entry for Windows

(1)In dwelling units, windows, any part of which is located within 2 m of adjacent ground level, shall conform to the requirements for resistance to forced entry as described in Clause 5.3.6 of AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, “North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights.” (See Note A-9.7.5.3.(1))

9.7.6. Installation

9.7.6.1. Installation of Windows, Doors and Skylights

(1)The installation of windows, doors and skylights shall conform to CSA A440.4, “Window, door, and skylight installation,” except that

(a)shims used to support windows, doors and skylights are permitted to be made of treated plywood, and

(b)protection from precipitation for walls incorporating windows or doors and for roofs incorporating skylights, and the interfaces of these walls with windows or doors and of roofs with skylights, shall also conform to Section 9.27.

(2)The installation of manufactured and pre-assembled windows, doors and skylights and the field assembly of manufactured window and door combination units shall conform to the manufacturer’s instructions.

(3)Windows, doors and skylights shall be sealed to air barriers.

9.7.6.2. Sealants, Trim and Flashing

(1)The sealing compound used to seal the glass component of an insulating glazing unit to the sash component shall be compatible with the sealing compound used to edge seal the glass component.

(2)Flashing used to protect openings shall conform to Articles 9.27.3.7. and 9.27.3.8.

(3)Sealants shall be applied between window frames or trim and the exterior cladding or masonry in conformance with Subsection 9.27.4.

(4)All unfinished portions of the frame and other components of aluminum windows, doors or skylights in contact with the edges of masonry, concrete, stucco or plaster shall be protected with an alkali-resistant coating.

Section 9.8 Stairs, Ramps, Handrails and Guards

9.8.1. Application

9.8.1.1. General

(1)This Section applies to the design and construction of interior and exterior stairs, steps, ramps, landings, handrails and guards.

9.8.1.2. Stairs, Ramps, Landings, Handrails and Guards in Garages

(1)Except as provided in Sentence 9.8.6.2 (3), stairs, ramps, landings, handrails and guards in a garage that serves a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite shall conform to the requirements for stairs, ramps, landings, handrails and guards within a dwelling unit.

9.8.1.3. Exit Stairs, Ramps and Landings

(1)Where a stair, ramp or landing forms part of an exit, the appropriate requirements in Sections 9.9. and 9.10. shall also apply.

9.8.1.4. Escalators and Moving Walks

(1)Escalators and moving walks shall conform to the appropriate requirements in Part 3.

9.8.2. Stair Dimensions

9.8.2.1. Stair Width

(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2) and Article 9.8.4.7., required exit stairs and public stairs serving buildings of residential occupancy shall have a width of not less than 900 mm.

(2)Exit stairs serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces shall have a width of not less than 860 mm.

(3)Except as provided in Article 9.8.4.7., required exit stairs and public stairs serving buildings of other than residential occupancy shall have a width of not less than the greater of

(a)900 mm, or

(b)8 mm per person based on the occupant load limits specified in Table 3.1.17.1.

(4)Except as provided in Article 9.8.4.7., at least one stair between each floor level within a dwelling unit, and exterior stairs serving a single dwelling unit except required exit stairs, shall have a width of not less than 860 mm.

9.8.2.2. Height Over Stairs

(1)The clear height over stairs shall be measured vertically, over the clear width of the stair, from a straight line tangent to the tread and landing nosings to the lowest point above. (See Note A-3.4.3.4.)

(2)Except as provided in Sentences (3) and (4) and Article 9.8.4.7., the clear height over stairs shall not be less than 2 050 mm.

(3)Except as provided in Article 9.8.4.7., the clear height over stairs serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces shall not be less than 1 950 mm.

(4)The clear height over stairs that are located under beams and ducting in secondary suites shall not be less than 1 850 mm.

9.8.3. Stair Configurations

9.8.3.1. Straight and Curved Runs in Stairs (See Notes A-9.8.3.1. and A-9.8.4.)

(1)Except as permitted in Sentence (2), stairs shall consist of

(a)straight flights,

(b)curved flights, or

(c)spiral stairs.

(2)Stairs within dwelling units and houses with a secondary suite, including their common spaces, shall consist of

(a)straight flights,

(b)except as provided in Sentence (4), curved flights,

(c)except as provided in Sentence 9.8.4.7.(2), spiral stairs,

(d)flights with rectangular treads and winders, or

(e)flights with a mix of rectangular and tapered treads.

(3)Curved flights in exits shall comply with Sentence 3.4.6.9.(2).

(4)Spiral stairs shall comply with Article 9.8.4.7.

9.8.3.2. Minimum Number of Risers

(1)Except for stairs within a dwelling unit, at least three risers shall be provided in interior flights.

9.8.3.3. Maximum Height of Stairs

(1)The vertical height of any flight of stairs shall not exceed 3.7 m.

9.8.4. Step Dimensions (See Note A-9.8.4.)

9.8.4.1. Dimensions for Risers (See Note A-9.8.4.)

(1)Except as provided in Article 9.8.4.7., the rise, which is measured as the vertical nosing-to-nosing distance, shall conform to Table 9.8.4.1.

(a)interior stairs within a house with a secondary suite or an individual dwelling unit,

(b)exterior stairs serving a house with a secondary suite or an individual dwelling unit, and

(c)exterior stairs serving a garage that serves a house with a secondary suite or an individual dwelling unit.

(2)180 125 no limit 280 Service stairs (3) no limit 125 355 no limit Stairs to unoccupied attic space (4) no limit 125 355 no limit Stairs to crawl spaces no limit 125 355 no limit Stairs that serve mezzanines not exceeding 20 m² within live/work units

(3)Service stairs are stairs that serve areas used only as service rooms or service spaces.

(4)Stairs to unoccupied attic space are stairs that serve attics containing no storage or living space.

9.8.4.2. Dimensions for Rectangular Treads (See Note A-9.8.4.)

(1)The run for rectangular treads shall conform with Table 9.8.4.1.

(2)The depth of a rectangular tread shall be not less than its run and not more than its run plus 25 mm.

9.8.4.3. Dimensions of Tapered Treads (See Note A-9.8.4.)

(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2) and Articles 9.8.4.6. and 9.8.4.7., tapered treads shall have a run that

(a)is not less than 150 mm at the narrow end of the tread, and

(b)complies with the dimensions for rectangular treads stated in Table 9.8.4.1. when measured at a point 300 mm from the centre line of the handrail at the narrow end of the tread.

(2)Tapered treads in required exit stairs shall conform to the requirements in Article 3.4.6.9.

(3)The depth of a tapered tread shall be not less than its run at any point and not more than its run at any point plus 25 mm.

9.8.4.4. Uniformity and Tolerances for Risers, Runs and Treads

(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), risers shall be of uniform height in any one flight with a maximum tolerance of

(a)5 mm between adjacent treads or landings, and

(b)10 mm between the tallest and shortest risers in a flight.

(2)Except for required exit stairs, where the top or bottom riser in a stair adjoins a sloping finished walking surface such as a garage floor, driveway or sidewalk, the height of the riser across the stair shall vary by not more than 1 in 12.

(3)Rectangular treads shall have a uniform run with a maximum tolerance of

(a)5 mm between adjacent treads, and

(b)10 mm between the deepest and shallowest treads in a flight.

(4)Tapered treads in a flight shall have a uniform run in accordance with the construction tolerances stipulated in Sentence (3) when measured at a point 300 mm from the centre line of the handrail as described in Sentence 9.8.7.1.(5).

(5)The slope of treads shall not exceed 1 in 50.

9.8.4.5. Uniformity of Runs in Flights with Mixed Treads within Dwelling Units

(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2) and Article 9.8.4.6., where a flight of stairs consists of both tapered treads and rectangular treads, all the treads shall have a uniform run when measured at a point 300 mm from the centre line of the inside handrail.

(2)Where tapered treads are located at the bottom of a mixed-tread flight, the run of the tapered treads when measured at a point 300 mm from the centre line of the inside handrail is permitted to exceed the run of the rectangular treads.

9.8.4.6. Winders (See Note A-9.8.4.6.)

(1)Stairs within dwelling units are permitted to contain winders that converge to a centre point provided

(a)the winders turn through an angle of not more than 90°,

(b)individual treads turn through an angle of not less than 30° or not more than 45°, and

(c)adjacent winders turn through the same angle.

(2)Where more than one set of winders described in Sentence (1) is provided in a single stairway between adjacent floor levels, such winders shall be separated in plan by at least 1 200 mm.

9.8.4.7. Spiral Stairs (See Note A-9.8.4.7.)

(1)Spiral stairs shall have

(a)handrails on both sides, the outer handrail being not less than 1 070 mm high,

(b)a clear width not less than 660 mm between handrails,

(c)risers that are not more than 240 mm high,

(d)treads that

(i)are a minimum of 190 mm deep at a point 300 mm from the centre line of the handrails at the narrower edge,

(ii)have a consistent angle and uniform dimension, and

(iii)turn in the same direction, and

(e)not less than 1 980 mm clear height.

(2)Spiral stairs conforming to Sentence (1) are permitted to be used as the only means of egress where they serve not more than 3 persons.

(3)Except as permitted by Sentence (2), spiral stairs shall not serve as an exit.

9.8.4.8. Tread Nosings (See Notes A-9.8.4.8. and A-9.8.4.)

(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (2), the top of the nosings of stair treads shall have a rounded or beveled edge extending not less than 6 mm and not more than 14 mm measured horizontally from the front of the nosing.

(2)If resilient material is used to cover the nosing of a stair tread, the minimum extension of the rounded or beveled edge required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be reduced to 3 mm.

9.8.4.9. Open Risers

(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), stairs shall have no open risers.

(2)Open risers are permitted in

(a)interior and exterior stairs that serve a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite,

(b)fire escape stairs,

(c)stairs that are principally used for maintenance,

(d)stairs that serve service rooms, and

(e)stairs that serve industrial occupancies other than storage garages.

9.8.4.10. Interior Stairs Extending Through the Roof

(1)Interior stairways extending through the roof of a building shall be protected from ice and snow.

9.8.5. Ramps

9.8.5.1. Application

(1)This Subsection applies to pedestrian ramps except ramps in a barrier-free path of travel.

(2)Ramps in a barrier-free path of travel shall conform to the requirements in Article 3.8.3.4.

9.8.5.2. Ramp Width (See also Article 9.9.3.2.)

(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), ramps shall not be less than 1 100 mm wide.

(2)Ramps serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces shall be not less than 860 mm wide

9.8.5.3. Height Over Ramps

(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (2), the clear height over ramps shall be not less than 2 050 mm.

(2)The clear height over ramps serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces shall be not less than 1 950 mm.

9.8.5.4. Ramp Slope

(1)The slope of ramps shall be not more than

(a)1 in 10 for exterior ramps,

(b)1 in 10 for interior ramps serving residential occupancies,

(c)1 in 6 for industrial occupancies, and

(d)1 in 8 for all other occupancies.

9.8.5.5. Maximum Rise

(1)Where the slope of the ramp is greater than 1 in 12, the maximum rise between floors or landings shall be 1 500 mm.

9.8.6. Landings

9.8.6.1. Application

(1)This Subsection applies to landings, except landings for ramps in a barrier-free path of travel.

(2)Landings for ramps in a barrier-free path of travel shall conform to the requirements in Article 3.8.3.4.

(3)Finished floors, and ground surfaces with a slope not exceeding 1 in 50, at the top and bottom of stairs or ramps shall be considered as landings.

9.8.6.2. Required Landings

(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (4) and Sentence 9.9.6.6.(2), a landing shall be provided

(a)at the top and bottom of each flight of interior and exterior stairs, including stairs in garages,

(b)at the top and bottom of every ramp with a slope greater than 1 in 50, and

(c)where a doorway opens onto a stair or ramp.

(2)Where a door at the top of a stair within a dwelling unit swings away from the stair, no landing is required between the doorway and the stair. (See Note A-9.8.6.2.(2))

(3)A landing may be omitted at the top of an exterior flight serving a secondary entrance to a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite, provided

(a)the stair does not contain more than three risers,

(b)the principal door is a sliding door or swings away from the stair, and

(c)only a storm or screen door, if any, swings over the stair and is equipped with hardware to hold it open. (3.1) Sentence (3) does not apply to an exterior stair serving a secondary entrance to a house with a secondary suit e that is also a main entrance to a dwelling unit in the house.

(4)A landing may be omitted at the bottom of an exterior stair or ramp provided there is no obstruction, such as a gate or door, within the lesser of the width of the stair or ramp or

(a)900 mm for stairs or ramps serving a single dwelling unit, and

(b)1 100 mm for stairs or ramps not serving a single dwelling unit.

9.8.6.3. Dimensions of Landings (See Note A-3.4.6.4.) (See also Articles 9.9.6.1. and 9.9.6.6. regarding landings in exits)

(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (7), landings shall be at least as wide and as long as the width of the stair or ramp in which they occur.

(2)Where the landing in a stairway or ramp does not turn or turns less than 90°, the length of the landing need not be more than the lesser of

(a)the required width of the stair or ramp, or

(b)1 100 mm.

(3)The length of a landing shall be measured perpendicular to the nosings of adjacent steps or to the end of the ramp, at a distance equal to half the length required in Sentence (2) from the narrow edge of the landing.

(4)Where stair flights or ramps of different widths adjoin a single landing, the minimum width of the landing shall be

(a)where one or more of the stair or ramp widths do not exceed their respective required widths, not less than the greater required stair or ramp width, or

(b)where all of the widths of the stairs or ramps exceed their respective required widths, not less than the lesser actual stair or ramp width.

(5)Where a door swings toward a stair, the full arc of the swing shall be over the landing.

(6)The slope of landings shall not exceed 1 in 50.

(7)Where a doorway or stairway opens onto the side of a ramp, the landing shall extend for a distance of not less than 300 mm on either side of the doorway or stairway, except on a side abutting an end wall.

9.8.6.4. Height Over Landings

(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (2), the clear height over landings shall be not less than 2 050 mm.

(2)The clear height over landings serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces shall be not less than 1 950 mm.

9.8.7. Handrails

9.8.7.1. Required Handrails

(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (4), handrails shall be installed on stairs and ramps in conformance with Table 9.8.7.1.

(2)Where a stair or ramp is required to be at least 2 200 mm wide due to the occupant load, a handrail shall be installed such that no position on the stair or ramp is more than 825 mm from a handrail. (See Note A-9.8.7.1.(2))

(3)Handrails are not required for stairs and ramps serving a single dwelling unit, where

(a)interior stairs have not more than 2 risers,

(b)exterior stairs have not more than 3 risers, or

(c)ramps rise not more than 400 mm.

(4)Only one handrail is required on exterior stairs having more than 3 risers provided such stairs serve not more than one dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite.

(5)Except for stairs with winders, where a flight of stairs within a dwelling unit consists of tapered treads, or a mix of tapered treads and rectangular treads, one handrail shall be installed along the narrow end of the treads. Table 9.8.7.1. Number of Sides of Stair or Ramp Required to Have a Handrail Forming Part of Sentence 9.8.7.1.(1)

9.8.7.2. Continuity of Handrails (See Note A-9.8.7.2.)

(1)Except as provided in Sentence (3), required handrails shall be continuously graspable throughout the length of

(a)ramps, and

(b)flights of stairs, from the bottom riser to the top riser.

(2)Except for stairs or ramps serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces, at least one required handrail shall be continuous throughout the length of the stair or ramp, including at the landing except where interrupted by doorways. (See Note A-3.4.6.5.(11))

(3)For stairs or ramps serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces, a handrail is permitted to start from a newel post or volute installed on the bottom tread.

9.8.7.3. Termination of Handrails

(1)Handrails shall be terminated in a manner that will not obstruct pedestrian travel or create a hazard. (See Note A- 9.8.7.3.(1))

(2)Except for stairs and ramps serving only one dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces, at least one handrail at the sides of a stair or ramp shall extend horizontally not less than 300 mm beyond the top and bottom of each flight or ramp. (See Note A-9.8.7.3.(2))

9.8.7.4. Height of Handrails (See Note A-9.8.7.4.)

(1)The height of handrails on stairs and ramps shall be measured vertically from the top of the handrail to

(a)a straight line drawn tangent to the tread nosings of the stair served by the handrail, or

(b)the surface of the ramp, floor or landing served by the handrail.

(2)Except as provided in Sentence (3), Clause 3.8.3.4.(1)(e) and Sentence 9.8.4.7.(1), required handrails shall be 865 mm to 1 070 mm high.

(3)Handrails installed in addition to required handrails need not comply with Sentence (2).

9.8.7.5. Ergonomic Design

(1)The clearance between a handrail and any surface behind it shall be not less than

(a)60 mm, if the surface behind the handrail is rough or abrasive, or

(b)50 mm, in all other cases.

(2)All handrails shall be constructed so as to be continually graspable along their entire length with no obstruction on or above them to break a handhold. (See Note A-9.8.7.5.(2))

9.8.7.6. Projections into Stairs and Ramps

(1)Handrails and projections below handrails, including handrail supports and stair stringers, shall not project more than 100 mm into the required width of a stair or ramp. (See also Articles 9.8.2.1. and 9.8.5.2.)

9.8.7.7. Design and Attachment of Handrails (See Note A-9.8.7.7.)

(1)Handrails and their supports shall be designed and constructed to withstand the following loads, which need not be considered to act simultaneously:

(a)a concentrated load of not less than 0.9 kN applied at any point and in any direction for all handrails, and

(b)for handrails other than those serving a single dwelling unit, a uniform load of not less than 0.7 kN/m.

(2)Where exterior or interior handrails serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces are attached to wood studs or blocking, the attachment shall be deemed to comply with Sentence (1), where

(a)the attachment points are spaced not more than 1.2 m apart measured on the horizontal plane,

(b)the first attachment point at either end is located not more than 300 mm from the end of the handrail, and

(c)the fasteners consist of no fewer than 2 No. 8 wood screws at each point, penetrating not less than 32 mm into solid wood.

9.8.8. Guards

9.8.8.1. Required Guards (See Note A-9.8.8.1.)

(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2) and except at the leading edge at the top of a flight, every surface to which access is provided, including but not limited to flights of steps and ramps, exterior landings, porches, balconies, mezzanines, galleries and raised walkways, shall be protected by a guard on each side that is not protected by a wall for the length where the difference in elevation is more than 600 mm between the walking surface and the adjacent surface within 1.2 m.

(2)Guards are not required

(a)at loading docks,

(b)at floor pits in repair garages, or

(c)where access is provided for maintenance purposes only.

(3)Doors in buildings of residential occupancy, where the finished floor on one side of the door is more than 600 mm above the floor or other constructed surface or ground level on the other side of the door, shall be protected by

(a)a guard, or

(b)a mechanism capable of controlling the free swinging or sliding of the door so as to limit any clear unobstructed opening to not more than 100 mm.

(4)Except as provided in Sentence (5), openable windows in buildings of residential occupancy shall be protected by

(a)a guard, or

(b)a mechanism that can only be released with the use of tools or special knowledge to control the free swinging or sliding operation of the openable part of the window so as to limit any clear unobstructed opening to not more than 100 mm measured either vertically or horizontally. (See Note A-9.8.8.1.(4))

(5)Windows need not be protected in accordance with Sentence (4), where the bottom edge of the openable portion of the window is located

(a)more than 900 mm above the finished floor, or

(b)less than 1 800 mm above the floor or ground on the other side of the window. (See Note A-9.8.8.1.(4))

(6)Except as provided in Sentence (7), glazing installed over stairs, ramps and landings that extends to less than 1 070 mm above the surface of the treads, ramp or landing shall be

(a)protected by guards in accordance with this Subsection, or

(b)non-openable and designed to withstand the specified lateral loads for guards as provided in Article 4.1.5.14.

(7)In dwelling units, glazing installed over stairs, ramps and landings that extends to less than 900 mm above the surface of the treads, ramp or landing shall be

(a)protected by guards in accordance with this Subsection, or

(b)non-openable and designed to withstand the specified lateral loads for guards as provided in Article 4.1.5.14.

(8)Glazing installed in public areas that extends to less than 1 m from the floor and is located above the second storey in buildings of residential occupancy shall be

(a)protected by guards in accordance with this Subsection, or

(b)non-openable and designed to withstand the specified lateral loads for guards as provided in Article 4.1.5.14.

9.8.8.2. Loads on Guards (See Note A-9.8.8.2.)

(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2), (3), (5) and (6), guards shall be designed to resist the specified loads prescribed in Table 9.8.8.2.

(2)The size of the opening between any two adjacent vertical elements within a guard shall not exceed the limits required by Sentence 9.8.8.5.(1) when each of these elements is subjected to a specified live load of 0.1 kN applied in opposite directions in the in-plane direction of the guard so as to produce the most critical effect.

(3)For guards within dwelling units and within houses with a secondary suite including their common spaces and for exterior guards serving not more than two dwelling units, where the width and spacing of balusters are such that three balusters can be engaged by a load imposed over a 300 mm width, the load shall be imposed so as to engage three balusters.

(4)None of the specified loads specified in Table 9.8.8.2. need be considered to act simultaneously.

(5)For guards within dwelling units and within houses with a secondary suite including their common spaces and for exterior guards serving not more than two dwelling units, Table 9.8.8.2. need not apply where the guard construction used has been demonstrated to provide effective performance.

(6)Guards constructed in accordance with the requirements in MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-7, “Guards for Housing and Small Buildings” shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of Sentence (1). Table 9.8.8.2. Specified Loads for Guards Forming Part of Sentence 9.8.8.2.(1)

9.8.8.3. Height of Guards (See Note A-9.8.3.3.)

(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (3.1), all guards shall be not less than 1 070 mm high.

(2)All guards within dwelling units or within houses with a secondary suite including their common spaces shall be not less than 900 mm high.

(3)Exterior guards serving not more than one dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces shall be not less than 900 mm high where the walking surface served by the guard is not more than 1 800 mm above the finished ground level. (3.1) The height of guards for exterior stairs and landings more than 10 m above adjacent ground level shall be not less than 1 500 mm.

(4)The height of guards for flights of steps shall be measured vertically from the top of the guard to a line drawn through the tread nosing served by the guard.

9.8.8.4. Guards for Floors and Ramps in Garages

(1)Except for floors of garages referred to in Section 9.35., where garage floors or ramps are 600 mm or more above the adjacent ground or floor level, every opening through a garage floor and the perimeter of floors and ramps that have no exterior walls shall be provided with

(a)a continuous curb not less than 140 mm in height, and

(b)a guard not less than 1 070 mm above the floor level.

(2)Vehicle guardrails shall be designed and constructed to withstand the loading values stipulated in Sentence 4.1.5.15.(1). (See Note A-4.1.5.14. and 4.1.5.15.(1))

9.8.8.5. Openings in Guards

(1)Except as permitted in Sentences (3) and (4), openings through guards shall be of a size that prevents the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 100 mm. (See Note A-9.8.8.5.(1) and (3))

(2)Except for guards that serve industrial occupancies, the triangular openings formed by stair risers, stair treads and the bottom element of a required guard shall be of a size that prevents the passage of a 150 mm diam sphere.

(3)Except where they serve storage garages, guards in industrial occupancies are permitted to consist of

(a)a top railing, and

(b)one or more horizontal intermediate rails spaced such that the size of the openings through the guard prevents the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 535 mm. (See Note A-9.8.8.5.(1) and (3))

(4)Openings through any guard that is not required by Article 9.8.8.1. and that serves an occupancy other than industrial occupancy, shall be of a size that

(a)prevents the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 100 mm, or

(b)permits the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 200 mm. (See Note A-9.8.8.5.(4))

9.8.8.6. Guards Designed Not to Facilitate Climbing

(1)Guards required by Article 9.8.8.1., except those in industrial occupancies and where it can be shown that the location and size of openings do not represent a hazard, shall be designed so that no member, attachment or opening located between 140 mm and 900 mm above the floor or walking surface protected by the guard will facilitate climbing. (See Note A-9.8.8.6.(1))

9.8.8.7. Glass in Guards

(1)Glass in guards shall be

(a)safety glass of the laminated or tempered type conforming to CAN/CGSB-12.1, “Safety Glazing,” or

(b)wired glass conforming to CAN/CGSB-12.11-M, “Wired Safety Glass.”

9.8.9. Construction

9.8.9.1. Loads on Stairs and Ramps

(1)Except as specified in Articles 9.8.9.4. and 9.8.9.5., stairs and ramps shall be designed for strength and rigidity under uniform loading criteria to support specified loads of

(a)1.9 kPa for stairs and ramps serving not more than one dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces, and

(b)4.8 kPa for other stairs and ramps.

9.8.9.2. Exterior Concrete Stairs

(1)Exterior concrete stairs with more than 2 risers and 2 treads shall be

(a)supported on unit masonry or concrete walls or piers not less than 150 mm in cross-section, or

(b)cantilevered from the main foundation wall.

(2)Stairs described in Sentence (1), when cantilevered from the foundation wall, shall be constructed and installed in conformance with Subsection 9.8.10.

(3)The depth below ground level for foundations for exterior steps shall conform to the requirements in Section 9.12.

9.8.9.3. Exterior Wood Steps

(1)Exterior wood steps shall not be in direct contact with the ground unless suitably treated with a wood preservative.

9.8.9.4. Wooden Stair Stringers

(1)Wooden stair stringers shall

(a)have a minimum effective depth of 90 mm, measured perpendicularly to the bottom of the stringer at the point of minimum cross-section, and an overall depth of not less than 235 mm,

(b)be supported and secured top and bottom,

(c)be not less than 25 mm actual thickness if supported along their length and 38 mm actual thickness if unsupported along their length, and

(d)except as permitted in Sentence (2), be spaced not more than 900 mm o.c. in stairs serving not more than one dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces, and 600 mm o.c. in other stairs.

(2)For stairs serving not more than one dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces, where risers support the front portion of the tread, the space between stringers shall be not more than 1 200 mm.

9.8.9.5. Treads

(1)Stair treads of lumber, plywood or O-2 grade OSB within dwelling units shall be not less than 25 mm actual thickness, except that, if open risers are used and the distance between stringers exceeds 750 mm, the treads shall be not less than 38 mm actual thickness.

(2)Stair treads of plywood or OSB, that are not continuously supported by the riser shall have their face grain or direction of face orientation at right angles to the stringers.

9.8.9.6. Finish for Treads, Landings and Ramps (See Note A-9.8.9.6.) (0.1) Except as required by Sentence (2), the finish for treads, landings and ramps shall be (a) wear-resistant, (b) slip-resistant, and (c) smooth, even and free from open defects.

(1)The finish for treads and landings of interior stairs in dwelling units, other than stairs to unfinished basements, shall consist of hardwood, vertical grain softwood, resilient flooring or other material providing equivalent performance.

(2)Treads and landings of interior and exterior stairs and ramps, other than those within dwelling units or within houses with a secondary suite including their common spaces, shall have a slip-resistant finish or be provided with slip-resistant strips that extend not more than 1 mm above the surface.

(3)Stairs and ramps, except those serving a house with a secondary suite, an individual dwelling unit, service rooms or service space s, shall have a colour contrast or a distinctive visual pattern to demarcate

(a)the leading edge of the treads,

(b)the leading edge of the landing, and

(c)the beginning and end of a ramp.

(4)Except for stairs serving a house with a secondary suite, an individual dwelling unit, service rooms or service spaces, a tactile attention indicator conforming to Article 3.8.3.18. shall be installed

(a)at the top of the stairs, starting one tread depth back from the edge of the top stair, and

(b)at the leading edge of landings where a doorway opens onto stairs, starting one tread depth back from the edge of the landing.

9.8.10. Cantilevered Precast Concrete Steps

9.8.10.1. Design

(1)Exterior concrete steps and their anchorage system that are cantilevered from a foundation wall shall be designed and installed to support the loads to which they may be subjected.

9.8.10.2. Anchorage

(1)Cantilevered concrete steps referred to in Article 9.8.10.1. shall be anchored to concrete foundation walls not less than 200 mm thick.

9.8.10.3. Prevention of Damage Due to Frost

(1)Suitable precautions shall be taken during backfilling and grading operations to ensure that subsequent freezing of the soil will not cause uplift forces on the underside of cantilevered concrete steps to the extent that the steps or the walls to which they are attached will be damaged.

Section 9.9 Means of Egress

9.9.1. General

9.9.1.1. Application

(1)Stairways, handrails and guards in a means of egress shall conform to the requirements in Section 9.8. as well as to the requirements in this Section.

9.9.1.2. Fire Protection

(1)In addition to the fire protection requirements provided in Subsection 9.9.4., flame-spread ratings, fire-resistance ratings and fire-protection ratings for means of egress shall conform to Section 9.10.

9.9.1.3. Occupant Load

(1)The occupant load of a floor area or part of a floor area shall be based on

(a)two persons per sleeping room or sleeping area in a dwelling unit or suite, and

(b)for occupancies other than as described in Clause (a), the number of persons

(i)for which the area is designed, or

(ii)determined from Table 3.1.17.1.

9.9.2. Types and Purpose of Exits

9.9.2.1. Types of Exits

(1)Except as otherwise provided in this Section, an exit from any floor area shall be one of the following used singly or in combination:

(a)an exterior doorway,

(b)an exterior passageway,

(c)an exterior ramp,

(d)an exterior stairway,

(e)a fire escape,

(f)a horizontal exit,

(g)an interior passageway,

(h)an interior ramp, or

(i)an interior stairway.

(2)Fire escapes shall only be used as exits on existing buildings and shall be designed and installed in conformance with Subsection 3.4.7. (2.1) Fire escapes shall not be installed on any new building.

(3)Where a horizontal exit is used, it shall conform to Sentence 3.4.1.6.(1) and Article 3.4.6.10.

9.9.2.2. Purpose of Exits

(1)An exit shall be designed for no purpose other than for exiting, except that an exit may also serve as an access to a floor area.

9.9.2.3. Elevators, Slide Escapes and Windows as Means of Egress

(1)Elevators, slide escapes or windows shall not be considered as part of a required means of egress.

(2)Except for floor areas of mercantile occupancy, casement windows not less than 1 060 mm high, 560 mm wide, with a sill height not more than 900 mm above the inside floor, are permitted to be considered part of a required means of egress to provide access to fire escapes, when fire escapes are permitted.

9.9.2.4. Principal Entrances

(1)Except for doors serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces, at least one door at every principal entrance to a building providing access from the exterior at ground level shall be designed in accordance with the requirements for exits.

9.9.2.5. Front Edge of Stair Treads

(1)Except for curved stairs, the front edge of stair treads in exits and access to exits shall be at right angles to the direction of exit travel.

9.9.2.6. Exterior Exit Stairs That Serve a Hotel

(1)Treads and landings of exterior exit stairs that serve a hotel shall be designed to be free from ice and snow accumulation.

9.9.3. Dimensions of Means of Egress

9.9.3.1. Application

(1)This Subsection applies to every means of egress except

(a)exits that serve not more than one dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces, and

(b)access to exits within dwelling units and within houses with a secondary suite including their common spaces.

9.9.3.2. Exit Width

(1)Except for doors and corridors, the width of every exit facility shall be not less than 900 mm. (See Article 9.9.6.3. for doors, Article 9.8.2.1. for stairs, and Article 9.8.5.2. for ramps.)

9.9.3.3. Width of Corridors

(1)The width of every public corridor, corridor used by the public, and exit corridor shall be not less than 1 100 mm. (See also Subsection 9.9.5. for obstructions in corridors.)

9.9.3.4. Clear Height

(1)Except for stairways, doorways and storage garages, the minimum clear height in exits and access to exits shall be 2.1 m. (See Article 9.8.2.2. for stairs, Article 9.8.5.3. for ramps, Article 9.8.6.4. for landings and Article 9.9.6.2. for doorways.)

(2)The clear height in exits and access to exits in a storage garage shall be not less than 2 m.

9.9.4. Fire Protection of Exits

9.9.4.1. Application

(1)Except as provided in Articles 9.9.4.4. and 9.9.4.6., this Subsection applies to the fire protection of all exits except exits serving not more than one dwelling unit.

9.9.4.2. Fire Separation for Exits

(1)Except as provided in Sentence (5) and Article 9.9.8.5., every exit other than an exit doorway shall be separated from each adjacent floor area or from another exit by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the floor assembly above the floor area.

(2)Where there is no floor assembly above, the fire-resistance rating required in Sentence (1) shall not be less than that required by Subsection 9.10.8. for the floor assembly below, but in no case shall the fire-resistance rating be less than 45 min.

(3)A fire separation common to 2 exits shall be smoke-tight and not be pierced by doorways, duct work, piping or any other opening that may affect the continuity of the separation.

(4)A fire separation that separates an exit from the remainder of the building shall have no openings except those for electrical wiring, noncombustibl e conduit and noncombustible piping that serve only the exit, and for standpipes, sprinkler piping, exit doorways and wired glass and glass block permitted in Article 9.9.4.3.

(5)The requirements in Sentence (1) do not apply to an exterior exit passageway provided the passageway has at least 50% of its exterior sides open to the outdoors and is served by an exit stair at each end of the passageway.

9.9.4.3. Wired Glass or Glass Block (See Note A-3.1.8.19.(1))

(1)This Article applies to wired glass in doors, and wired glass or glass block in sidelights, where these are installed in fire separations between exit enclosures and floor areas.

(2)Except as provided in Sentence (3), the combined area of glazing in doors and sidelights shall not exceed 0.8 m².

(3)Where an exit enclosure connects with a floor area through an enclosed vestibule or corridor separated from the floor area by fire separations having not less than a 45 min fire-resistance rating, the glazed areas described in Sentence (1) need not be limited as required in Sentence (2).

9.9.4.4. Openings Near Unenclosed Exterior Exit Stairs and Ramps

(1)Where an unenclosed exterior exit stair or ramp provides the only means of egress from a suite, and is exposed to fire from openings in the exterior walls of another fire compartment, the openings in the exterior walls of the building shall be protected with wired glass in fixed steel frames or glass block conforming to Articles 9.10.13.5. and 9.10.13.7. when the openings in the exterior walls of the building are within 3 m horizontally and less than 10 m below or less than 5 m above the exit stair or ramp.

9.9.4.5. Openings in Exterior Walls of Exits

(1)Either openings in exterior walls of an exit or openings in adjacent exterior walls of the building the exit serves shall be protected with wired glass in fixed steel frames or glass block installed in accordance with Articles 9.10.13.5. and 9.10.13.7., where

(a)the exit enclosure has exterior walls that intersect the exterior walls of the building at an angle of less than 135° measured on the outside of the building, and

(b)the openings in the exterior walls of the building are within 3 m horizontally and less than 2 m above the openings in the exterior walls of the exit. (See Note A-9.9.4.5.(1))

9.9.4.6. Openings Near Exit Doors

(1)This Article applies to

(a)exit doors serving other than an individual dwelling unit, and

(b)exit doors serving an individual dwelling unit where there is no second and separate exit from the dwelling unit.

(2)Where an exterior exit door described in Sentence (1) in one fire compartment is within 3 m horizontally of an unprotected opening in another fire compartment and the exterior walls of these fire compartments intersect at an exterior angle of less than 135°, the opening shall be protected with wired glass in fixed steel frames or glass block conforming to Articles 9.10.13.5. and 9.10.13.7. or with a rated closure conforming to Table 9.10.13.1. with respect to the rating of the fire separation between the two compartments.

9.9.4.7. Stairways in Group D or E Buildings

(1)Notwithstanding the requirements of Sentences 9.9.4.2.(1), 9.9.8.2.(1) and Article 9.10.9.5., where a suite of Group D or E occupancy is located partly on the first storey and partly on the second storey or partly on the second storey and partly on the third storey, stairways serving the suite need not be constructed as exit stairs provided

(a)the building is not greater than 3 storeys in building height,

(b)the suite is separated from other occupancies by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min,

(c)the area occupied by the suite is not greater than 100 m² per storey, other than the exit level storey,

(d)the maximum travel distance from any point in the suite to an exterior exit is not greater than 25 m,

(e)the floor assemblies have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min or are of noncombustible construction,

(f)the basement and first storey are separated by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min, and

(g)a smoke alarm is installed on each floor of the suite, including the basement, in accordance with Subsection 9.10.19.

9.9.5. Obstructions and Hazards in Means of Egress

9.9.5.1. Application

(1)This Subsection applies to obstructions and hazards in every means of egress except those within a dwelling unit or serving not more than one dwelling unit.

9.9.5.2. Occupancies in Corridors

(1)Where a corridor contains an occupancy, the occupancy shall not reduce the unobstructed width of the corridor to less than the required width of the corridor.

9.9.5.3. Obstructions in Public Corridors

(1)Except as permitted in Sentence (2), obstructions located within 1 980 mm of the floor shall not project horizontally more than 100 mm into exit passageways, corridors used by the public or public corridors in a manner that would create a hazard for visually impaired persons travelling adjacent to walls.

(2)The horizontal projection of an obstruction referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to exceed 100 mm where the obstruction extends to less than 680 mm above the floor. (See Note A-3.3.1.8.(2) and (3))

9.9.5.4. Obstructions in Exits

(1)Except as permitted in Subsection 9.9.6. and Article 9.8.7.6., no fixture, turnstile or construction shall project within the required width of an exit.

9.9.5.5. Obstructions in Means of Egress

(1)No obstructions such as posts or turnstiles shall be placed so as to restrict the width of a required means of egress from a floor area or part of a floor area to less than 750 mm unless an alternate unobstructed means of egress is provided adjacent to and plainly visible from the restricted egress.

(2)Except as provided in Sentence (3), no obstructions, such as counter gates, that do not meet the requirements for exit doors, shall be placed in a required means of egress from a floor area or part of a floor area unless an alternate unobstructed means of egress is provided adjacent to and plainly visible from the restricted egress.

(3)Obstructions, such as counter gates, that do not satisfy Sentence (2), are permitted to be placed in a required means of egress from a part of a floor area in mercantile occupancies and business and personal services occupancies, provided that the part of the floor area served by the obstructed means of egress is not generally accessible to the public.

9.9.5.6. Mirrors or Draperies

(1)No mirror shall be placed in or adjacent to any exit so as to confuse the direction of exit, and no mirror or draperies shall be placed on or over exit doors.

9.9.5.7. Fuel-Fired Appliances

(1)Fuel-fired appliances shall not be installed in an exit or corridor serving as an access to exit.

9.9.5.8. Service Rooms

(1)Service rooms containing equipment subject to possible explosion, such as boilers designed to operate at a pressure in excess of 100 kPa, and certain types of refrigerating and transformer equipment, shall not be located under required exits.

9.9.5.9. Ancillary Rooms

(1)Except in houses with a secondary suite, ancillary rooms such as storage rooms, washrooms, toilet rooms, laundry rooms and service rooms shall not open directly into an exit.

9.9.6. Doors in a Means of Egress

9.9.6.1. Obstructions by Doors

(1)Except as provided in Sentence (4), swinging doors in their swing shall conform to Sentences (2) and

(3)(a) at exit doors, (b) at doors that open into or are located within a public corridor, and (c) at doors that open into or are located within another facility that provides access to exit from a suite.

(a)the required exit width in exit corridors and passageways, and

(b)at doors that open into or are located within a public corridor, and

(c)at doors that open into or are located within another facility that provides access to exit from a suite.

(2)When fully open, doors described in Sentence (1) shall not decrease the required exit width by more than

(a)100 mm in exit corridors, and

(b)50 mm for other exit facilities.

(4)Doors serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite need not comply with Sentences (2) and (3).

9.9.6.2. Clear Opening Height at Doorways

(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), the clear opening height of doorways shall be not less than 2 030 mm high at

(a)exit doors,

(b)doors that open into or are located within a public corridor, and

(c)doors that open into or are located within another facility that provides access to exit from a suite.

(2)The clear opening height under door closers and other devices in doorways described in Sentence (1) shall be not less than 1 980 mm.

(3)Doorways serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite need not comply with Sentences (1) and (2). (See also Article 9.5.5.1.)

9.9.6.3. Clear Opening Width at Doorways

(1)Except as provided in Sentence (4), the clear opening width of doorways shall comply with Sentence (2) at

(a)exit doors, and

(b)doors that open into or are located within a public corridor or other facility that provides access to exit from a suite.

(2)Doorways described in Sentence (1) shall be

(a)not less than 800 mm wide where there is only one door leaf,

(b)not less than 800 mm wide where multiple-leaf doors are installed with only one active leaf having a latching mechanism described in Article 9.9.6.7., and

(c)not less than 1 210 mm wide where multiple-leaf doors are installed with two active leaves.

(3)In doorways described in Sentence (1) that have multiple-leaf doors installed,

(a)no active leaf shall be less than 810 mm wide where only one leaf is active, and

(b)no single leaf shall be less than 610 mm wide where two leaves are active.

(4)Doorways serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite need not comply with Sentence (2). (See also Article 9.5.5.1.)

9.9.6.4. Door Action

(1)Except as provided in Sentences (4) and (5), required exit doors and doors in required means of egress, except doors in means of egress within dwelling units, shall swing on the vertical axis.

(2)Except as provided in Sentence (5), breakaway sliding doors, installed as required exit doors or required doors in means of egress, shall be identified as swinging doors by means of a label or decal affixed to the door.

(3)Revolving doors shall comply with Article 3.4.6.15.

(4)Movable partitions used to separate a public corridor from an adjacent business and personal services occupancy or a mercantile occupancy need not conform to Sentence (1), provided the partitions are not located in the only means of egress. (See Note A-3.3.1.12.(3))

(5)Exit doors need not conform to Sentence (1) or (2), where

(a)the doors serve accessory buildings where life safety is not adversely affected,

(b)the doors serve storage garages or other accessory buildings serving not more than one dwelling unit, or

(c)the doors

(i)serve storage suites of not more than 28 m² in gross area that are in warehousing buildings of not more than one storey, and

(ii)open directly to the exterior at ground level.

9.9.6.5. Direction of Door Swing

(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (1.1) and except for doors serving single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite, exit doors that are required to swing shall swing in the direction of exit travel. (1.1) An exit door need not swing in the direction of exit travel where it serves

(a)a room, suite or floor area having an occupant load of not more than 60 persons, or

(b)as part of a means of egress from more than one floor area and the floor areas so served have a total occupant load of not more than 60 persons..

(2)Doors that open onto a corridor or other facility that provides access to exit from a room or suite having an occupant load of more than 60 persons shall swing on the vertical axis in the direction of exit travel.

(3)Doors that divide a corridor that is not wholly contained within a suite shall swing in the direction of exit travel.

(4)Where a pair of doors is installed in a corridor that provides access to exit in both directions, the doors shall

(a)swing in opposite directions, with the door on the right hand-side swinging in the direction of exit travel, or

(b)swing in both directions.

9.9.6.6. Nearness of Doors to Stairs

(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), the distance between a stair riser and the leading edge of a door during its swing, except for doors serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite, shall be not less than 300 mm.

(2)Where there is a danger of blockage from ice or snow, an exit door, including doors serving a single dwelling unit, may open onto not more than one step, provided the riser of such a step does not exceed 150 mm.

9.9.6.7. Door Latching, Locking and Opening Mechanisms

(1)Principal entrance doors, exit doors and doors to suites, including exterior doors of dwelling units, and other doors in an access to exit shall

(a)be openable from the inside or in travelling to an exit without requiring keys, special devices or specialized knowledge of the door-opening mechanism, or

(b)be controlled by electromagnetic locking mechanisms in accordance with Sentence 3.4.6.16.(5).

(2)Except for doors serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite, and doors to accessory buildings and to garages serving a single dwelling unit, door release hardware on doors in a means of egress shall be operable with one hand and the door shall be openable with not more than one releasing operation. (See also Sentence 3.8.3.6.(4) and Note A-3.3.1.13.(4))

(3)Door release hardware on doors in a means of egress shall be installed 900 mm to 1 100 mm above the finished floor.

(4)Except for hotels, a door opening onto a public corridor that provides access to exit from suites shall be designed not to lock automatically when such doors are equipped with an automatic self-closing device. (See Note A-3.3.4.5.(1))

9.9.6.8. Effort Required to Open

(1)Except as required by Sentence 3.8.3.3.(7), every exit door, except doors serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite, shall be designed and installed so that when the latch is released the door will open in the direction of exit travel under a force of not more than 90 N applied to the door release hardware. (See Sentence 3.8.3.6.(8) for door opening forces in a barrier-free path of travel.)

9.9.7. Access to Exits

9.9.7.1. Egress from Roof Area, Podiums, Terraces, Platforms and Contained Open Spaces

(1)An access to exit shall be provided from every roof intended for occupancy and from every podium, terrace, platform or contained open space.

(2)Where a roof is intended for an occupant load of more than 60 persons, at least 2 separate means of egress shall be provided from the roof to stairs designed in conformance with the requirements for exit stairs and located remote from each other.

(3)Where a podium, terrace, platform or contained open space is provided, egress requirements shall conform to the appropriate requirements for rooms or suites in Article 9.9.7.4.

9.9.7.2. Means of Egress from Suites

(1)Except as required in Sentence 9.9.9.3.(1), each suite in a floor area occupied by more than one suite shall have

(a)an exterior exit doorway,

(b)a doorway to a public corridor, or

(c)a doorway to an exterior passageway.

(2)Except as provided in Sentences 9.9.7.3.(1) and 9.9.8.2.(2), from the point where a doorway described in Clause(1)(b) or

(c)enters the public corridor or exterior passageway, it shall be possible to go in opposite directions to each of 2 separate exits.

9.9.7.3. Dead-End Corridors

(1)A dead-end public corridor is permitted in an occupancy shown in Table 9.9.7.3., where

(a)the dead-end corridor

(i)does not exceed the distance of travel measured from the most remote point of the dead-end to a point where it is possible to go in opposite directions to each of two separate exits, and

(ii)is provided with doors equipped with self-closing devices, or

(b)there is a second and separate egress doorway from each room or suite not leading into the dead-end corridor.

(2)Dead-end public corridors in residential occupancies and business and personal services occupancies shall contain only suite door openings arranged so that not more than two such doors have to be passed to reach the nearest exit.

(3)The area of wired glass in doors required by Sentence (2) shall not exceed 645 cm².

9.9.7.4. Number and Spacing of Egress Doors

(1)Except for dwelling units, at least two egress doors shall be provided where

(a)the area of a room or suite exceeds 200 m² in a Group D, E, F2 and F3 occupancy, or 150 m² in a Group C occupancy, or

(b)the distance measured from any point within a room or suite to the nearest egress door exceeds 25 m.

(2)Doors required in Sentence (1) shall be spaced so that in the event one door is made inaccessible by a fire within such a room or suite, the other door will provide safe egress.

9.9.7.5. Independent Access to Exit

(1)Required access to exit from suites shall not be through any other dwelling unit, service room or other occupancy.

9.9.7.6. Travel Distance Within Rooms and Suites

(1)Except for dwelling units, the travel distance from any point within the room or suite to the nearest egress door shall not exceed the maximum travel distance in Article 9.9.8.2.

9.9.8. Exits from Floor Areas

9.9.8.1. Measurement of Travel Distance

(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), for the purposes of this Subsection, travel distance means the distance from any point in the floor area to an exit measured along the path of exit travel.

(2)Where a room or suite is separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of at least 45 min or, in a sprinklered building, by a fire separation which is not required to have a fire-resistance rating, the travel distance may be measured from an egress door of the room or suite to the nearest exit.

(3)Where a public corridor is not less than 9 m wide and conforms to Subclauses 3.4.2.5.(1)(d)(i) to (d)(iv), the travel distance may be determined in accordance with those Subclauses.

9.9.8.2. Number of Required Exits

(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3) and Subsection 9.9.9., at least 2 exits shall be provided from every floor area, spaced so that the travel distance to the nearest exit is not more than

(a)40 m in the case of business and personal services occupancies,

(b)45 m for all occupancies where the floor area is sprinklered, and

(c)30 m for all other occupancies.

(2)Except as provided in Subsection 9.9.9., a single exit is permitted from each storey in buildings of 1 and 2 storeys in building height provided the floor area and travel distance requirements conform to those required in Article 9.9.7.4. and the total occupant load served by an exit facility does not exceed 60 persons.

(3)In boarding, lodging or rooming houses,

(a)where sleeping accommodation is provided for not more than eight persons, a single exit is permitted from each floor area, or

(b)where sleeping accommodation is not provided in the basement, a single exit is permitted from the basement floor area.

9.9.8.3. Contribution of Each Exit

(1)Where more than one exit is required from a floor area, each exit shall be considered as contributing not more than half the required exit width.

9.9.8.4. Location of Exits

(1)Where more than one exit is required from a floor area, at least 2 exits shall be independent of each other and be placed remote from each other along the path of travel between them. (See Note A-9.9.8.4.(1))

9.9.8.5. Exiting Through a Lobby

(1)Not more than one exit from a floor area is permitted to lead through a lobby.

(2)The lobby referred to in Sentence (1) shall be not more than 4.5 m above grade, and the path of travel through the lobby to the outdoors shall not exceed 15 m.

(3)The lobby referred to in Sentence (1) shall conform in all respects to the requirements for exits, except that rooms other than service rooms, storage rooms and rooms of residential or industrial occupancy are permitted to open directly onto such lobby. (3.1) Except as provided in Sentence (6), an exit is permitted to lead through a lobby referred to in Sentence (1) provided the lobby is not located within an interconnected floor space other than as described in Sentence 3.2.8.2.(6).

(4)Where the lobby referred to in Sentence (1) and adjacent occupancies that are permitted to open into the lobby are sprinklered, the fire separation between such occupancies and the lobby need not have a fire-resistance rating. (See Note A-3.4.4.2.(2)(e))

(5)Passenger elevators are permitted to open onto the lobby referred to in Sentence (1) provided the elevator doors are designed to remain closed except while loading and unloading passengers.

(6)An exit that serves a hotel is permitted to lead through a lobby referred to in Sentence (1) provided the lobby is not located within an interconnected floor space.

9.9.8.6. Mezzanine Means of Egress

(1)Except as provided by Sentences (2) and (3), the space above a mezzanine shall be served by at least two means of egress leading to exits accessible at the mezzanine level on the same basis as floor areas.

(2)One means of egress from a mezzanine is permitted, where

(a)the mezzanine is not required to terminate at a vertical fire separation, as permitted by Sentence 9.10.12.1.(2),

(b)45 m in a floor area that is sprinklered throughout, provided it does not contain a high-hazard industrial occupancy, or

(c)the area of the mezzanine does not exceed the area limits of Clause 9.9.7.4.(1)(a), and

(d)the distance limits of Clause 9.9.7.4.(1)(b) measured along the path of travel, are not exceeded from any point on the mezzanine to

(i)an egress door serving the space that the mezzanine overlooks if the space is served by a single egress door, or

(ii)an egress stairway leading to an access to exit in the space below if that space is required to be served by two or more egress doorways in conformance with Sentence 9.9.7.4.(1). (3) One of the means of egress from a mezzanine that is not required to terminate at a fire separation as permitted by Sentence 9.10.12.1.(2) and that exceeds the limits of Sentence (2), is permitted to lead through the room in which the mezzanine is located provided all other means of egress from that mezzanine lead to exits accessible at the mezzanine level. (4) Except as provided in Sentence (2), the maximum travel distance from any point on a mezzanine to the nearest exit shall be not more than

9.9.9. Egress from Dwelling Units

9.9.9.1. Travel Limit to Exits or Egress Doors

(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), every dwelling unit containing more than 1 storey shall have exits or egress doors located so that it shall not be necessary to travel up or down more than 1 storey to reach a level served by

(a)an egress door to a public corridor, enclosed exit stair or exterior passageway, or

(b)an exit doorway not more than 1.5 m above adjacent ground level.

(2)Where a dwelling unit is not located above or below another suite, the travel limit from a floor level in the dwelling unit to an exit or egress door may exceed 1 storey where that floor level is served by an openable window or door

(a)providing an unobstructed opening of not less than 1 m in height and 0.55 m in width, and

(b)located so that the sill is not more than

(i)1 m above the floor, and

(ii)7 m above adjacent ground level.

(3)The travel limit from a floor level in a dwelling unit to an exit or egress door may exceed 1 storey where that floor level has direct access to a balcony.

9.9.9.2. Two Separate Exits

(1)Except as provided in Sentence 9.9.7.3.(1) and except for dwelling units in a house with a secondary suite, where an egress door from a dwelling unit opens onto a public corridor or exterior passageway it shall be possible from the location where the egress door opens onto the corridor or exterior passageway to go in opposite directions to 2 separate exits unless the dwelling unit has a second and separate means of egress.

9.9.9.3. Shared Egress Facilities

(1)Except for dwelling units in a house with a secondary suite, a dwelling unit shall be provided with a second and separate means of egress where an egress door from the dwelling unit opens onto

(a)has a floor assembly with a fire-resistance rating less than 45 min,

(b)is served by a single exit stairway or ramp, and

(i)serving more than one suite, and

(ii)served by a single exit,

(c)is located more than 1.5 m above adjacent ground level.

(i)serving more than one suite,

(ii)served by a single exit stairway or ramp, and

(iii)more than 1.5 m above adjacent ground level, or

(d)a balcony

(i)serving more than one suite,

(ii)served by a single exit stairway or ramp, and

(iii)more than 1.5 m above adjacent ground level. (2) Where a dwelling unit is located above another dwelling unit or common space in a house with a secondary suite, the upper dwelling unit shall be provided with as second and separate means of egress where an egress door from that dwelling unit opens onto an exterior passageway that

9.9.10. Egress from Bedrooms

9.9.10.1. Egress Windows or Doors for Bedrooms

(1)Except where a door on the same floor level as the bedroom provides direct access to the exterior, every floor level containing a bedroom in a suite shall be provided with at least one outside window that

(a)is openable from the inside without the use of tools,

(b)provides an individual, unobstructed open portion having a minimum area of 0.35 m² with no dimension less than 380 mm, and

(c)maintains the required opening described in Clause (b) without the need for additional support. (See Note A-9.9.10.1.(1))

(2)Except for basement areas, the window required in Sentence (1) shall have a maximum sill height of 1 000 mm above the floor. (See Note A-9.9.10.1.(2))

(3)Where a window required in Sentence (1) opens into a window well, a clearance of not less than 550 mm shall be provided in front of the window. (See Note A-9.9.10.1.(3))

(4)Where the sash of a window referred to in Sentence (3) swings towards the window well, the operation of the sash shall not reduce the clearance in a manner that would restrict escape in an emergency.

(5)Where a protective enclosure is installed over the window well referred to in Sentence (3), the enclosure shall be openable from the inside without the use of keys, tools or special knowledge of the opening mechanism.

(6)When sliding windows are used, the minimum dimension described in Sentence (1) shall apply to the openable portion of the window.

(7)Where the sleeping area within a live/work unit is on a mezzanine with no obstructions more than 1 070 mm above the floor, the window required in Sentence (1) may be provided on the main level of the live/work unit provided the mezzanine is not more than 25% of the area of the live/work unit or 20 m², whichever is less, and an unobstructed direct path of travel is provided from the mezzanine to this window.

9.9.11. Signs

9.9.11.1. Application

(1)This Subsection applies to all exits except those serving not more than one dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite.

9.9.11.2. Visibility of Exits

(1)Exits shall be located so as to be clearly visible or their locations shall be clearly indicated.

(2)Where an exit door leading directly to the outside is subject to being obstructed by a parked vehicle or storage because of its location, a visible sign prohibiting such obstructions shall be permanently mounted on the exterior side of the door.

9.9.11.3. Exit Signs

(1)Except as required in Sentence (7), every exit door shall have an exit sign placed over it or adjacent to it if the exit serves

(a)a building that is 3 storeys in building height,

(b)a building having an occupant load of more than 150, or

(c)a room or floor area that has a fire escape as part of a required means of egress.

(2)Except as required in Sentence (6), every exit sign shall

(a)be visible on approach to the exit,

(b)consist of a green pictogram and a white or lightly tinted graphical symbol meeting the colour specifications referred to in ISO 3864-1, “Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs – Part 1: Design principles for safety signs and safety markings,” and

(c)conform to ISO 7010, “Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs – Registered safety signs,” for the following symbols: (See Note A-3.4.5.1.(2)(c))

(i)E001 emergency exit left,

(ii)E002 emergency exit right,

(iii)E005 90-degree directional arrow, and

(iv)E006 45-degree directional arrow.

(3)Internally illuminated exit signs shall be continuously illuminated, and

(a)where illumination of the sign is powered by an electrical circuit, be constructed in conformance with CSA C22.2 No. 141, “Emergency lighting equipment,” or

(b)where illumination of the sign is not powered by an electrical circuit, be

(i)constructed in conformance with CAN/ULC-S572, “Standard for Photoluminescent and Self-Luminous Exit Signs and Path Marking Systems,” and

(ii)labelled in accordance with the time duration for which they have been tested and listed.

(4)Externally illuminated exit signs shall be continuously illuminated at all times by a light fixture supplied by an electrical circuit.

(5)The circuitry serving lighting for externally and internally illuminated exit signs shall

(a)serve no equipment other than emergency lighting in the area where the exit signs are installed, and

(b)be connected to an emergency power supply as described in Sentences 9.9.12.3.(2), (3) and (7).

(6)An exit sign conforming to Clauses (2)(b) and

(c)with an arrow or other indicator pointing at the direction of egress shall be provided where no exit is visible from

(a)a public corridor,

(b)a corridor used by the public, or

(7)Except for suite doors opening directly to the exterior, every exit serving a hotel shall have an exit sign placed over it or adjacent to it.

9.9.11.4. Signs for Stairs and Ramps at Exit Level

(1)In buildings that are 3 storeys in building height, any part of an exit ramp or stairway that continues up or down past the lowest exit level shall be clearly marked to indicate that it does not lead to an exit if the portion below exit level may be mistaken as the direction of exit travel.

9.9.11.5. Floor Numbering

(1)Arabic numerals indicating the assigned floor number shall be

(a)except in hotels, mounted permanently on the stair side of the wall at the latch side of doors to exit stair shafts,

(b)in hotels, mounted permanently on each side of the exit doors to the exit stair shaft,

(c)not less than 60 mm high, raised approximately 0.8 mm above the surface,

(d)located 1 500 mm from the finished floor and not more than 300 mm from the door, and

(e)contrasting in colour with the surface on which they are applied. (See Note A-9.9.11.5.(1)(e))

9.9.12. Lighting

9.9.12.1. Application

(1)This Subsection applies to the lighting of all means of egress except those within dwelling units or a house with a secondary suite.

9.9.12.2. Required Lighting in Egress Facilities

(1)Every exit, public corridor or corridor providing access to exit for the public shall be equipped to provide illumination to an average level of not less than 50 lx at floor or tread level and at all points such as angles and intersections at changes of level where there are stairs or ramps.

(2)The minimum value of the illumination required by Sentence (1) shall be not less than 10 lx.

9.9.12.3. Emergency Lighting

(1)Emergency lighting shall be provided in

(a)exits,

(b)principal routes providing access to exit in an open floor area,

(c)corridors used by the public,

(d)underground walkways, and

(e)public corridors.

(2)Emergency lighting required in Sentence (1) shall be provided from a source of energy separate from the electrical supply for the building.

(3)Lighting required in Sentence (1) shall be designed to be automatically actuated for a period of at least 30 min when the electric lighting in the affected area is interrupted.

(4)Illumination from lighting required in Sentence (1) shall be provided to average levels of not less than 10 lx at floor or tread level.

(5)The minimum value of the illumination required by Sentence (4) shall be not less than 1 1x.

(6)Where incandescent lighting is provided, lighting equal to 1 W/m² of floor area shall be considered to meet the requirement in Sentence (4).

(7)Where self-contained emergency lighting units are used, they shall conform to CSA C22.2 No. 141, “Emergency lighting equipment.”

Section 9.10 Fire Protection

9.10.1. Definitions and Application

9.10.1.1. Sloped Roofs

(1)For the purposes of this Section, roofs with slopes of 60 ° or more to the horizontal and that are adjacent to a room or space intended for occupancy shall be considered as a wall.

9.10.1.2. Testing of Integrated Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems

(1)Where life safety and fire protection systems and systems with fire protection and life safety functions are integrated with each other, they shall be tested as a whole in accordance with CAN/ULC-S1001, “Standard for Integrated Systems Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems,” to verify that they have been properly integrated. (See Note A- 3.2.9.1.(1))

(2)Sentence (1) does not apply to a building that contains only dwelling units and has no dwelling unit above another dwelling unit.

9.10.1.3. Items Under Part 3 Jurisdiction

(1)Tents, air-supported structures, transformer vaults, walkways, elevators and escalators shall conform to Part 3.

(2)Where rooms or spaces are intended for an assembly occupancy, such rooms or spaces shall conform to Part 3.

(3)Basements containing more than 1 storey or exceeding 600 m² in area shall conform to Part 3.

(4)Where rooms or spaces are intended for the storage, manufacture or use of hazardous or explosive material, such rooms or spaces shall conform to Part 3.

(5)Reserved.

(6)Openings through floors that are not protected by shafts or closures shall be protected in conformance with Subsection 3.2.8. (See also Sentence 9.9.4.7.(1))

(7)Chutes and shafts shall conform to Subsection 3.6.3. except where they are entirely contained within a dwelling unit.

(8)Sprinkler systems shall be designed, constructed and installed in conformance with Articles 3.2.5.12. to 3.2.5.15. and 3.2.5.17. (See Note A-9.10.1.3.(8) and (9))

(9)Standpipe and hose systems shall be designed, constructed and installed in conformance with Articles 3.2.5.8. to 3.2.5.11. and 3.2.5.17. (See Note A-9.10.1.3.(8) and (9))

(10)Fire pumps shall be installed in conformance with Articles 3.2.5.17. and 3.2.5.18.

(11)Where fuel-fired appliances are installed on a roof, such appliances shall be installed in conformance with Article 3.6.1.5.

9.10.1.4. Items Under Part 6 Jurisdiction

(1)In kitchens containing commercial cooking equipment used in processes producing grease-laden vapours, the equipment shall be designed and installed in conformance with Article 6.3.1.6. (See Note A-9.10.1.4.(1))

9.10.2. Occupancy Classification

9.10.2.1. Occupancy Classification

(1)Every building or part of it shall be classified according to its major occupancy as belonging to one of the groups or divisions described in Table 9.10.2.1. Table 9.10.2.1. Occupancy Classifications Forming Part of Sentence 9.10.2.1.(1)

9.10.2.2. Reserved

9.10.2.3. Major Occupancies Above Other Major Occupancies

(1)Except as permitted in Article 9.10.2.4., in any building containing more than one major occupancy in which one major occupancy is located entirely above another, the requirements of Article 9.10.8.1. for each portion of the building containing a major occupancy shall be applied to that portion as if the entire building was of that major occupancy.

9.10.2.4. Buildings Containing More Than One Major Occupancy

(1)In a building containing more than one major occupancy, where the aggregate area of all major occupancies in a particular group or division does not exceed 10% of the floor area on the storey on which they are located, they need not be considered as major occupancies for the purposes of Articles 9.10.2.3. and 9.10.8.1. provided they are not classified as Group F, Division 2 occupancies.

9.10.3. Ratings

9.10.3.1. Fire-Resistance and Fire-Protection Ratings

(1)Where a fire-resistance rating or a fire-protection rating is required in this Section for an element of a building, such rating shall be determined in conformance with

(a)the test methods described in Part 3,

(b)MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-2, "Fire Performance Ratings," or

(c)MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-3, "Fire and Sound Resistance Tables." (See Note A-9.10.3.1.(1))

9.10.3.2. Flame-Spread Rating

(1)Where a flame-spread rating is required in this Section for an element of a building, such rating shall be determined in accordance with the test methods described in Part 3, or in accordance with MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-2, “Fire Performance Ratings.”

(2)Unless the flame-spread rating is referred to in this Part as a “surface flame-spread rating ”, it shall apply to any surface of the element being considered that would be exposed by cutting through it as well as to the exposed surface of the element.

9.10.3.3. Fire Exposure

(1)Floor, roof and ceiling assemblies shall be rated for exposure to fire on the underside.

(2)Exterior walls shall be rated for exposure to fire from inside the building, except that such walls need not comply with the temperature rise limitations required by the standard tests referred to in Article 9.10.3.1. if such walls have a limiting distance of not less than 1.2 m, and due allowance is made for the effects of heat radiation in accordance with the requirements in Part 3.

(3)Firewalls and interior vertical fire separations required to have fire-resistance ratings shall be rated for exposure to fire on each side.

9.10.3.4. Suspended Membrane Ceiling

(1)Where a ceiling construction has a suspended membrane ceiling with lay-in panels or tiles that contribute to the required fire-resistance rating, hold down clips or other means shall be provided to prevent the lifting of such panels or tiles in the event of a fire.

9.10.4. Building Size Determination

9.10.4.1. Mezzanines Not Considered as Storeys

(1)Except as required by Sentences (2) and 9.10.4.2.(1), the space above a mezzanine is permitted to be excluded from the calculation of building height, provided

(a)the aggregate area of mezzanines that are not superimposed does not exceed 10% of the floor area of the building in which they are located, and

(b)the area of mezzanine in a suite does not exceed 10% of the area of that suite on the storey on which it is located.

(2)Except as required by Sentence 9.10.4.2.(1), the space above a mezzanine is permitted to be excluded from the calculation of building height, provided

(a)the aggregate area of mezzanines that are not superimposed does not exceed 40% of the open area of the room in which they are located, and (See Note A-3.2.1.1.(3)(a))

(b)except as permitted in Sentence (3), the space above the mezzanine floor is used as an open area without partitions or subdividing walls higher than 1 070 mm above the mezzanine floor.

(3)The space above a mezzanine conforming to Sentence (2) is permitted to include an enclosed space whose area does not exceed 10% of the open area of the room in which the mezzanine is located, provided the enclosed space does not obstruct visual communication between the open space above the mezzanine and the room in which it is located.

(4)For the purpose of determining occupant load, the areas of mezzanines that are not considered as storeys shall be added to the floor area of the storey on which they are located. (See Note A-9.10.4.1.(4))

(5)Platforms and catwalks intended solely for periodic inspection and maintenance need not be considered as floor assemblies or mezzanines for the purpose of calculating building height, provided

(a)they are not used for storage, and

(b)they are constructed with noncombustible materials, unless the building is permitted to be of combustible construction.

9.10.4.2. More Than One Level of Mezzanine

(1)Where more than one level of mezzanine is provided in a storey, each level additional to the first shall be considered as a storey.

9.10.4.3. Basement Storage Garages

(1)Where a basement is used primarily as a storage garage, the basement is permitted to be considered as a separate building for the purposes of this Section provided the floor above the basement and the exterior walls of the basement above the adjoining ground level are constructed as fire separations of masonry or concrete having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h.

9.10.4.4. Rooftop Enclosures

(1)Rooftop enclosures provided for elevator machinery, stairways or service rooms, used for no purpose other than for service to the building, shall not be considered as a storey in calculating the building height.

9.10.5. Permitted Openings in Wall and Ceiling Assemblies

9.10.5.1. Permitted Openings in Wall and Ceiling Membranes

(1)Except as permitted in Sentences (2) and (3), a membrane forming part of an assembly required to have a fire- resistance rating shall not be pierced by openings into the assembly unless the assembly has been tested and rated for such openings.

(2)A wall or ceiling membrane forming part of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating is permitted to be pierced by openings for electrical and similar service outlet boxes, provided such outlet boxes and the penetrations conform to Article 9.10.9.8. (2.1) Where boxes referred to in Sentence (2) are located on both sides of walls required to provide a fire-resistance rating, they shall be offset where necessary to maintain the integrity of the fire separation.

(3)A membrane ceiling forming part of an assembly assigned a fire-resistance rating on the basis of Table 2 of MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-3, “Fire and Sound Resistance Tables,” is permitted to be pierced by openings leading to ducts within the ceiling space provided the ducts, the amount of openings and their protection conform to Sentence 9.10.13.14.(1) and the requirements in MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-2, “Fire Performance Ratings.”

9.10.6. Construction Types

9.10.6.1. Combustible Elements in Noncombustible Construction

(1)Where a building or part of a building is required to be of noncombustible construction, combustible elements shall be limited in conformance with the requirements in Subsection 3.1.5.

9.10.6.2. Heavy Timber Construction

(1)Heavy timber construction shall be considered to have a 45 min fire-resistance rating when it is constructed in accordance with the requirements for heavy timber construction in Article 3.1.4.7.

9.10.7. Steel Members

9.10.7.1. Protection of Steel Members

(1)Except as permitted in Article 3.2.2.3., structural steel members used in construction required to have a fire- resistance rating shall be protected to provide the required fire-resistance rating.

9.10.8. Fire-Resistance and Combustibility in Relation to Occupancy, Height and Supported Elements

9.10.8.1. Fire-Resistance Ratings for Floors and Roofs

(1)Except as otherwise provided in this Subsection, the fire-resistance ratings of floors and roofs shall conform to Table 9.10.8.1. (See Subsection 9.10.2. for mixed occupancies and Subsection 9.10.21. for construction camps.) Table 9.10.8.1. Fire Resistance Ratings for Floors and Roofs Forming Part of Sentence 9.10.8.1.(1)

9.10.8.2. Fire-Resistance Ratings in Sprinklered Buildings

(1)Except for roofs that support an occupancy, the requirements in Table 9.10.8.1. for roof assemblies to have a fire- resistance rating are permitted to be waived in sprinklered buildings where

(a)the sprinkler system is electrically supervised in conformance with Sentence 3.2.4.9.(3), and

(b)the operation of the sprinkler system will cause a signal to be transmitted to the fire department in conformance with Sentence 3.2.4.7.(4).

9.10.8.3. Fire-Resistance Ratings for Walls, Columns and Arches

(1)Except as otherwise provided in this Subsection, all loadbearing walls, columns and arches in the storey immediately below a floor or roof assembly shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than that required for the supported floor or roof assembly.

(2)Light-frame walls, columns, arches and beams as well as loadbearing steel elements that support floors between dwelling units in a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces shall be protected by not less than 15.9 mm thick Type-X gypsum board. (See Note A-9.10.8.3.(2))

9.10.8.4. Support of Noncombustible Construction

(1)Where an assembly is required to be of noncombustible construction and to have a fire-resistance rating, it shall be supported by noncombustible construction.

9.10.8.5. Service Rooms

(1)Construction supporting a service room need not conform to Article 9.10.8.3.

9.10.8.6. Mezzanines

(1)Mezzanines required to be counted as storeys in Articles 9.10.4.1. and 9.10.4.2. shall be constructed in conformance with the requirements for “Floors Except Floors over Crawl Spaces” in Table 9.10.8.1.

9.10.8.7. Roofs Supporting an Occupancy

(1)Where a portion of a roof supports an occupancy, that portion shall be constructed as a fire separation having a fire- resistance rating conforming to the rating for “Floors Except Floors over Crawl Spaces” in Table 9.10.8.1.

9.10.8.8. Floors of Exterior Passageways

(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), the floor assembly of every exterior passageway used as part of a means of egress shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min or be of noncombustible construction.

(2)No fire-resistance rating is required for floors of exterior passageways serving buildings of Group D, E or F major occupancy that are not more than 2 storeys in building height.

(3)No fire-resistance rating is required for floors of exterior passageways serving

(a)a house with a secondary suite, or

(b)a single dwelling unit where no suite is located above or below the dwelling unit. (See also Sentence 9.9.9.3.(2))

9.10.8.9. Crawl Spaces

(1)Where a crawl space exceeds 1.8 m in height or is used for any occupancy or as a plenum in combustible construction or for the passage of flue pipes, it shall be considered as a basement in applying the requirements in Article 9.10.8.1.

9.10.8.10. Non-Application to Houses

(1)Table 9.10.8.1. does not apply to

(a)a dwelling unit that has no other dwelling unit above or below it,

(b)houses with a secondary suite, where the floor framing is protected on the underside by a continuous smoke-tight barrier of not less than 15.9 mm thick gypsum board, or

(c)a dwelling unit that is not above or below another major occupancy.

9.10.8.11. Part 3 as an Alternative

(1)The fire-resistance ratings of floors, roofs, loadbearing walls, columns and arches need not conform to this Subsection if such assemblies conform in all respects to the appropriate requirements in Section 3.2.

9.10.9. Fire Separations and Smoke-tight Barriers between Rooms and Spaces within Buildings

9.10.9.1. Application

(1)This Subsection applies to

(a)fire separations required between rooms and spaces in buildings, and

(b)smoke-tight barriers required in houses with a secondary suite including their common spaces.

9.10.9.2. Continuous Barrier

(1)Except as permitted in Article 9.10.9.3., a wall or floor assembly required to be a fire separation shall be constructed as a continuous barrier against the spread of fire and retard the passage of smoke.

(2)Except as permitted in Article 9.10.9.3., a wall or floor assembly required to be a smoke-tight barrier shall be constructed as a continuous barrier against the spread of smoke. (See Note A-9.10.9.2.(2) and (3))

(3)Except as provided in Sentence (6), the continuity of a fire separation where it abuts another fire separation or smoke-tight barrier, a floor, a ceiling, or a roof shall be maintained by a firestop that, when subjected to the fire test method in CAN/ULC-S115, “Standard Method of Fire Tests of Firestop Systems,” has an FT rating not less than the fire- resistance rating for the abutting fire separation. (See Note A-9.10.9.2.(2) and (3)) (See also Note A-3.1.8.3.(2))

(4)Except as provided in Sentence (6), joints located in a horizontal plane between a floor and an exterior wall shall be sealed by a firestop that, when subjected to the fire test method in ASTM E2307, “Standard Test Method for Determining Fire Resistance of Perimeter Fire Barriers Using Intermediate-Scale, Multi-storey Test Apparatus,” has an F rating not less than the fire-resistance rating for the horizontal fire separation.

(5)Except as provided in Sentence (6), all gypsum board joints in the assemblies described in Sentences (1) and (2) shall conform to CSA A82.31-M, “Gypsum Board Application,” to maintain the integrity of the smoke-tight barrier over the entire surface.

(6)Joints between ceilings and walls, between floors and walls, and between walls at corners need not comply with Sentences (3) to (5) where such joints consist of gypsum board that is attached to framing members and arranged so as to restrict the passage of flame and smoke through the joints.

9.10.9.3. Openings to be Protected With Closures

(1)Except as permitted in Articles 9.10.9.5. to 9.10.9.8., openings in required fire separations shall be protected with closures conforming to Subsection 9.10.13.

9.10.9.4. Floor Assemblies

(1)Except as permitted in Sentences (2) to (4), all floor assemblies shall be constructed as fire separations.

(2)Floor assemblies contained within dwelling units need and within houses with a secondary suite need not be constructed as fire separations.

(3)Floor assemblies for which no fire-resistance rating is required by Subsection 9.10.8. and floors of mezzanines not required to be counted as storeys in Articles 9.10.4.1. and 9.10.4.2. need not be constructed as fire separations.

(4)Where a crawl space is not required by Article 9.10.8.9. to be constructed as a basement, the floor above it need not be constructed as a fire separation.

9.10.9.5. Interconnected Floor Spaces

(1)Except as permitted in Article 9.9.4.7., interconnected floor spaces shall conform to the requirements of Subsection 3.2.8.

9.10.9.6. General Requirements for Penetrations of Fire Separations

(1)Except as required by Sentence (2) and Articles 9.10.9.7. and 9.10.9.8. and as permitted by Article 9.10.9.9., penetrations of a required fire separation or a membrane forming part of an assembly required to be a fire separation shall be

(a)sealed by a firestop that, when subjected to the fire test method in CAN/ULC-S115, “Standard Method of Fire Tests of Firestop Systems,” has an F rating not less than the required fire-resistance rating for the fire separation,

(b)tightly fitted or cast in place, provided the penetrating item is made of steel, ferrous, copper, concrete or masonry, or

(c)sealed to maintain the integrity of the fire separation. (See Note A-9.10.9.6.(1))

(2)Penetrations of a firewall shall be sealed at the penetration by a firestop that, when subjected to the fire test method in “CAN/ULC-S115, “Standard Method of Fire Tests of Firestop Systems,” has an FT rating not less than the fire- resistance rating for the fire separation.

9.10.9.7. Piping Penetrations (See Note 3.1.9.)

(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (5), piping for drain, waste, vent and central vacuum systems that is not located in a vertical shaft is permitted to penetrate a fire separation required to have a fire-resistance rating or a membrane that forms part of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating, provided the penetration is protected in accordance with Clause 9.10.9.6.(1)(a) or (b).

(2)Drain piping leading directly from a water closet through a concrete floor slab is permitted to penetrate a horizontal fire separation or a membrane that contributes to the required fire-resistance rating of a horizontal fire separation, provided

(a)the piping is noncombustible and the penetration is protected in accordance with Sentence 9.10.9.6.(1), or

(b)the piping is combustible and the penetration is sealed by a firestop conforming to Clause 9.10.9.6.(1)(a).

(3)Combustible drain, waste and vent piping is permitted on one side of a vertical fire separation, provided it is not located in a vertical shaft.

(4)In buildings containing two dwelling units only, combustible drain, waste and vent piping is permitted on one side of a horizontal fire separation.

(5)Water distribution piping is permitted to partly or wholly penetrate a fire separation required to have a fire- resistance rating, provided

(a)the piping is noncombustible and the penetration is protected in accordance with Sentence 9.10.9.6.(1), or

(b)the piping is combustible and is not located in a vertical shaft, and the penetration is sealed by a firestop conforming to Clause 9.10.9.6.(1)(a).

9.10.9.8. Penetrations by Outlet Boxes or Service Equipment in Concealed Spaces

(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (5), outlet boxes are permitted to penetrate the membrane of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating, provided they are sealed at the penetration by a firestop that, when subjected to the fire test method in CAN/ULC-S115, “Standard Method of Fire Tests of Firestop Systems,” has an FT rating not less than the fire-resistance rating of the fire separation. (See Note A-9.10.9.8.(1))

(2)Except as provided in Sentence 9.10.9.6.(2), noncombustible outlet boxes that penetrate a fire separation or a membrane forming part of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating need not conform to Sentence (1), provided

(a)they do not exceed

(i)0.016 m² in area, and

(ii)an aggregate area of 0.065 m² in any 9.3 m² of surface area, and

(b)the annular space between the membrane and the noncombustible outlet boxes does not exceed 3 mm.

(3)Except as provided in Sentence 9.10.9.6.(2), combustible outlet boxes that penetrate a fire separation or a membrane forming part of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating need not conform to Sentence (1), provided

(a)the outlet boxes are

(i)separated from the remainder of the space within the assembly by an enclosure of not more than 0.3 m² in area made of fire block material conforming to Article 9.10.16.3., or (See Note A-9.10.9.8.(3)(a)(i))

(ii)located in a space within the assembly that is filled with preformed fibre insulation processed from rock or slag conforming to CAN/ULC-S702.1, “Standard for Mineral Fibre Thermal Insulation for Buildings, Part 1: Material Specification,” and having a mass per unit area of not less than 1.22 kg/m² of wall surface such that the exposed sides and back of the outlet box are encapsulated by the noncombustible insulation, and

(b)the outlet boxes do not exceed an aggregate area of 0.016 m² in any individual enclosure as described in Subclause (a)(i) or any individual insulated space as described in Subclause (a)(ii).

(4)Noncombustible outlet boxes conforming to Sentence (2) are permitted to be located on opposite sides of a vertical fire separation having a fire-resistance rating and need not conform to Sentence (1), provided they are

(a)separated from each other by a horizontal distance of not less than 600 mm,

(b)separated from each other and the remainder of the wall space by an enclosure conforming to Subclause (3)(a)(i), or

(c)located in an insulated wall space in accordance with Subclause (3)(a)(ii).

(5)Combustible outlet boxes conforming to Sentence (3) are permitted to be located on opposite sides of a vertical fire separation having a fire-resistance rating and need not conform to Sentence (1).

(6)Service equipment is permitted to penetrate a horizontal fire separation conforming to Sentence 9.10.9.12.(2), provided the penetration is sealed by

(a)a firestop that, when subjected to the fire test method in CAN/ULC-S115, “Standard Method of Fire Tests of Firestop Systems,” has an FT rating not less than the required fire-resistance rating for the fire separation,

(b)a firestop conforming to Clause 9.10.9.6.(1)(a), where the service equipment is located entirely within the cavity of a wall assembly above and below the horizontal fire separation having a required fire-resistance rating, or

(c)a firestop conforming to Clause 9.10.9.6.(1)(a), where the penetration is

(i)contained within the concealed space of a floor or ceiling assembly having a fire-resistance rating,

(ii)located above a ceiling membrane providing a horizontal fire separation, or

(iii)contained within a horizontal service space conforming to Sentence 9.10.9.12.(2) that is directly above or below a floor or ceiling.

9.10.9.9. Penetrations by Raceways, Sprinklers and Fire Dampers

(1)Combustible totally enclosed raceways that are embedded in a concrete floor slab are permitted in an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating, provided the concrete cover between the raceway and the bottom of the slab is not less than 50 mm.

(2)Totally enclosed raceways are permitted to penetrate a fire separation, provided they are sealed at the penetration by a firestop conforming to Clause 9.10.9.6.(1)(a).

(3)Sprinkler piping is permitted to penetrate a fire separation, provided the fire compartments on each side of the fire separation are sprinklered.

(4)Sprinklers are permitted to penetrate a fire separation or a membrane forming part of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating without having to meet the firestop requirements of Article 9.10.9.6. and Clause 9.10.9.8.(6)(a), provided the annular space created by the penetration of a fire sprinkler is covered by a metal escutcheon plate in accordance with NFPA 13, “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems.”

(5)Fire dampers are permitted to penetrate a fire separation or a membrane forming part of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating without having to meet the firestop requirements of Sentence 9.10.9.6.(1), provided the fire damper is

(a)installed in conformance with NFPA 80, “Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives,”

(b)specifically designed with a firestop, or

(c)provided in conformance with Sentence 9.10.5.1.(3). (See also Note A-3.1.9.2.(1).)

9.10.9.10. Collapse of Combustible Construction

(1)Combustible construction that abuts on or is supported by a noncombustible fire separation shall be constructed so that its collapse under fire conditions will not cause collapse of the fire separation.

9.10.9.11. Reduction in Thickness of Fire Separation by Beams and Joists

(1)Where pockets for the support of beams or joists are formed in a masonry or concrete fire separation, the remaining total thickness of solid masonry and/or grout and/or concrete shall be not less than the required equivalent thickness shown for Type S monolithic concrete in Table 2.1.1. of MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-2, “Fire Performance Ratings,” for the required fire-resistance rating.

9.10.9.12. Concealed Spaces Above Fire Separations

(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), a horizontal service space or other concealed space located above a required vertical fire separation shall be divided at the fire separation by an equivalent fire separation within the space.

(2)Where a horizontal service space or other concealed space is located above a required vertical fire separation other than a vertical shaft, such space need not be divided as required in Sentence (1) provided the construction between such space and the space below is constructed as a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the vertical fire separation, except that where the vertical fire separation is not required to have a fire-resistance rating greater than 45 min, the fire-resistance rating of the ceiling is permitted to be reduced to 30 min.

9.10.9.13. Separation of Residential Occupancies

(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (4), residential occupancies shall be separated from all other major occupancies by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 h.

(2)Except as provided in Sentence (3), a major occupancy classified as a residential occupancy, including live/work units, shall be separated from other major occupancies classified as mercantile or medium hazard industrial occupancies by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h.

(3)Where not more than two dwelling units or live/work units are located in a building containing a mercantile occupancy, such mercantile occupancy shall be separated from the dwelling units or live/work units by a fire separation having not less than 1 h fire-resistance rating.

(4)The requirement for fire separations between major occupancies in Sentence (1) is waived for the occupancies allowed within live/work units.

9.10.9.14. Residential Suites in Industrial Buildings

(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), not more than one suite of residential occupancy shall be contained within a building classified as a Group F, Division 2 major occupancy.

(2)Except where a Group F Division 2 major occupancy is directly related to live/work units, not more than one suite of residential occupancy shall be contained within a building classified as Group F, Division 2 major occupancy.

9.10.9.15. Separation of Suites

(1)Except as required in Article 9.10.9.16. and as permitted by Sentence (2), each suite in other than business and personal services occupancies shall be separated from adjoining suites by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min.

(2)In sprinklered buildings, suites of business and personal services occupancy and mercantile occupancy that are served by public corridors conforming with Clause 3.3.1.4.(4)(b) are not required to be separated from each other by fire separations.

9.10.9.16. Separation of Residential Suites

(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3) and Article 9.10.21.2., suites in residential occupancies shall be separated from adjacent rooms and suites by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min.

(2)Sleeping rooms in boarding, lodging or rooming houses where sleeping accommodation is provided for not more than 8 boarders or lodgers need not be separated from the remainder of the floor area as required in Sentence (1) where the sleeping rooms form part of the proprietor's residence and do not contain cooking facilities.

(3)Except as provided in Sentences (4) and (5), dwelling units that contain 2 or more storeys including basements shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 h. (See Note A-3.3.4.4.(1))

(4)Walls and floor-ceiling framing in a house with a secondary suite that separate dwelling units from each other or dwelling units from ancillary spaces and common spaces need not comply with Sentence (1), where the walls and floor- ceiling framing are protected by a continuous smoke-tight barrier of not less than 15.9 mm thick Type X gypsum board installed on

(a)both sides of walls, and

(b)the underside of floor-ceiling framing. (See Sentence 9.10.9.3.(2) for closures.)

(5)The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required in Sentence (4) is permitted to be waived where the house with a secondary suite is sprinklered.

9.10.9.17. Separation of Public Corridors

(1)Except as otherwise required by this Part and as provided in Sentences (2) to (5), public corridors shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having not less than a 45 min fire-resistance rating.

(2)In other than residential occupancies, no fire-resistance rating is required for fire separations between a public corridor and the remainder of the building if

(a)the floor area is sprinklered,

(b)the sprinkler system is electrically supervised in conformance with Sentence 3.2.4.9.(3), and

(c)the operation of the sprinkler system will cause a signal to be transmitted to the fire department in conformance with Sentence 3.2.4.7.(4).

(3)In other than residential occupancies, no fire separation is required between a public corridor and the remainder of the building if

(a)the floor area is sprinklered,

(b)the sprinkler system is electrically supervised in conformance with Sentence 3.2.4.9.(3),

(c)the operation of the sprinkler system will cause a signal to be transmitted to the fire department in conformance with Sentence 3.2.4.7.(4), and

(d)the corridor exceeds 5 m in width.

(4)Where a public corridor is located in a house with a secondary suite, a continuous smoke-tight barrier of not less than 15.9 mm thick Type X gypsum board shall be installed on

(a)both sides of walls separating the corridor from the remainder of the building, and

(b)the underside of floor-ceiling framing separating the corridor from the remainder of the building. (See Sentence 9.10.9.3.(2) for closures.)

(5)No fire separation is required in a sprinklered floor area between a public corridor and a space containing plumbing fixtures required by Article 3.7.4.2. and Section 9.31., provided

(a)the space and the public corridor are separated from the remainder of the storey by a fire separation having a fire- resistance rating not less than that required between the public corridor and the remainder of the storey, and

(b)the plumbing fixtures are not located within a dwelling unit or suite.

9.10.9.18. Separation of Storage Garages

(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), a storage garage shall be separated from other occupancies by a fire separation having not less than a 1.5 h fire-resistance rating.

(2)Except as permitted in Sentence (3), storage garages containing 5 motor vehicles or fewer shall be separated from other occupancies by a fire separation of not less than 1 h.

(3)Where a storage garage serves only the dwelling unit to which it is attached or in which it is built, it shall be considered as part of that dwelling unit and the fire separation required in Sentence (2) need not be provided between the garage and the dwelling unit.

(4)Except as provided in Sentence (5), where a storage garage is attached to or built into a building of residential occupancy

(a)an air barrier system conforming to Subsection 9.25.3. shall be installed between the garage and the remainder of the building to provide an effective barrier to gas and exhaust fumes, and

(b)every door between the garage and the remainder of the building shall conform to Article 9.10.13.15. (See Note A-9.10.9.18.(4))

(5)Where membrane materials are used to provide the required airtightness in the air barrier system, all joints shall be sealed and structurally supported.

9.10.9.19. Separation of Repair Garages

(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), a repair garage shall be separated from other occupancies by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h.

(2)Ancillary spaces directly serving a repair garage, including waiting rooms, reception rooms, tool and parts storage areas and supervisory office space, need not be separated from the repair garage but shall be separated from other occupancies as required in Sentence (1).

(3)The fire separation referred to in Sentence (1) shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 h, where

(a)the building is not more than one storey in building height,

(b)the building is operated as a single suite, and

(c)the only occupancy other than the repair garage is a mercantile occupancy. ( 4) Except as provided in Sentence (5), where a building containing a repair garage also contains a dwelling unit, an air barrier system conforming to Subsection 9.25.3. shall be installed between the dwelling unit and the suite containing the garage to provide an effective barrier to gas and exhaust fumes. (See Note A-9.10.9.18.(4))

(5)Where membrane materials are used to provide the required airtightness in the air barrier system, all joints shall be sealed and structurally supported.

9.10.9.20. Exhaust Ducts Serving More Than One Fire Compartment

(1)Where a vertical service space contains an exhaust duct that serves more than one fire compartment, the duct shall have a fan located at or near the exhaust outlet to ensure that the duct is under negative pressure.

(2)Individual fire compartments referred to in Sentence (1) shall not have fans that exhaust directly into the duct in the vertical service space.

9.10.9.21. Central Vacuum Systems

(1)Except as permitted by Sentence 9.10.18.7.(1), a central vacuum system shall serve not more than one suite.

9.10.10. Service Rooms

9.10.10.1. Application

(1)This Subsection applies to service rooms in all buildings except rooms located within a dwelling unit.

9.10.10.2. Service Room Floors

(1)The fire-resistance rating requirements in this Subsection do not apply to the floor assembly immediately below a service room.

9.10.10.3. Separation of Service Rooms

(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2) and Articles 9.10.10.5. and 9.10.10.6., service rooms shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 h when the floor area containing the service room is not sprinklered.

(2)Where a room contains a limited quantity of service equipment and the service equipment does not constitute a fire hazard, the requirements in Sentence (1) shall not apply.

9.10.10.4. Locations of Fuel-Fired Appliances

(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3) and Article 9.10.10.5., fuel-fired appliances shall be located in a service room separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having not less than a 1 h fire-resistance rating.

(2)Except as required in the appliance installation standards referenced in Sentences 6.2.1.5.(1) and 9.33.1.2.(1), fuel- fired space-heating appliances, space-cooling appliances and service water heaters need not be separated from the remainder of the building as required in Sentence (1),

(a)where the appliances serve

(i)not more than one room or suite,

(ii)a building with a building area of not more than 400 m² and a building height of not more than 2 storeys, or

(b)where the appliances

(i)serve a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces, and

(ii)are located in a service room where both sides of any wall assemblies and the underside of any floor-ceiling framing separating this room from both dwelling units or their common spaces are protected by a continuous smoke-tight barrier consisting of not less than 15.9 mm thick Type X gypsum board.

(3)Sentence (1) does not apply to fireplaces and cooking appliances.

9.10.10.5. Incinerators

(1)Service rooms containing incinerators shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h.

(2)The design, construction, installation and alteration of each indoor incinerator shall conform to NFPA 82, “Standard on Incinerators and Waste and Linen Handling Systems and Equipment.”

(3)Every incinerator shall be connected to a chimney flue conforming to the requirements in Section 9.21. and serving no other appliance.

(4)An incinerator shall not be located in a room with other fuel-fired appliances.

9.10.10.6. Storage Rooms

(1)Rooms for the temporary storage of combustible refuse and materials for recycling in all occupancies or for public storage in residential occupancies shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having not less than a 1 h fire-resistance rating, except that a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min is permitted where

(a)the fire-resistance rating of the floor assembly is not required to exceed 45 min, or

(b)the room is sprinklered.

9.10.10.7. Emergency Power Installation

(1)Where a generator intended to supply emergency power for lighting, fire safety and life safety systems is located in a building, it shall be located in a room that,

(a)is separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than

(i)1 h, if the floor assembly is not required to have a fire-resistance rating of more than 1 h, and

(ii)2 h, if the floor assembly is required to have a fire-resistance rating of more than 1 h, and

(b)contains only the generating set and equipment that is related to the emergency power supply system.

9.10.11. Firewalls

9.10.11.1. Required Firewalls

(1)Except as provided in Articles 9.10.11.2., a party wall on a property line shall be constructed as a firewall. (See Note A-3.2.3.4.(1))

9.10.11.2. Firewalls Not Required

(1)A party wall on a property line of a building of residential occupancy need not be constructed as a firewall, provided it is constructed as a fire separation having not less than a 1 h fire-resistance rating, where the party wall separates

(a)two dwelling units where there is no dwelling unit above another dwelling unit,

(b)a dwelling unit and a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces, or

(c)two houses with a secondary suite including their common spaces.

(2)Reserved.

(3)The wall described in Sentence (1) shall provide continuous protection from the top of the footings to the underside of the roof deck.

(4)Any space between the top of the wall described in Sentence (1) and the roof deck shall be tightly filled with mineral wool or noncombustible material.

9.10.11.3. Construction of Firewalls

(1)Where firewalls are used, the requirements in Part 3 shall apply.

9.10.11.4. Firewalls in Detached Garages

(1)Where a garage is detached from the dwelling unit it serves but attached to another garage on the adjacent property, the party wall so formed shall be constructed as a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min.

9.10.12. Prevention of Fire Spread at Exterior Walls and Between Storeys

9.10.12.1. Termination of Floors or Mezzanines

(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2) and in Articles 9.10.1.3. and 9.10.9.5., the portions of a floor area or mezzanine that do not terminate at an exterior wall, a firewall or a vertical shaft, shall terminate at a vertical fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the floor assembly that terminates at the separation.

(2)A mezzanine need not terminate at a vertical fire separation where the mezzanine is not required to be considered as a storey in Articles 9.10.4.1. and 9.10.4.2.

9.10.12.2. Location of Skylights

(1)Where a wall in a building is exposed to a fire hazard from an adjoining roof of a separate fire compartment that is not sprinklered in the same building, the roof shall contain no skylights within a horizontal distance of 5 m of the windows in the exposed wall.

9.10.12.3. Exterior Walls Meeting at an Angle

(1)Except as provided in Article 9.9.4.5., where exterior walls of a building meet at an external angle of 135° or less, the horizontal distance from an unprotected opening in one exterior wall to an unprotected opening in the other exterior wall shall be not less than 1.2 m, where these openings are

(a)in different fire compartments, or

(b)in different dwelling units, ancillary spaces or common spaces in a house with a secondary suite.

(2)Except as provided in Sentence (3), the exterior wall of each fire compartment referred to in Sentence (1) within the 1.2 m distance shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the interior vertical fire separation between the compartment and the remainder of the building.

(3)Where interior walls between dwelling units, ancillary spaces or common spaces in a house with a secondary suite are not constructed as fire separations, the exterior wall of each dwelling unit, ancillary space or common space referred to in Sentence (1) within the 1.2 m distance shall be finished on the interior with not less than 15.9 mm thick Type X gypsum board.

9.10.12.4. Protection of Soffits

(1)This Article applies to the portion of any soffit enclosing a projection that is

(a)less than 2.5 m vertically above a window or door, and

(b)less than 1.2 m from either side of the window or door. (See Note A-9.10.12.4.(1))

(2)Except as provided in Sentences (4) and (5), the construction described in Sentence (1) shall have no unprotected openings and shall be protected in accordance with Sentence (3), where the soffit encloses

(a)a common attic or roof space that spans more than 2 suites of residential occupancy and projects beyond the exterior wall of the building,

(b)a floor space where an upper storey projects beyond the exterior wall of a lower storey and

(i)a fire separation is required at the floor between the two, or

(ii)the floor separates dwelling units from each other or a dwelling unit from an ancillary space or a common space in a house with a secondary suite, or

(c)a floor space where an upper storey projects beyond the exterior wall of a lower storey, and the projection is continuous across

(i)a vertical fire separation separating two suites, or

(ii)a wall separating dwelling units from each other or a dwelling unit from an ancillary space or a common space in a house with a secondary suite.

(3)Protection required by Sentence (2) shall be provided by

(a)noncombustible material having a minimum thickness of 0.38 mm and a melting point not below 650 ° C,

(b)not less than 12.7 mm thick gypsum soffit board or gypsum wallboard installed according to CSA A82.31-M, “Gypsum Board Application,”

(c)not less than 11 mm thick plywood,

(d)not less than 12.5 mm thick OSB or waferboard, or

(e)not less than 11 mm thick lumber. (See Note A-9.10.12.4.(3))

(4)In the case of a soffit described in Sentence (1) that is at the edge of an attic or roof space, and completely separated from the remainder of the attic or roof space by fire blocks, the requirements in Sentence (2) do not apply.

(5)Where all suites spanned by a common attic or roof space or situated above or below the projecting floor are sprinklered, the requirements in Sentence (2) do not apply provided that all rooms, including closets and bathrooms, having openings in the wall beneath the soffit are sprinklered, notwithstanding any exceptions in the sprinkler standards referenced in Article 3.2.5.12.

9.10.13. Doors, Dampers and Other Closures in Fire Separations

9.10.13.1. Closures

(1)Except as provided in Article 9.10.13.2., openings in required fire separations shall be protected with a closure conforming to Table 9.10.13.1. and shall be installed in conformance with NFPA 80, “Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives,” unless otherwise specified in this Part. (See also Article 9.10.3.1.) Table 9.10.13.1. Fire-Protection Ratings for Closures Forming Part of Sentence 9.10.13.1.(1)

9.10.13.2. Solid Core Wood Door as a Closure

(1)A 45 mm thick solid core wood door is permitted to be used where a minimum fire-protection rating of 20 min is permitted or between a public corridor and a suite provided the door conforms to CAN/ULC-S113, “Standard Specification for Wood Core Doors Meeting the Performance Required by CAN/ULC-S104 for Twenty Minute Fire Rated Closure Assemblies.” (See Note A-9.10.13.2.(1))

(2)Doors described in Sentence (1) shall have not more than a 6 mm clearance beneath and not more than 3 mm at the sides and top.

9.10.13.3. Unrated Wood Door Frames

(1)Doors required to provide a 20 min fire-protection rating or permitted to be 45 mm solid core wood shall be mounted in a wood frame of at least 38 mm thickness where the frame has not been tested and rated.

9.10.13.4. Doors as a Means of Egress

(1)Doors forming part of an exit or a public means of egress shall conform to Subsection 9.9.6. in addition to this Subsection.

9.10.13.5. Wired Glass as a Closure

(1)Wired glass conforming to Article 9.6.1.2. that has not been tested in accordance with Article 9.10.3.1. is permitted as a closure in a vertical fire separation required to have a fire-resistance rating of not more than 1 h provided such glass is not less than 6 mm thick and is mounted in conformance with Sentence (2).

(2)Wired glass described in Sentence (1) shall be mounted in fixed steel frames having a metal thickness of not less than 1.35 mm and a glazing stop of not less than 20 mm on each side of the glass.

(3)Individual panes of glass described in Sentence (1) shall not exceed 0.8 m² in area or 1.4 m in height or width, and the area of glass not structurally supported by mullions shall not exceed 7.5 m².

9.10.13.6. Steel Door Frames

(1)Steel door frames forming part of a closure in a fire separation, including anchorage requirements, shall conform to CAN/ULC-S105, “Standard Specification for Fire Door Frames Meeting the Performance Required by CAN/ULC-S104.”

9.10.13.7. Glass Block as a Closure

(1)Glass block that has not been tested in accordance with Article 9.10.3.1. is permitted as a closure in a fire separation required to have a fire-resistance rating of not more than 1 h.

9.10.13.8. Maximum Size of Opening

(1)The size of an opening in an interior fire separation, even where protected with a closure, shall not exceed 11 m², with no dimension greater than 3.7 m, if a fire compartment on either side of the fire separation is not sprinklered.

(2)The size of an opening in an interior fire separation, even where protected with a closure, shall not exceed 22 m², with no dimension greater than 6 m, when the fire compartments on both sides of the fire separation are sprinklered.

9.10.13.9. Door Latch

(1)Every swing type door in a fire separation shall be equipped with a latch.

9.10.13.10. Self-Closing Device

(1)Except as described in Sentence (2), every door in a fire separation shall have a self-closing device.

(2)Self-closing devices are not required between public corridors and suites in business and personal services occupancies, except in dead-end corridors or a corridor that serves a hotel.

9.10.13.11. Hold-Open Devices

(1)Where hold-open devices are used on doors in required fire separations, they shall be installed in accordance with Article 3.1.8.14.

9.10.13.12. Service Room Doors

(1)Swing-type doors shall open into service rooms containing fuel-fired equipment where such doors lead to public corridors or rooms used for assembly but shall swing outward from such rooms in all other cases.

9.10.13.13. Fire Dampers

(1)Except as permitted in Sentences (2) to (5), 9.10.5.1.(3) and 9.10.9.9.(5), a duct that penetrates an assembly required to be a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating shall be equipped with a fire damper in conformance with Articles 3.1.8.4. and 3.1.8.10.

(2)A fire damper is not required where a noncombustible branch duct pierces a required fire separation provided the duct

(a)has a melting point not below 760 ° C,

(b)has a cross-sectional area less than 130 cm², and

(c)supplies only air-conditioning units or combined air-conditioning and heating units discharging air at not more than 1.2 m above the floor.

(3)A fire damper is not required where a noncombustible branch duct pierces a required fire separation around an exhaust duct riser in which the air flow is upward provided

(a)the melting point of the branch duct is not below 760 ° C,

(b)the branch duct is carried up inside the riser at least 500 mm, and

(c)the exhaust duct is under negative pressure as described in Article 9.10.9.20.

(4)Noncombustible ducts that penetrate a fire separation separating a vertical service space from the remainder of the building need not be equipped with a fire damper at the fire separation provided

(a)the ducts have a melting point above 760 ° C, and

(b)each individual duct exhausts directly to the outside at the top of the vertical service space.

(5)A duct serving commercial cooking equipment and piercing a required fire separation need not be equipped with a fire damper at the fire separation.

9.10.13.14. Fire Stop Flaps

(1)Fire stop flaps in ceiling membranes required in Sentence 9.10.5.1.(3) shall

(a)conform to CAN/ULC-S112.2, “Standard Method of Fire Test of Ceiling Firestop Flap Assemblies,” and

(b)activate at a temperature approximately 30°C above the normal maximum temperature that occurs in the ducts, whether the air duct system is operating or shut down.

9.10.13.15. Doors Between Garages and Dwelling Units

(1)A door between an attached or built-in garage and a dwelling unit shall be tight-fitting and weather-stripped to provide an effective barrier against the passage of gases and exhaust fumes and shall be fitted with a self-closing device.

(2)A doorway between an attached or built-in garage and a dwelling unit shall not be located in a room intended for sleeping.

9.10.13.16. Door Stops

(1)Where a door is installed so that it may damage the integrity of a fire separation if its swing is unrestricted, door stops shall be installed to prevent such damage.

9.10.14. Spatial Separation Between Buildings

9.10.14.1. Application

(1)This Subsection applies to buildings other than those to which Subsection 9.10.15. applies.

(2)This Subsection does not apply to a house with a secondary suite.

9.10.14.2. Area and Location of Exposing Building Face

(1)The area of an exposing building face shall be

(a)taken as the exterior wall area facing in one direction on any side of a building, and

(b)calculated as,

(i)the total area measured from the finished ground level to the uppermost ceiling, or

(ii)the area for each fire compartment, where a building is divided into fire compartments by fire separations with fire-resistance ratings not less than 45 min.

(2)For the purpose of using Table 9.10.14.4.-A to determine the maximum aggregate area of unprotected openings permitted in an irregularly-shaped or skewed exterior wall, the location of the exposing building face shall be taken as a vertical plane located so that there are no unprotected openings between the vertical plane and the line to which limiting distance is measured. (See Note A-3.2.3.1.(4))

(3)For the purpose of using Table 9.10.14.5. to determine the required type of construction, cladding and fire-resistance rating for an irregularly-shaped or skewed exterior wall,

(a)the exposing building face is permitted to be divided into any number of portions and the fire-resistance rating, type of cladding and percentage of unprotected openings limitations is permitted to be determined individually for each portion based on the limiting distance for each portion so divided,

(b)the exposing building face shall be taken as the projection of the exterior wall onto a vertical plane located so that no portion of the exterior wall of the building is between the vertical plane and the line to which the limiting distance is established in Clause (a), and

(c)for the purpose of determining the actual area of unprotected openings permitted in an exterior wall, the unprotected openings shall be projected onto the vertical plane established in Clause (b).

(4)The required limiting distance for an exposing building face is permitted to be measured to a point beyond the property line that is not the centre line of a street, lane or public thoroughfare if

(a)the owners of the properties on which the limiting distance is measured and the municipality enter into an agreement in which such owners agree that,

(i)each owner covenants that, for the benefit of land owned by the other covenantors, the owner will not construct a building on his or her property unless the limiting distance for exposing building faces in respect of the proposed construction is measured in accordance with the agreement,

(ii)the covenants contained in the agreement are intended to run with the lands, and the agreement shall be binding on the parties and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns,

(iii)the agreement shall not be amended or deleted from title without the consent of the municipality, and

(iv)they will comply with such other conditions as the municipality considers necessary, including indemnification of the municipality by the other parties, and

(b)the agreement referred to in Clause (a) is registered against the title of the properties to which it applies.

(5)Where an agreement referred to in Sentence (4) is registered against the title of a property, the limiting distance for exposing building faces in respect of the construction of any buildings on the property shall be measured to the point referred to in the agreement.

9.10.14.3. Reserved

9.10.14.3A. Inadequate Firefighting Facilities

(1)Where there is no fire department or where a fire department is not organized, trained and equipped to meet the needs of the community, the required limiting distance determined from Sentences 9.10.14.4.(2), (5) and (6) and Sentence 9.10.14.5.(6), shall be doubled for a building that is not sprinklered.

9.10.14.4. Openings in Exposing Building Face

(1)Except as provided in Sentences (6) to (10) and Sentence 9.10.14.6.(1), the maximum aggregate area of unprotected openings in an exposing building face shall

(a)conform to Table 9.10.14.4.,

(b)conform to Subsection 3.2.3., or

(c)where the limiting distance is not less than 1.2 m, be equal to or less than

(i)the limiting distance squared, for residential occupancies, business and personal services occupancies and low-hazard industrial occupancies, and

(ii)half the limiting distance squared, for mercantile occupancies and medium-hazard industrial occupancies. Table 9.10.14.4. Maximum Aggregate Area of Unprotected Openings in Exterior Walls Forming Part of Sentence 9.10.14.4.(1)

(2)Except as provided in Sentence 9.10.14.6.(1), openings in a wall having a limiting distance of less than 1.2 m shall be protected by closures, of other than wired glass or glass block, whose fire protection rating is in conformance with the fire-resistance rating required for the wall.

(3)Reserved.

(4)Reserved.

(5)Reserved.

(6)The maximum aggregate area of unprotected openings is permitted to be up to twice the area determined according to Sentence (1), where the unprotected openings are glazed with

(a)wired glass in steel frames as described in Article 9.10.13.5., or

(b)glass blocks, as described in Article 9.10.13.7.

(7)Where the building is sprinklered, the maximum aggregate area of unprotected openings is permitted to be up to twice the area determined according to Sentence (1), provided all rooms, including closets and bathrooms, that are adjacent to the exposing building face and that have unprotected openings are sprinklered, notwithstanding any exemptions in the sprinkler standards referenced in Article 3.2.5.12.

(8)The maximum aggregate area of unprotected openings in an exposing building face of a storage garage need not comply with Sentence (1), where

(a)all storeys are constructed as open-air storeys, and

(b)the storage garage has a limiting distance of not less than 3 m.

(9)The maximum aggregate area of unprotected openings in an exposing building face of a storey that faces a street and is the same level as the street need not comply with Sentence (1) where the limiting distance is not less than 9 m.

(10)Except as provided in Sentence (11), for garages or accessory building s that serve a single dwelling unit only and are detached from any building, the maximum aggregate area of glazed openings shall comply with the requirements for unprotected openings.

(11)The limits on the area of glazed openings need not apply to the exposing building face of a detached garage or accessory building facing a dwelling unit, where

(a)the detached garage or accessory building serves only one dwelling unit,

(b)the detached garage or accessory building is located on the same property as that dwelling unit, and

(c)the dwelling unit served by the detached garage or accessory building is the only major occupancy on the property.

9.10.14.5. Construction of Exposing Building Face and Walls Above Exposing Building Face

(1)Except as provided in Sentences (4) to (14), each exposing building face and any exterior wall located above an exposing building face that encloses an attic or roof space shall be constructed in conformance with Table 9.10.14.5. and Subsection 9.10.8. (See Note A-9.10.14.5.(1))

(2)Cladding on exposing building faces and exterior walls located above exposing building faces need not conform to the type of cladding required by Table 9.10.14.5. where

(a)the exposing building face is constructed with no unprotected openings,

(b)the limiting distance is not less than 0.6 m, and

(c)the cladding

(i)conforms to Subsection 9.27.12.,

(ii)is installed without furring members over not less than 12.7 mm thick gypsum sheathing or over masonry,

(iii)has a flame-spread rating not more than 25 when tested in accordance with Sentence 3.1.12.1.(2), and

(iv)is not more than 2 mm in thickness exclusive of fasteners, joints and local reinforcements.

(3)Reserved.

(4)Except as provided in Sentence (5), where a garage or accessory building serves one dwelling unit only and is detached from any building, the exposing building face

(a)need not conform to the minimum required fire-resistance rating stated in Table 9.10.14.5., where the limiting distance is 0.6 m or more,

(b)shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min where the limiting distance is less than 0.6 m, and

(c)need not conform to the type of cladding and type of construction required by Table 9.10.14.5., regardless of the limiting distance.

(5)The requirements regarding fire-resistance rating, type of construction and type of cladding need not apply to the exposing building face of a detached garage or accessory building facing a dwelling unit, where

(a)the detached garage or accessory building serves only one dwelling unit,

(b)the detached garage or accessory building is located on the same property as that dwelling unit, and

(c)the dwelling unit served by the detached garage or accessory building is the only major occupancy on the property.

(6)Except for buildings containing one or two dwelling units only, combustible projections on the exterior of a wall that are more than 1 m above ground level and that could expose an adjacent building to fire spread shall not be permitted within

(a)1.2 m of a property line or the centre line of a public way, or

(b)2.4 m of a combustible projection on another building on the same property.

(7)Reserved.

(8)Reserved.

(9)Reserved.

(10)Reserved.

(11)Reserved.

(12)Where roof soffits project to less than 1.2 m from the property line, the centre line of a public way, or an imaginary line between two buildings or fire compartments on the same property, they shall

(a)have no openings, and

(b)be protected by

(i)not less than 0.38 mm thick sheet steel,

(ii)unvented aluminum conforming to CAN/CGSB-93.2-M, “Prefinished Aluminum Siding, Soffits, and Fascia, for Residential Use,”

(iii)not less than 12.7 mm thick gypsum soffit board or gypsum ceiling board installed according to CSA A82.31- M, “Gypsum Board Application,”

(iv)not less than 11 mm thick plywood,

(v)not less than 12.5 mm thick OSB or waferboard, or

(vi)not less than 11 mm thick lumber. (See Note A-3.2.3.6.(2))

(13)Heavy timber and steel columns need not conform to the requirements of Sentence (1) provided the limiting distance is not less than 3 m.

(14)Non- loadbearing wall components need not have a minimum fire-resistance rating, where the building

(a)is 1 storey in building height,

(b)is of noncombustible construction,

(c)is classified as low-hazard industrial occupancy and is used only for low fire load occupancies such as power generating plants or plants for the manufacture or storage of noncombustible materials, and

(d)has a limiting distance of 3 m or more.

9.10.14.6. Minor Openings in Exposing Building Face

(1)An opening in an exposing building face not more than 130 cm 2 shall not be considered an unprotected opening.

9.10.15. Spatial Separation Between Houses

9.10.15.1. Application

(1)This Subsection applies to

(a)buildings that contain only dwelling units and have no dwelling unit above another dwelling unit, and

(b)houses with a secondary suite including their common spaces. (See Note A-9.10.15.1.(1))

9.10.15.2. Area and Location of Exposing Building Face

(1)The area of an exposing building face shall be

(a)taken as the exterior wall area facing in one direction on any side of a building, and

(b)calculated as

(i)the total area measured from the finished ground level to the uppermost ceiling,

(ii)the area for each fire compartment, where a building is divided into fire compartments by fire separations with fire-resistance ratings not less than 45 min, or

(iii)where Table 9.10.15.4. is used to determine the maximum aggregate area of glazed openings, the area of any number of individual portions of the exposing building face. (See Note A-9.10.15.4.(2))

(2)Reserved.

(3)For the purpose of using Table 9.10.15.4. to determine the maximum aggregate area of glazed openings in an irregularly shaped or skewed exterior wall, the location of the exposing building face shall be taken as a vertical plane located so that there are no glazed openings between the vertical plane and the line to which the limiting distance is measured. (See Note A-3.2.3.1.(4))

(4)In determining the required cladding-sheathing assembly and fire-resistance rating for an irregularly shaped or skewed exterior wall, the location of the exposing building face shall be taken as a vertical plane located so that no portion of the actual exposing building face is between the vertical plane and the line to which the limiting distance is measured. (See Article 9.10.15.5. and Note A-3.2.3.1.(4).)

(5)The required limiting distance for an exposing building face is permitted to be measured to a point beyond the property line that is not the centre line of a street, lane or public thoroughfare if,

(a)the owners of the properties on which the limiting distance is measured and the municipality enter into an agreement in which such owners agree that,

(i)each owner covenants that, for the benefit of land owned by the other covenantors, the owner will not construct a building on his or her property unless the limiting distance for exposing building faces in respect of the proposed construction is measured in accordance with the agreement,

(ii)the covenants contained in the agreement are intended to run with the lands, and the agreement shall be binding on the parties and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns,

(iii)the agreement shall not be amended or deleted from title without the consent of the municipality, and

(iv)they will comply with such other conditions as the municipality considers necessary, including indemnification of the municipality by the other parties, and

(b)the agreement referred to in Clause (a) is registered against the title of the properties to which it applies.

(6)Where an agreement referred to in Sentence (5) is registered against the title of a property, the limiting distance for exposing building faces in respect of the construction of any buildings on the property shall be measured to the point referred to in the agreement.

9.10.15.3. Reserved

9.10.15.3A. Inadequate Firefighting Facilities

(1)Where there is no fire department or where a fire department is not organized, trained and equipped to meet the needs of the community, the required limiting distance determined from Sentences 9.10.15.4.(2) and (5) and Sentence 9.10.15.5.(6), shall be doubled for a building that is not sprinklered throughout.

9.10.15.4. Glazed Openings in Exposing Building Face

(1)Except as provided in Sentences (6) to (9), the maximum area of glazed openings in an exposing building face shall

(a)conform to Table 9.10.15.4.,

(b)conform to Subsection 3.2.3. as if the glazed openings were unprotected openings, or

(c)where the limiting distance is not less than 1.2 m, be equal to or less than the limiting distance squared.

(2)Where the limits on the area of glazed openings are determined for individual portions of the exposing building face, as described in Subclause 9.10.15.2.(1)(b)(iii), the maximum aggregate area of glazed openings for any portion shall be determined using the values in Table 9.10.15.4. corresponding to

(a)the maximum total area of exposing building face, which is equal to the sum of all portions of the exposing building face, and

(b)the limiting distance of each portion. (See Note A-9.10.15.4.(2))

(3)Reserved.

(4)Reserved.

(5)Reserved

(6)The limits on the area of glazed openings shall not apply to the exposing building face of a dwelling unit facing a detached garage or accessory building, where

(a)the detached garage or accessory building serves only one dwelling unit,

(b)the detached garage or accessory building is located on the same property as that dwelling unit, and

(c)the dwelling unit served by the detached garage or accessory building is the only major occupancy on the property.

(7)The maximum aggregate area of glazed openings in an exposing building face is permitted to be up to twice the area determined in accordance with Sentence (1), where

(a)the glazed openings consist of glass blocks, as described in Article 9.10.13.7., or

(b)the building is sprinklered, provided all rooms, including closets, bathrooms and attached garages, that are adjacent to the exposing building face and that have glazed openings are sprinklered, notwithstanding any exemptions in the sprinkler standards referenced in Article 3.2.5.12.

(8)Except as provided in Sentence (9), openings in a wall having a limiting distance of less than 1.2 m shall be protected by closures, of other than wired glass or glass block, whose fire-protection rating is in conformance with the fire-resistance rating required for the wall.

(9)An opening in an exposing building face not more than 130 cm 2 need not be protected by a closure.

9.10.15.5. Construction of Exposing Building Face of Houses

(1)Except as provided in Sentences (1.1), (2), (4) and (6), each exposing building face and any exterior wall located above an exposing building face that encloses an attic or roof space shall be constructed in conformance with Subsection 9.10.8.,

(a)for the exposing building face as a whole, or

(b)the limiting distance is less than 1.2 m but not less than 0.6 m, provided that the exposing building face has a fire- resistance rating of not less than 45 min, or

(c)the limiting distance is less than 0.6 m, provided that the exposing building face has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min and is clad with noncombustible material.

(2)Except as provided in Sentences (4) and (5), where the limiting distance is less than 0.6 m, the exposing building face and exterior walls located above the exposing building face that enclose an attic or roof space shall have a fire- resistance rating of not less than 45 min, and

(a)the cladding shall be metal or noncombustible cladding installed in accordance with Section 9.20., 9.27. or 9.28., (See Note A-9.10.14.5.(1)),

(b)the cladding shall

(i)conform to Subsection 9.27.12.,

(ii)be installed without furring members over gypsum sheathing at least 12.7 mm thick or over masonry,

(iii)has a flame-spread rating not more than 25 when tested in accordance with Sentence 3.1.12.1.(2), and

(iv)not exceed 2 mm in thickness exclusive of fasteners, joints and local reinforcements, or

(c)the wall assembly shall comply with Clause 3.1.5.5.(1)(b) when tested in conformance with CAN/ULC-S134, “Standard Method of Fire Test of Exterior Wall Assemblies.”

(3)Reserved.

(4)The requirements for fire-resistance rating and type of cladding-sheathing assembly shall not apply to the exposing building face or projections from an exposing building face of a dwelling unit facing a detached garage or accessory building, or a garage or accessory building facing a dwelling unit, where

(a)the detached garage or accessory building serves only one dwelling unit,

(b)the detached garage or accessory building is located on the same property as that dwelling unit, and

(c)the dwelling unit served by the detached garage or accessory building is the only major occupancy on the property.

(5)Except for buildings containing 1 or 2 only, combustible projections on the exterior of a wall that are more than 1 m above ground level and that could expose an adjacent building to fire spread shall not be permitted within

(a)1.2 m of a property line or the centre line of a public way, or

(b)2.4 m of a combustible projection on another building on the same property.

(6)Reserved.