Special buildings and existing buildings (3.9 to 3.19) (Complex Buildings)

Last updated October 22, 2026

Values this chapter turns on

max building area of one portable classroom: 100 m²; max building area of one portable classroom
min water depth of a public pool, general rule: 750 mm; min water depth of a public pool, general rule
max height of a shelf and rack storage system: 24 m; max height of a shelf and rack storage system
min clearance from a tent to the property line: 3 m; min clearance from a tent to the property line

Sections 3.9. to 3.19. are short codes within the code. Each one names a special building type, says which normal Part 3 rules still apply, and then adds or relaxes rules. Read each Application article first: it tells you whether the building is in scope at all.

Portable classrooms and self-service storage

Portable classrooms (3.9.):

Item	Rule
Size of one portable	up to 100 m², 1 storey
Portables closer than 6 m	may be treated as one building for 3.2.2.
Spatial separation waived	portables 6 m or more apart; or groups of up to six, with 12 m between groups
Fire alarm	main school system extended, separate zone; waived for 12 or fewer portables in the listed layouts, or at 6 m spacing (3.9.3.3.)
Interior finish	flame-spread 150 or less (3.9.2.1.)

A fuel-fired appliance in a portable is separated by 1.5 h if portables are 1.5 m apart or less, and 45 min if further apart (3.9.3.7.). It may be left open if portables are 6 m or more apart, there is one appliance, and it is 4.5 m from egress doors. Washrooms and barrier-free access may be provided in the main school instead.

Self-service storage buildings are treated as Group F, Division 2 and may not contain Group F, Division 1 (3.10.2.1.). Occupant load rules do not apply. Key relaxations and additions (3.10.2.4.):

Small rental spaces (50 m² or less, 10 m of travel) may have doors that do not swing outward.
Dead-end corridors are not allowed.
No more than two dwelling units, separated by 2 h.
Unsprinklered first storeys are divided into 500 m² areas by 1 h masonry or concrete (3.10.2.3.).
Except for 1 storey buildings with no basement or mezzanine, buildings are at least 9 m apart (3.10.3.2.) and fire department access routes at least 9 m wide (3.10.3.4.).

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Public pools and public spas

Section 3.11. applies to every public pool (3.11.1.1.). Pools are Class A if the general public is admitted, or if run by a publicly funded institution or a recreational camp. They are Class B if run with six or more dwelling units, a hotel, a campground, a club or a Group B institution (3.11.2.1.).

Construction basics (3.11.3.1.):

Item	Rule
Minimum water depth	750 mm (with exceptions)
Bottom slope	8% up to 1,350 mm deep; 33% to 2,000 mm; 50% deeper
Pool deck	1,800 mm wide, of which 1,100 mm is a barrier-free path
Lifeguard stations (Class A)	1 over 150 m² of water, 2 over 230 m²
Depth markings	figures at least 100 mm high

A pool in a Group B, Division 2 or 3 building may replace the deck on up to half its perimeter with wheelchair ramps. The pool must be no deeper than 1,500 mm and no larger than 100 m² of water (3.11.5.2.). Indoor pools need 200 lx on deck and water and an emergency lighting system of 10 lx (3.11.10.1.). A Class A pool needs an emergency telephone beside the deck. Public spas follow Section 3.12. (3.12.1.1.), which borrows many pool rules.

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Rapid transit stations

Subsections 3.2.1. and 3.2.2. do not apply to rapid transit stations. Section 3.13. sets the construction instead (3.13.2.1.):

Station type	Construction
Underground, or underground part	noncombustible, floors and roofs 2 h
Above and below ground, above part	noncombustible, floors 2 h, roof 1 h
Stand-alone above ground	noncombustible, floors 1 h, roof 1 h

Interconnected floor spaces are allowed in public areas. Each platform needs two independent, remote means of egress, separated by the greater of one car length or 25 m (3.13.4.3.). Travel from the most remote point to a protected route is limited to 4 min.

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Tents, air-supported structures, signs and rack storage

Tents (3.14.1.):

at least 3 m from the property line and from other tents and structures, unless not used by the public;
ground cleared of combustibles for 3 m around (3.14.1.5.);
fabrics certified to CAN/ULC-S109 or NFPA 701 (3.14.1.6.).

Small open tents (225 m² or less, no bleachers, no sidewalls) skip the egress, bleacher and sanitary rules (3.14.1.2.).

Air-supported structures may not house Group B, Group C, Group F, Division 1 or classrooms (3.14.2.2.). One for assembly use with over 200 occupants needs a standby generator or engine-driven blower (3.14.2.6.).

Signs may not block egress, light, ventilation or firefighter access. A sign over a sidewalk needs 2,400 mm clearance, and one within 600 mm of a driveway or parking area needs 4.25 m (3.15.5.2.).

Shelf and rack storage systems are capped at 24 m high and barred from high-hazard industrial occupancies (3.16.1.2.). They need sprinklers, including under platforms. Draft stops at stair openings in solid platforms are at least 450 mm deep (3.16.1.6.). Subsection 3.2.8. does not apply to them.

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Demountable stages and existing buildings

Section 3.17. covers a demountable stage (3.17.1.1.) when any of these apply:

its platforms total over 60 m² with any part over 3 m high;
its platforms total over 225 m²; or
any part is 5 m or more high.

Platforms need two means of egress unless the stage holds fewer than 60 persons and is small or has short travel (3.17.2.2.). Travel distance to an exit is 45 m maximum, and fixed ramps are no steeper than 1 in 6. Guards of 1,070 mm are needed where a platform is more than 1,500 mm above the adjacent surface, except at the audience edge (3.17.2.3.).

Existing buildings (Section 3.18.) applies to certain changes of use and to adding storeys to a combustible building so that it exceeds four storeys (3.18.1.1.). Changes of use include:

a change of major occupancy marked "Y" in Division C Table 1.3.1.4.;
one Group C suite split into several;
conversion to a gaming premises, a retirement home or a post-disaster building.

After such a change, the building must meet Subsection 3.2.6. and Sections 3.7., 3.11. and 3.12. for the new occupancy (3.18.2.1.). Its performance level may not drop, or compensating construction under Part 11 is needed (3.18.2.2.).

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Four-storey row houses

Section 3.19. covers a row house exactly 4 storeys high (3.19.1.1.). It is at most 14 m from grade to the top ceiling and 600 m² in building area, with no dwelling unit above another and no secondary suite. The building may be combustible if sprinklered to NFPA 13D. Each unit needs its own sprinkler water supply, 1 h separations from footing to roof deck, and sprinklered balconies (3.19.4.1.).

Each unit has:

a direct exterior exit door within 1,500 mm of grade;
a balcony at least 1,200 mm deep on the fourth storey;
openable windows on the third and fourth storeys at least 1 m by 0.55 m, with sills no more than 1 m above the floor (3.19.3.1.).

No standpipe is required. Access routes are 3 m to 15 m from each unit's entrance and from the balconies and windows (3.19.5.1.).

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Common traps

Assuming every pool at an apartment building is Class A. Six or more units makes it Class B.
Applying 3.2.2. construction articles to a rapid transit station.
Forgetting the 3 m vegetation clearance around tents and air-supported structures.
Thinking 3.18. covers every renovation. It covers only listed changes of use and storey additions.

Chapter review

Chapter at a glance

One line per section: the idea to carry into the exam. Then the answers that most often catch candidates out.

Chapter at a glance: the key idea in each section
Section	Key idea
Portable classrooms and self-service storage	A fuel-fired appliance in a portable is separated by 1.5 h if portables are 1.5 m apart or less, and 45 min if further apart.
Public pools and public spas	Section 3.11. applies to every public pool.
Rapid transit stations	Subsections 3.2.1. and 3.2.2. do not apply to rapid transit stations.
Tents, air-supported structures, signs and rack storage	Small open tents (225 m² or less, no bleachers, no sidewalls) skip the egress, bleacher and sanitary rules.
Demountable stages and existing buildings	Platforms need two means of egress unless the stage holds fewer than 60 persons and is small or has short travel.
Four-storey row houses	Section 3.19. covers a row house exactly 4 storeys high.

Portable classrooms and self-service storage
A fuel-fired appliance in a portable is separated by 1.5 h if portables are 1.5 m apart or less, and 45 min if further apart.
Public pools and public spas
Section 3.11. applies to every public pool.
Rapid transit stations
Subsections 3.2.1. and 3.2.2. do not apply to rapid transit stations.
Tents, air-supported structures, signs and rack storage
Small open tents (225 m² or less, no bleachers, no sidewalls) skip the egress, bleacher and sanitary rules.
Demountable stages and existing buildings
Platforms need two means of egress unless the stage holds fewer than 60 persons and is small or has short travel.
Four-storey row houses
Section 3.19. covers a row house exactly 4 storeys high.

Usual exam traps

Assuming every pool at an apartment building is Class A. Six or more units makes it Class B.
Applying 3.2.2. construction articles to a rapid transit station.
Forgetting the 3 m vegetation clearance around tents and air-supported structures.
Thinking 3.18. covers every renovation. It covers only listed changes of use and storey additions.

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Questions on Special buildings and existing buildings (3.9 to 3.19), in the exam format, every answer explained and cited to its article. Sign in to start; a free account gets the free questions.

Practice this chapter Free Complex Buildings quiz

Code cited in this chapter

Based on the official 2024 Building Code Compendium on ontario.ca.

OBC Div. B 3.9.3.1. Building Areas
(1)A single portable classroom shall be not more than 100 m² in building area, and not more than 1 storey in building height.
(2)For the purposes of Subsection 3.2.2., where the horizontal distance between portable classrooms is less than 6 m, a group of portable classrooms may be considered as a single building with a building area equal to the aggregate area of the portable classrooms.
Open OBC Div. B 3.9.3.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.9.3.3. Fire Alarm Systems
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), the fire alarm system in the main school building shall be extended to the portable classrooms with a separate zone indicator on the annunciator.
(2)The requirements in Sentence (1) need not be provided where there are not more than 12 portables on a site and where
(a)the distance between portable classrooms is less than 6 m and the requirements of Subsection 3.2.3. are applied between the classrooms, or
(b)the portable classrooms are in groups where
(i)the distance between the classrooms is less than 6 m,
(ii)the number of classrooms in a group does not exceed six,
(iii)within a group of classrooms, the facing walls have a fire-resistance rating of 45 min, rated from inside the classroom, and
(iv)the distance between groups of classrooms is 12 m or more.
(3)The requirements in Sentence (1) need not be provided where the distance between portable classrooms is 6 m or more.
Open OBC Div. B 3.9.3.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.9.2.1. Flame-Spread Ratings
(1)Interior finish material used on a wall or ceiling of a portable classroom shall have a flame-spread rating of 150 or less.
Open OBC Div. B 3.9.2.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.9.3.7. Fuel-Fired Appliances
(1)Where there is only one egress door from a portable classroom, a fuel-fired appliance shall be separated from the remainder of the classroom by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min.
(2)Except as provided in Sentences (3) and (4), if a portable classroom contains a fuel-fired appliance, the appliance shall be separated from the remainder of the classroom by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than
(a)1.5 h where the horizontal distance between portable classrooms is 1.5 m or less, and
(b)45 min where the horizontal distance between portable classrooms is more than 1.5 m.
(3)If the horizontal distance between portable classrooms is 6 m or more, a fuel-fired appliance need not be separated from the remainder of the classroom by a fire separation provided
(a)there is not more than one appliance per portable classroom, and
(b)the appliance is located not less than 4.5 m from an egress doorway or an exit from the portable classroom.
(4)Fuel-fired appliances with sealed combustion located in a portable classroom are not required to be separated from the remainder of the classroom
(a)if there are not more than four portable classrooms in a group, and
(b)if the appliance is located not less than 4.5 m from an egress doorway or an exit from the portable classroom.
Open OBC Div. B 3.9.3.7. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.10.2.1. Occupancy Classification
(1)A self-service storage building
(a)shall comply with the requirements for a Group F, Division 2 major occupancy, and
(b)shall not contain a Group F, Division 1 occupancy.
Open OBC Div. B 3.10.2.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.10.2.4. Safety Requirements Within Floor Areas
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (12), the requirements in Section 3.3. shall apply.
(2)A corridor need not be constructed as a public corridor where the travel distance, measured from inside the rental space to the nearest exit, is not more than 15 m provided that the corridor walls
(a)are of noncombustible construction,
(b)have no openings other than doors and the doors are of solid construction, and
(c)are continuous from the floor to the underside of the floor above, the ceiling or the roof.
(3)Where the building is sprinklered throughout, doors in a public corridor do not require to be equipped with self-closing devices and latches provided that the travel distance is measured from inside the rental space to the nearest exit.
(4)Egress doors from a rental space are not required to swing in the direction of exit travel or swing on a vertical axis provided
(a)the area of the rental space is not more than 50 m² , and
(b)the distance of travel within the rental space is not more than 10 m.
(5)Where egress doors from a rental space open onto a corridor and swing in the direction of exit travel, the corridor shall be not less than 1,500 mm wide, and the doors shall be not more than 914 mm wide.
(6)Where egress doors from a rental space open onto a corridor and do not swing in the direction of exit travel, the corridor shall be not less than 1,100 mm in width.
(7)Dead-end corridors are not permitted.
(8)Corridors shall be provided with
(a)natural lighting that shall be uniformly distributed and be at least 4% of the corridor area, or
(b)emergency lighting, conforming to Sentences 3.2.7.4.(1) and (2), that shall provide average levels of illumination not less than 10 lx at floor level.
(9)Not more than two dwelling units shall be contained within one of the buildings on the property.
(10)Except as provided in Sentence (11), dwelling units shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h.
(11)A fire separation is not required between a dwelling unit and an office where the office is not more than 50 m² in area.
(12)The fire separations required in Sentence 3.3.1.1.(1) need not be provided between individual rental spaces.
Open OBC Div. B 3.10.2.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.10.2.3. Structural Fire Protection
(1)Except as provided in Sentence 3.10.4.2.(1), the requirements in Subsections 3.2.1. and 3.2.2. shall apply.
(2)The first storey shall be subdivided into areas not more than 500 m² by a masonry or reinforced concrete fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, or it shall be sprinklered.
Open OBC Div. B 3.10.2.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.10.3.2. Spatial Separations
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), the requirements in Subsection 3.2.3. shall apply.
(2)The distance between buildings shall be not less than 9 m.
Open OBC Div. B 3.10.3.2. in the code viewer

Show all 36 articles

OBC Div. B 3.10.3.4. Provisions for Firefighting
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), the requirements in Subsection 3.2.5. shall apply.
(2)Access routes for fire department vehicles shall be provided and shall be not less than 9 m wide.
(3)Hydrants shall be located in the access routes required in Sentence (2) so that
(a)for a building provided with a fire department connection for a standpipe system or a sprinkler system,
(i)a fire department pumper vehicle can be located adjacent to a hydrant, and
(ii)the unobstructed path of travel for the firefighter from the vehicle to the fire department connection is not more than 45 m, and
(b)for a building that is not sprinklered throughout, a fire department pumper vehicle can be located in the access route so that the unobstructed path of travel for the firefighter is not more than
(i)45 m from the hydrant to the vehicle, and
(ii)45 m from the vehicle to every opening in the building.
Open OBC Div. B 3.10.3.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.11.1.1. Application
(1)This Section applies to every public pool.
(2)This Section applies to the design and construction of site assembled and manufactured pools that are intended for use as public pools.
(3)Where material alterations to a public pool or the equipment installed in a public pool affect the bottom slope, the water volume or the capacity of the recirculation system, the adversely affected portions shall comply with the requirements of this Division.
(4)Where material alterations or repairs concern any pool fitting passing water and/or air in or out of the pool tank, the affected fitting shall comply with Sentences 3.11.8.1.(14) to (20).
Open OBC Div. B 3.11.1.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.11.2.1. Pool Designations
(1)Every public pool shall be designated as being either a Class A pool or a Class B pool in accordance with Sentence (2) or (3).
(2)A Class A pool is a public pool to which the general public is admitted or that is
(a)operated in conjunction with or as a part of a program of an educational, instructional, physical fitness or athletic institution or association, supported in whole or in part by public funds or public subscription, or
(b)operated on the premises of a recreational camp, for use by campers and their visitors and camp personnel.
(3)A Class B pool is a public pool that is
(a)operated in conjunction with six or more dwelling units, suites, single family residences, or any combination of them for the use of occupants or residents and their visitors,
(b)operated in conjunction with a mobile home park for the use of residents or occupants and their visitors,
(c)operated on the premises of a hotel for the use of its guests and their visitors,
(d)operated on the premises of a campground for the use of its tenants and their visitors,
(e)operated in conjunction with a club for the use of its members and their visitors, or
(f)operated in conjunction with an establishment or institution classified in Table 3.1.2.1. as
(i)Group B, Division 1, major occupancy, or
(ii)Group B, Division 2 or 3, major occupancy, for the use of residents or occupants and their visitors.
Open OBC Div. B 3.11.2.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.11.3.1. Construction Requirements
(1)Except as otherwise required in Subsections 3.11.4., 3.11.5., 3.11.6. and 3.11.7. or otherwise exempted in Sentences (2) and (3), Class A pools and Class B pools shall be designed and constructed to comply with Sentences (2) to (28) and Articles 3.11.3.2. and 3.11.3.3.
(2)Where a Class B pool is constructed for use solely in conjunction with a club, child care facility, day camp or establishment or institution for the care of persons who are infirm, aged or in custodial care, the pool shall be exempt from the requirements of Clause (9)(a) and Sentences (13) and (14).
(3)Where a Class B pool is constructed for use solely in conjunction with an establishment or institution for the treatment of persons with disabilities or persons who are ill, the pool shall be exempt from the requirements of Sentences (6) and (7), Clause (9)(a) and Sentences (13) and (14).
(4)A public pool shall be constructed to have a water depth of not less than 750 mm except for
(a)a modified pool,
(b)a wave action pool,
(c)a pool for therapeutic use,
(d)a beach entry ramp, and
(e)a pool described in Sentence 3.11.5.2.(1).
(5)The beach entry ramp permitted in Clause (4)(d) shall be protected with permanent barriers between 900 mm to 1,200 mm along the pool deck to prevent entry into the pool until the minimum water pool depth is 750 mm.
(6)Except for a modified pool, a wave action pool and a pool used exclusively for scuba diving, the slope of the bottom of any portion of a public pool shall not exceed
(a)8% where the water depth is 1,350 mm or less,
(b)33% where the water depth is more than 1,350 mm and less than 2,000 mm, and
(c)50% where the water depth is 2,000 mm or more.
(7)Except for a modified pool and wave action pool, where the slope of any portion of the bottom of a public pool is more than 8%, the walls of the pool shall be equipped with recessed fittings to which a safety line supported by buoys can be attached across the surface of the water and the recessed fittings shall be installed at a horizontal distance of at least 300 mm measured from the vertical projection of the top of the slope in the direction of the shallow end of the pool.
(8)Except for a modified pool, wave action pool and a pool described in Sentence 3.11.5.2.(1), the side and end walls of a public pool shall be vertical from the top of the walls to within 150 mm of the bottom except at steps or recessed ladders or in water depths of 1,350 mm or more.
(9)Except for a modified pool and wave action pool and except as provided in Sentence (11), a public pool shall be surrounded by a hard-surfaced pool deck that shall
(a)except for a pool described in Sentence 3.11.5.2.(1), be not less than 1,800 mm wide with at least 1,100 mm of that width being a barrier-free path of travel described in Article 3.8.1.3., (See Note A-3.11.3.1.(9)(a))
(b)in the case of an outdoor pool, be sloped away from the pool to waste drains or to adjacent lower ground at a slope of between 2% and 4%, and
(c)in the case of an indoor pool, be impervious and sloped away from the pool to waste drains at a slope of between 1% and 4%.
(10)Where a public pool is constructed with a ledge, the ledge shall
(a)be placed only in parts of the pool where the water depth is 1,350 mm or more,
(b)be not more than 200 mm wide,
(c)be at least 1,000 mm below the water surface,
(d)where located on the side of the pool, be gradually tapered towards the shallow end of the pool in such a manner as to prevent a harmful obstruction, and
(e)have a band of contrasting colour along the entire juncture of the side and top of the ledge.
(11)Notwithstanding Sentences (12) to (17), where a public pool is constructed on any level surface with walls rising above that surface and has a constant water depth not exceeding 1,100 mm and a water surface area not exceeding 100 m², the pool deck may be an elevated platform surrounding the pool if it has
(a)an unobstructed width of not less than 900 mm,
(b)a height of at least 75 mm above grade or pavement elevation,
(c)6 mm wide openings for drainage, and
(d)a non-slip surface that is capable of being kept clean and disinfected.
(12)Except for a modified pool and wave action pool, where a pool deck projects over the water surface, the projection shall not exceed 50 mm.
(13)Except for a modified pool and wave action pool, the pool deck shall be separated from any adjacent spectator area or gallery and from any spectator access to such area or gallery by a gate or other barrier.
(14)Except for a modified pool and wave action pool, the perimeter of the pool deck shall be clearly delineated by a tactile attention indicator conforming to Article 3.8.3.18. and located where any area contiguous to the pool deck may be confused with the deck. (See Note A-3.11.3.1.(14))
(15)Except for a modified pool and wave action pool, the perimeter of the pool deck shall be clearly delineated by painted lines or other means where any area contiguous to the pool deck may be confused with the deck.
(16)Perimeter drainage shall be provided where necessary to prevent surface run-off from draining onto the pool deck.
(17)Except for a modified pool, one or more hose bibbs shall be installed near the perimeter of the pool deck in locations convenient for flushing the pool deck.
(18)Except for a modified pool and wave action pool, where access to the pool enclosure is over any surface that is not subject to regular cleaning and sanitizing, a foot spray to wash feet by means of a spray running freely to waste shall be provided at each such access.
(19)Except for a modified pool and wave action pool, at least
(a)one ladder or set of steps shall be provided in both the deep and shallow areas of a public pool for entry into and egress from the pool water, and
(b)one barrier-free access shall be provided for entry into and egress from the water of a public pool as required by Article 3.11.3.3.
(20)The pool deck, the submerged parts of a public pool, the walls or partitions adjacent to a pool deck and the pavement or floor adjacent to a pool deck shall have surfaces that permit thorough cleaning.
(21)Except for markings for safety or competition purposes, submerged surfaces in public pools shall be finished white or light in colour.
(22)Except in a modified pool, a black disc 150 mm in diameter on a white background shall be affixed to the bottom of a public pool within the area of its greatest depth.
(23)A public pool shall be equipped with lockable doors or other barriers capable of preventing public access to the pool deck.
(24)Except for a modified pool, wave action pool or a pool installed at a recreational camp, a Class A pool shall be provided with,
(a)where the water surface area is greater than 150 m² but not greater than 230 m², at least one lifeguard control station, and
(b)where the water surface area is greater than 230 m², at least two lifeguard control stations.
(25)Except for a modified pool, every public pool shall display on the deck clearly marked figures, not less than 100 mm high, that set out
(a)the water depths indicating the deep points, the breaks between gentle and steep bottom slopes and the shallow points.
(b)the words shallow area at one or more appropriate locations, and
(c)where the water depth exceeds 2,500 mm, the words DEEP AREA at one or more appropriate locations.
(26)Except for a modified pool and a pool to which Sentence 3.11.5.2.(2) applies, every public pool having a maximum water depth of 2,500 mm or less shall display a warning notice posted in a location clearly visible to divers on which are printed in letters at least 150 mm high the words caution — avoid deep dives or shallow water — no diving.
(27)Except where no space is provided between ladder treads and the pool wall, the space between the pool wall and submerged portions of any treads of a ladder for entry into and egress from the water shall be not more than 150 mm and not less than 75 mm.
(28)If a set of steps is provided for entry into and egress from public pools in Sentence (19), the steps shall
(a)be equipped with a handrail,
(b)have a non-slip surface, and
(c)have a band of contrasting colour along the entire juncture of the side and top of the edges
Open OBC Div. B 3.11.3.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.11.5.2. Public Pools in Group B, Division 2 or 3 Major Occupancies
(1)Despite Sentences 3.11.3.1.(4) and (8) and Clause 3.11.3.1.(9)(a), where a public pool is constructed in a building containing a Group B, Division 2 or 3 major occupancy and has a water depth not exceeding 1,500 mm and a water surface area not exceeding 100 m², the pool deck contiguous to not more than 50% of the total perimeter of the pool may be replaced by one or more ramps that will permit a bather seated in a wheelchair to enter the water with or without the wheelchair.
(2)Despite Sentence 3.11.3.1.(26), a warning notice, on which are printed in letters at least 150 mm high the words caution no diving, shall be posted conspicuously on each wall or fence line enclosing a pool described in Sentence (1).
(3)There shall be a curb along the perimeter of a pool described in Sentence (1) except at steps, ladders and ramp entrances.
(4)The curb required by Sentence (3) shall have
(a)a height of 50 mm,
(b)rounded edges,
(c)a coved base, and
(d)a raised nosing at the top to serve as a fingerhold for a bather in the water.
Open OBC Div. B 3.11.5.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.11.10.1. Lighting and Emergency Provisions
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), rooms and spaces used by the public in conjunction with a public pool shall be capable of illumination to levels in compliance with Subsection 3.2.7.
(2)Dressing rooms, locker rooms, shower rooms, washrooms and passageways shall have an illumination level of at least 200 lx at floor level.
(3)An indoor pool or an outdoor pool that is intended to be open for use after sundown shall be equipped with a lighting system
(a)that will maintain at any point on the pool deck and on the pool water surface an illumination level of at least
(i)200 lx in the case of an indoor pool, and
(ii)100 lx in the case of an outdoor pool, and
(b)that makes the underwater areas of the pool clearly visible from any point on the pool deck.
(4)An outdoor pool that is intended to be open for use after sundown and an indoor pool shall be equipped with an independent emergency lighting system that automatically operates whenever the normal electrical power supply to a public pool lighting system fails.
(5)The independent emergency lighting system required in Sentence (4) shall be capable of illuminating the pool deck, washroom, shower, locker areas, pool water surface and all means of egress to a level of at least 10 lx.
(6)An emergency power supply for the emergency lighting system required in Sentence (4) shall comply with Sentences 3.2.7.4.(1) and 3.2.7.7.(1) and Article 3.2.7.5.
(7)An emergency telephone directly connected to an emergency service or to the local telephone utility shall be installed adjacent to the pool deck of every Class A pool.
(8)A telephone accessible for emergency use shall be installed for every Class B pool within 30 m of the pool.
(9)Every wave action pool shall have a public address system that shall be clearly audible in all portions of the pool.
(10)Every wave action pool shall have a communication system for the use of persons engaged in supervision or operation of the pool that shall be interconnected with each lifeguard control station, the first-aid room and the bather admission control centre.
(11)The public address system and the communication system described in Sentences (9) and (10) shall be interconnected.
(12)All recirculating pumps used in a public pool shall be capable of being deactivated by an emergency stop button clearly labelled and located at
(a)a Class A pool beside the telephone that is required in Sentence (7), and
(b)a Class B pool on the deck area.
(13)The emergency stop button in Sentence (12) shall, when used, activate an audible and a visual signal located by the emergency stop.
(14)An emergency sign containing the words in the event of an emergency push emergency stop button and use emergency phone, audible and visual signal will activate shall be in letters at least 25 mm high with a 5 mm stroke and posted above the emergency stop button.
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OBC Div. B 3.12.1.1. Application
(1)This Section applies to the design and construction of site-assembled public spas and factory-built public spas.
(2)If material alterations to a public spa or the equipment installed in a public spa affect the bottom slope, the water volume or the capacity of the water circulation system, the adversely affected portions shall comply with the requirements of this Division.
(3)Except as provided in Sentence (4), if material alterations or repairs concern any pool fitting that passes water or air, or both, in or out of the pool tank, the affected fitting shall comply with Sentences 3.11.8.1.(20) and 3.12.4.1.(4) to (10).
(4)If the material alterations or repairs concern a fitting cover or grille, the affected fitting cover or grille shall comply with Sentences 3.12.4.1.(7) to (10).
(5)For the purposes of this Section, every reference to a public pool or a recirculation system in a definition in Article 1.4.1.2. of Division A, or a Sentence or Clause in Section 3.11. that is made applicable to public spas by this Section, is deemed to be a reference to a public spa or water circulation system, respectively.
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OBC Div. B 3.13.2.1. Requirements for Stations
(1)Except as provided in this Subsection, the requirements in Subsections 3.2.1. and 3.2.2. do not apply to a rapid transit station.
(2)The requirements in Sentence (3) shall apply to
(a)a rapid transit station erected entirely below the adjoining finished ground level, and
(b)the underground portion of a rapid transit station.
(3)Except as permitted in Sentence (4), an underground station or an underground portion of a station in Sentence (2) shall be of noncombustible construction, and
(a)floor assemblies shall be fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h,
(b)roof assemblies below ground level, shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h, but a fire-resistance rating is not required where steel tunnel liners are left in place to form part of the assembly and the tunnel liners are in direct contact with soil, and
(c)all loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.
(4)An interior stair extending to street level is permitted to be protected by a combustible roof.
(5)Where a rapid transit station is erected above and below the adjoining finished ground level, the above ground portion of the station shall be of noncombustible construction and
(a)floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h.
(b)mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(c)roof assemblies shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(d)all loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.
(6)Except as permitted by Sentence (7), where a rapid transit station is erected entirely above the adjoining finished ground level and is a stand-alone building, the station shall be of noncombustible construction and
(a)floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(b)mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(c)roof assemblies shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(d)all loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.
(7)A building classified as Group A, Division 2 occupancy that is not more than 1 storey in building height, and that has a building area not more than 3,200 m² if not sprinklered throughout or not more than 6,400 m² if sprinklered throughout, is permitted to be constructed with a roof and columns of heavy timber construction.
(8)An interconnected floor space is permitted in a public area of a rapid transit station.
(9)Stairs, escalators and elevators used by passengers are permitted to be included in the interconnected floor space in a rapid transit station.
(10)Passenger elevators within or adjacent to an interconnected floor space need not be enclosed in a hoistway separated from the remainder of the interconnected floor space provided the elevator machinery is located in a room separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than
(a)1.5 h, where the floor of the machine room is below grade, or
(b)45 min, where the floor of the machine room is located above grade.
(11)Elevator shafts that are not within or adjacent to an interconnected floor space are permitted to penetrate the fire separations required in Sentences (2) to (6) provided they are enclosed by
(a)a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, or
(b)wired glass assemblies conforming to MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-2, "Fire Performance Ratings".
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OBC Div. B 3.13.4.3. Number and Location of Means of Egress
(1)Each platform in a rapid transit station shall be served by no fewer than two means of egress that are independent of and remote from each other from the platform to the exterior of the station.
(2)Where a continuous level walking surface is provided between two adjacent platforms, they may be considered as one platform for the purpose of conforming to this Subsection.
(3)At the platform level, the distance separating the egress facilities in Sentences (1) and (2) shall be the greater of one car length or 25 m.
(4)Except as required in Sentence (1), two or more means of egress are permitted to converge in conformance with Sentence 3.13.4.4.(6).
(5)Means of egress from platforms shall be located so that the travel time from the most remote point on a platform to a protected route does not exceed 4 min based on travel speeds of
(a)38 mm/min for horizontal travel, and
(b)21 mm/min for vertical rise.
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OBC Div. B 3.14.1.4. Clearance to Other Structures
(1)Tents shall not be erected closer than 3 m to the property line.
(2)Except as provided in Sentences (3) to (6), tents shall not be erected closer than 3 m to other tents or structures on the same property.
(3)A walkway between a building and a tent occupied by the public is permitted provided
(a)the tent is not closer than 3 m from the building, and
(b)the walkway conforms to Article 3.2.3.19.
(4)Tents not occupied by the public need not be separated from one another, and are permitted to be erected less than 3 m from other structures on the same property, where such closer spacing does not create a hazard to the public.
(5)Tents located on fair grounds or similar open spaces, need not be separated from one another provided such closer spacing does not create a hazard to the public.
(6)Where a tent is to be constructed in proximity to existing above ground electrical conductors, the tent shall be constructed in accordance with Article 3.1.20.1.
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OBC Div. B 3.14.1.5. Clearances to Flammable Material
(1)The ground enclosed by a tent and for not less than 3 m outside of such structure shall be cleared of all flammable or combustible material or vegetation that will carry fire.
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OBC Div. B 3.14.1.6. Flame Resistance
(1)Every tent, and tarpaulins, decorative materials, fabrics and films used in connection with tents, shall be certified to CAN/ULC-S109, "Standard Method for Flame Tests of Flame-Resistant Fabrics and Films," or NFPA 701, "Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films."
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OBC Div. B 3.14.1.2. General
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), the requirements of this Subsection shall apply to all tents.
(2)Articles 3.14.1.3., 3.14.1.7. and 3.14.1.8. do not apply to tents that
(a)do not exceed 225 m² in ground area,
(b)do not exceed 225 m² in aggregate ground area and are closer than 3 m apart,
(c)do not contain bleachers, and
(d)are not enclosed with sidewalls.
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OBC Div. B 3.14.2.2. General
(1)Air-supported structures shall not be used for Groups B, C or Group F, Division 1 major occupancies or for classrooms.
(2)Except where no fire separation is required between major occupancies, air-supported structures shall contain not more than one major occupancy.
(3)Except as provided in Sentence (5), air-supported structures are exempt from complying with Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.93., except for maximum building size.
(4)Air-supported structures may be designed with interior walls, mezzanines, or similar construction.
(5)Interior construction contained within air-supported structures must meet the construction requirements of Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.93.
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OBC Div. B 3.14.2.6. Emergency Air Supply
(1)An air-supported structure designed for an assembly occupancy with an occupant load of more than 200 persons shall have either an automatic emergency engine-generator set capable of powering one blower continuously for 4 h, or a supplementary blower powered by an automatic internal combustion engine.
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OBC Div. B 3.15.5.2. Clearance for Exterior Signs
(1)An exterior sign shall not be located so as to overhang a sidewalk or other pedestrian walkway unless the vertical distance, measured from the bottom of the overhanging portion of the sign to the surface of the sidewalk, is at least 2,400 mm.
(2)Except as provided in Sentence (3), a sign face shall not be located within 600 mm of the vehicular travelled portion of a private lane or roadway, or of a motor vehicle parking area, unless the minimum vertical distance between grade and the bottom of the overhanging sign face is at least 4.25 m.
(3)Where the height of all vehicles using any private road or parking area is permanently restricted, the vertical distance in Sentence (2) may be reduced to the amount of the actual height restriction, for as long as the said height restriction is in existence on the premises.
(4)A sign shall not be located in proximity to existing above ground electrical conductors, unless the sign meets the clearance requirements of Article 3.1.20.1.
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OBC Div. B 3.16.1.2. General
(1)A shelf and rack storage system shall not be designed for production, manufacturing, assembling, disassembling or ancillary administrative functions.
(2)A shelf and rack storage system may be designed for the storage, accessing, retrieval, packing and distribution of commodities.
(3)A high-hazard industrial occupancy shall not contain a shelf and rack storage system.
(4)Except as required by Sentence 3.16.3.2.(3), a shelf and rack storage system shall not exceed 24 m in height.
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OBC Div. B 3.16.1.6. Sprinkler System
(1)An automatic sprinkler system conforming to this Article shall be installed in a floor area containing a shelf and rack storage system.
(2)The automatic sprinkler system shall be designed, constructed, installed and tested in conformance with NFPA 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems" or the appropriate NFPA sprinkler standard for the most severe hazard to which the storage system is exposed.
(3)Sprinkler protection shall be provided under all platforms and walkways.
(4)Except where the platforms or walkways are of open construction, any openings for egress stairs shall be protected by noncombustible draft stops not less than 450 mm below the floors above.
(5)The automatic sprinkler system shall be electrically supervised to indicate a trouble signal on the building fire alarm system annunciator or where the building does not have a fire alarm system, to notify the person controlling the operation of the building for each of the situations listed in Sentence 3.2.4.9.(3).
(6)The automatic sprinkler system shall be designed to notify the fire department that a waterflow switch has been activated.
(7)The notification to the person controlling the building and the fire department referred to in Sentences (5) and (6) shall be provided in accordance with Sentence 3.2.4.7.(4).
(8)A permanent sign shall be posted, at or near the sprinkler control valve, containing
(a)the word notice in contrasting letters,
(b)a description of the commodity class as defined in NFPA 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems," and
(c)the sprinkler design criteria used for the shelf and rack storage system.
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OBC Div. B 3.17.1.1. Application
(1)This Section applies to the design, erection, assembly and installation of a demountable stage where
(a)the aggregate area of all platforms of the demountable stage is more than 60 m² and any part of its platforms is more than 3 m in height above adjacent ground level,
(b)the aggregate area of all platforms of the demountable stage is more than 225 m², or
(c)any part of the platforms or any roof, wall or structure attached to or located on any of the platforms of the demountable stage is 5 m or more in height above adjacent ground level.
(2)This Section applies to the design, erection, assembly and installation of a demountable support structure where the demountable support structure
(a)is more than 3 m in height above adjacent ground level,
(b)is designed to carry a superimposed specified load greater than 115 kg, or
(c)would create a hazard to the public.
(3)Except as provided in this Section, demountable stages and demountable support structures are exempt from complying with the requirements of this Division.
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OBC Div. B 3.17.2.2. Means of Egress
(1)A platform of a demountable stage shall be considered a floor area for purposes of this Article.
(2)Except as provided in Sentence (3), access to at least two means of egress shall be provided from every platform of a demountable stage.
(3)A platform of a demountable stage may be served by one means of egress where
(a)the total occupant load of the demountable stage is less than 60 persons, and
(b)the aggregate area of the demountable stage is less than 150 m² or the travel distance from any point on the platform to the exit is less than 30 m.
(4)Except as provided in Sentence (5), where at least two means of egress are required from a platform of a demountable stage, the maximum travel distance to an exit shall be not more than 45 m.
(5)Sentence (4) need not apply where exits are located at not more than 60 m apart, measured along the perimeter of the platform.
(6)The least distance between two required exits on a platform of a demountable stage shall be one-half the maximum diagonal dimension of the platform.
(7)Except as provided in Sentence (8) and unless it can be shown that they do not present a hazard, stairs, ramps and handrails in an exit from a platform of a demountable stage shall conform to the dimensional and slip-resistance requirements in Section 3.4.
(8)The maximum slope of a fixed ramp serving a platform of a demountable stage shall be 1 in 6.
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OBC Div. B 3.17.2.3. Guards
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3) and unless it can be shown that the platform does not present a hazard, a guard not less than 1,070 mm high shall be provided for a platform of a demountable stage where the difference in elevation between the platform and the adjacent surface is more than 1,500 mm.
(2)Sentence (1) need not apply at the edges of a platform of a demountable stage that face an audience.
(3)The height of guards for stairs shall be,
(a)not less than 920 mm measured vertically to the top of the guard from a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosings, and
(b)not less than 1,070 mm around landings.
(4)Guards shall be designed to withstand loads specified in Part 4.
(5)Required guards shall be provided with a top rail and one or more intermediate rails spaced such that openings through the guard are of a size that prevents the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 535 mm.
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OBC Div. B 3.18.1.1. Application
(1)This Section applies where proposed construction
(a)in respect of an existing building will result in any of the following changes of use of all or part of the building:
(i)a change of the major occupancy of all or part of a building that is designated with a "Y" in Table 1.3.1.4. of Division C,
(ii)a suite of a Group C major occupancy is converted into more than one suite of a Group C major occupancy,
(iii)a suite or part of a suite of a Group A, Division 2 or a Group A, Division 4 major occupancy is converted to a gaming premises,
(iv)a farm building or part of a farm building is changed to a major occupancy,
(v)a building or part of a building is changed to a post-disaster building,
(vi)a building or part of a building is changed to a retirement home, or
(vii)the use of a building or part of a building is changed and the previous major occupancy of the building or part of the building cannot be determined, or
(b)in respect of an existing building of combustible construction will extend the building by adding a storey or storeys such that the extended building will be more than four storeys in building height.
(2)For the purposes of this Section and Sentences 11.4.2.1.(1) and 11.4.2.5.(4), the changes of use set out in Subclauses (1)(a)(ii) to (iv) and (vi) shall also be deemed to constitute a change in major occupancy.
(3)The requirements of this Section are in addition to the requirements of other Parts of this Division as they apply to the proposed construction.
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OBC Div. B 3.18.2.1. Change of Use and Compensating Construction
(1)Where proposed construction will result in a change of use described in Subclauses 3.18.1.1.(1)(a)(i) to (iv) and (vi), additional construction shall be required in order that the building or part of a building subject to the change of use conforms to the requirements of Subsection 3.2.6. and Sections 3.7., 3.11. and 3.12. as they apply to the new major occupancy that the building or part of a building is to support.
(2)For the purposes of this Article, existing buildings shall be classified as to their construction and occupancy as provided for in Sentence 11.2.1.1.(1).
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OBC Div. B 3.18.2.2. Performance Level and Compensating Construction
(1)The performance level of a building after construction shall not be less than the performance level of the building prior to construction.
(2)For the purposes of Sentence (1), reduction of performance level shall be determined in accordance with Articles 11.4.2.1., 11.4.2.3., 11.4.2.5. and 11.4.2.6.
(3)Where proposed construction would reduce the performance level of an existing building, compensating construction shall be required in conformance with Articles 11.4.3.1., 11.4.3.2., 11.4.3.4., 11.4.3.6. and 11.4.3.7.
(4)Section 11.5. applies in respect of the requirements of Sentences 11.4.3.4.(1), (3) and (4).
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OBC Div. B 3.19.1.1. Application
(1)Except as provided in this Section, the requirements in this Division apply to a building row house that
(a)is 4 storeys in building height,
(b)is not more than 1 storey below grade,
(c)does not contain any portion of a roof that supports an occupancy,
(d)has a maximum height of 14 m measured from grade to the ceiling of the top storey,
(e)has a building area not more than 600 m², and
(f)each dwelling unit
(i)has no mezzanines,
(ii)contains sleeping accommodations for not more than 10 persons,
(iii)has no dwelling unit above another dwelling unit,
(iv)has direct access to its interior by means of an exterior doorway located not more than 1 500 mm above or below adjacent finished ground level, and
(v)does not contain a secondary suite.
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OBC Div. B 3.19.4.1. Automatic Sprinkler Systems
(1)The building shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system designed, constructed, installed, and tested in conformance with NFPA 13D, “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes”, provided
(a)each dwelling unit is separated by a vertical fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 h that provides continuous protection from the top of the footing to the underside of the roof deck, with any space between the top of the wall and the roof deck tightly filled with mineral wool or noncombustible material,
(b)each dwelling unit has its own sprinkler water supply provided in accordance with NFPA 13D, “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes,”
(c)a passive purge sprinkler system design is used as described in NFPA 13D, “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes,”
(d)where the sprinkler system is taken into consideration for the reduction of limiting distance, all rooms, including closets, bathrooms and attached garages, that adjoin an exposing building face are sprinklered, notwithstanding any exemption stated in NFPA 13D, “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes,” and
(e)all balconies are sprinklered, notwithstanding any exemptions stated in NFPA 13D, “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes.”
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OBC Div. B 3.19.3.1. Means of Egress from Dwelling Unit
(1)The requirements of Articles 3.3.4.4. and 3.4.2.1. are not applicable to buildings described in Article 3.19.1.1.
(2)Each dwelling unit shall be served by a direct exit that is an exterior doorway located not more than 1 500 mm above or below adjacent finished ground level.
(3)Each dwelling unit shall be served by
(a)an exterior balcony with a minimum dimension not less than 1 200 mm on the fourth storey, and
(b)an openable window on the third and fourth storeys that
(i)provides an unobstructed opening of not less than 1 m in height and 0.55 m in width, and
(ii)is located so that the sill height is not more than 1 m above the floor.
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OBC Div. B 3.19.5.1. Location of Access Routes
(1)The building shall be provided with access routes for fire department vehicles so that each dwelling unit principal entrance is located not less than 3 m and not more than 15 m from the closest portion of the access route, measured horizontally from the face of the building.
(2)The building shall be provided with access routes for fire department vehicles so that balconies and window openings required by Sentence 3.19.3.1.(3) are located not less than 3 m and not more than 15 m from the closest portion of a fire department access route, measured horizontally from the face of the building.
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