Plumbing facilities, electrical, garages and special buildings

Plumbing facilities and service water heating

Section 9.31. applies to plumbing facilities within dwelling units (OBC Div. B 9.31.1.1.OBC Div. B 9.31.1.1. Application(1) This Section applies to the plumbing facilities and plumbing systems within dwelling units. (2) In occupancies other than dwelling units, plumbing facilities, grab bars, floor drains, and floor and wall finishes around urinals shall conform to Subsection 3.7.4. (See also Section 3.8. regarding barrier-free…). Plumbing work itself must meet Part 7 (9.31.2.1.OBC Div. B 9.31.2.1. General(1) The construction, extension, alteration, renewal or repair of plumbing systems and sewage disposal systems shall conform to Part 7.). Where a water distribution system is available:

• the dwelling unit gets a water supply (9.31.3.1.OBC Div. B 9.31.3.1. Required Water Supply(1) Every dwelling unit shall be supplied with a water distribution system where a drinking water system is available.),
• hot and cold water go to every kitchen sink, lavatory, tub, shower, slop sink and laundry area, and cold water to every water closet (9.31.3.2.OBC Div. B 9.31.3.2. Required Connections(1) Where a water distribution system is available, piping for hot and cold water shall be connected to every kitchen sink, lavatory, bathtub, shower, slop sink and laundry area. (2) Piping for cold water shall be run to every water closet.),
• a kitchen sink, lavatory, bathtub or shower, and water closet are required (9.31.4.1.OBC Div. B 9.31.4.1. Required Fixtures(1) A kitchen sink, lavatory, bathtub or shower, and water closet shall be provided for every dwelling unit where a water distribution system is available.),
• hot water supply is required (9.31.4.2.OBC Div. B 9.31.4.2. Hot Water Supply(1) Where a water distribution system is available a hot water supply shall be provided in every dwelling unit. (2) A water distribution system supplying hot water to plumbing fixtures shall conform to the requirements in Subsection 7.2.10.).

Every dwelling unit also needs laundry facilities or space for them, or shared laundry that is conveniently accessible (9.31.4.1A.OBC Div. B 9.31.4.1A. Laundry Fixtures(1) Laundry facilities or a space for laundry facilities shall be provided in every dwelling unit or grouped elsewhere in the building in a location conveniently accessible to occupants of every dwelling unit.). A basement floor drain is required only where gravity drainage to a sewer, ditch or dry well is possible (9.31.4.3.OBC Div. B 9.31.4.3. Floor Drains(1) Where gravity drainage to a sewer, drainage ditch or dry well is possible, a floor drain shall be installed in a basement forming part of a dwelling unit.). Grab bars, where installed, resist 1.3 kN (9.31.2.3.OBC Div. B 9.31.2.3. Grab Bars(1) When provided, grab bars shall be capable of resisting a load of not less than 1.3 kN applied vertically or horizontally.).

Service water heating:

"Service water heater" is defined in Div. A 1.4.1.2.OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Service water heaterService water heater means a device for heating water for plumbing services. as a device for heating water for plumbing services.

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Dryer exhaust ducts

Only Sentence (3) of 9.33.6.14A.OBC Div. B 9.33.6.14A. Exhaust Ducts and Outlets(1) Where an exhaust duct passes through or is adjacent to unheated space, the duct shall be insulated to prevent moisture or condensation in the duct. (2) Exhaust outlets shall be designed to prevent back draft under wind conditions. (3) Exhaust ducts directly connected to laundry drying equipment shall be… is on this exam. An exhaust duct connected directly to a clothes dryer must be independent of all other exhaust ducts. No tying into the bathroom fan duct.

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Electrical facilities and lighting outlets

Where electrical service is available, Section 9.34. applies (9.34.1.2.OBC Div. B 9.34.1.2. Required Facilities(1) Where electrical services are available, electrical facilities shall be provided for every building in conformance with this Section.). Recessed fixtures may go in insulated ceilings only if designed for it (9.34.1.4.OBC Div. B 9.34.1.4. Recessed Lighting Fixtures(1) Recessed lighting fixtures shall not be located in insulated ceilings unless the fixtures are designed for such installations.). Lighting rules for houses:

• Entrances: every entrance gets an exterior light switched from inside (9.34.2.1.OBC Div. B 9.34.2.1. Lighting of Entrances(1) An exterior lighting outlet with fixture controlled by a wall switch located within the building shall be provided at every entrance to buildings of residential occupancy. (2) The exterior lighting outlet with fixture required by Sentence (1) may be controlled by a wall switch or panel accessible to authorized…).
• Rooms: kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms, utility and laundry rooms, dining rooms, bathrooms, water-closet rooms, vestibules and hallways get a wall-switched light. A switched receptacle may replace it in bedrooms and living rooms (9.34.2.2.OBC Div. B 9.34.2.2. Outlets in Dwelling Units(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), a lighting outlet with fixture controlled by a wall switch shall be provided in kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms, utility rooms, laundry rooms, dining rooms, bathrooms, water-closet rooms, vestibules and hallways in dwelling units. (2) Where a receptacle controlled by a wall…).
• Stairs (9.34.2.3.OBC Div. B 9.34.2.3. Stairways(1) Every stairway shall be lighted. (2) Except as provided in Sentence (3), 3-way wall switches located at the head and foot of every stairway shall be provided to control at least one lighting outlet with fixture for stairways with 4 or more risers in dwelling units and houses with a secondary suite including their…): every stairway is lit. Stairs with 4 or more risers get 3-way switches at the head and foot. Exception: a basement with no finished space, no outside entrance and no built-in garage, serving one dwelling unit, may use one switch at the head.
• Unfinished basements (9.34.2.4.OBC Div. B 9.34.2.4. Basements(1) A lighting outlet with fixture shall be provided for each 30 m² or fraction thereof of floor area in unfinished basements. (2) The outlet required in Sentence (1) nearest the stairs shall be controlled by a wall switch located at the head of the stairs.): one light per 30 m² or part of 30 m². The one nearest the stairs is switched at the head of the stairs.
• Storage rooms, garages and carports (9.34.2.5.OBC Div. B 9.34.2.5. Storage Rooms(1) A lighting outlet with fixture shall be provided in storage rooms., 9.34.2.6.OBC Div. B 9.34.2.6. Garages and Carports(1) A lighting outlet with fixture shall be provided for an attached, built-in or detached garage or carport. (2) Except as provided in Sentence (3), outlets required in Sentence (1) shall be controlled by a wall switch near the doorway. (3) Where the outlet and fixture required in Sentence (1) are ceiling mounted…): a light is required. In garages it is wall-switched near the door, but a fixture with a built-in switch is fine where it is wall mounted or ceiling mounted away from the parked car.

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Garages and carports

Section 9.35. covers garages and carports serving one dwelling unit (9.35.1.1.OBC Div. B 9.35.1.1. Application(1) This Section applies to garages and carports serving not more than one dwelling unit.). A "storage garage" is one with no provision for repairing or servicing vehicles (Div. A 1.4.1.2.OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Storage garageStorage garage means a building or part thereof intended for the storage or parking of motor vehicles and containing no provision for the repair or servicing of such vehicles. (See Note A-1.4.1.2.(1))).

• Carport or garage? (9.35.2.1.OBC Div. B 9.35.2.1. Carport Considered to be Garage(1) Where a roofed enclosure used for the storage or parking of motor vehicles has more than 60 percent of the total perimeter enclosed by walls, doors or windows, the enclosure shall be considered a garage.) If more than 60% of the perimeter is enclosed by walls, doors or windows, it is a garage. Example: 6.0 m x 3.5 m with three sides walled is 13.0 / 19.0 m, about 68%, so it is a garage.
• Floor: an attached or built-in garage floor drains to the outdoors (9.35.2.2.OBC Div. B 9.35.2.2. Garage Floor(1) Where an attached or built-in garage is provided, the garage floor shall be sloped to drain liquids to the outdoors.).
• Foundations (9.35.3.1.OBC Div. B 9.35.3.1. Foundation Required(1) Except as permitted in this Subsection, foundations conforming to Sections 9.12. and 9.15. shall be provided for the support of carport and garage super-structures, including that portion beneath garage doors. (2) Detached garages of less than 55 m² floor area and not more than 1 storey in height that are not of…): normally full Part 9 foundations, including under the door. A detached garage under 55 m², one storey and not masonry may sit on wood mud sills or a slab at least 100 mm thick. The same small garage may skip foundation drainage where the ground slopes away (9.35.3.3.OBC Div. B 9.35.3.3. Drainage(1) Detached garages of less than 55 m² floor area and not more than 1 storey in height that are not of masonry or masonry veneer construction need not conform with the foundation drainage requirements stated in Section 9.14. where the finished ground level is at or near the elevation of the garage's floor and where…).
• Soil movement (9.35.3.2.OBC Div. B 9.35.3.2. Protection from Damage Due to Soil Movement(1) In clay-type soils subject to significant movement with a change in soil moisture content, the foundation depth of carports or garages connected to a dwelling unit directly or by a breezeway shall be approximately the same depth as the foundation of the main building. (2) Where slab-on-ground construction is used…): put a construction joint between the house slab and an attached garage slab. Foundations of attached unheated garages go below frost level.
• Columns and piers: carport piers extend 150 mm above ground and are at least 190 x 190 mm (9.35.3.4.OBC Div. B 9.35.3.4. Column Piers(1) Piers for the support of carport columns shall extend not less than 150 mm above ground level. (2) Piers referred to in Sentence (1) shall project not less than 25 mm beyond the base of the column but in no case be less than 190 mm by 190 mm in size.). 89 x 89 mm wood columns are allowed (9.35.4.2.OBC Div. B 9.35.4.2. Columns(1) Columns for garages and carports shall conform to Section 9.17., except that 89 mm by 89 mm wood columns may be used.). No interior finish is required (9.35.4.1.OBC Div. B 9.35.4.1. Interior Finish(1) Interior finish need not be applied to garage and carport walls.).

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Cottages, log buildings and park model trailers

Seasonal recreational buildings (9.37.OBC Div. B 9.37.1.1. Application(1) This Section applies to buildings of residential occupancy used or intended to be used as seasonal recreational buildings. (2) The buildings described in Sentence (1) shall comply with all the requirements of this Part, except where they are specifically exempted in this Section.) follow Part 9 with exemptions. They need not meet 9.5. to 9.7. or 9.9. to 9.11. (9.37.2.1.OBC Div. B 9.37.2.1. Exclusions(1) Except as provided in Subsection 9.10.15. and Articles 9.37.2.4. and 9.37.3.1., buildings used or intended to be used as seasonal recreational buildings need not comply with Sections 9.5. to 9.7. and 9.9. to 9.11. (2) Flooring need not comply with Section 9.30., but tight-fitting floors shall be provided to…). Insulation, vapour and air barriers, interior finishes, plumbing, heating, ventilation and electrical are optional, but must meet Part 9 if installed. Continuous perimeter foundations are optional, and masonry column height is limited by unit type (9.37.2.2.OBC Div. B 9.37.2.2. Foundations(1) Continuous perimeter foundation walls are not required, but when they are provided, they shall comply with the requirements of this Part. (2) Where unit masonry columns are used, the height of such columns shall not exceed, (a) in the case of hollow masonry units, 4 times the least dimension of the units, (b) in…). A smoke alarm to 9.10.19. is always required (9.37.2.4.OBC Div. B 9.37.2.4. Smoke Alarms(1) Every dwelling unit within the scope of this Section shall be provided with a smoke alarm in accordance with Subsection 9.10.19.). If the building is rented or used for tourist accommodation, Sections 9.5. to 9.8. apply too (9.37.3.1.OBC Div. B 9.37.3.1. Buildings for Seasonal Tourist Accommodation or for Rent(1) Where buildings are used or intended to be used for seasonal tourist accommodation or for rent, they shall comply with Sections 9.5. to 9.8. in addition to the requirements of this Section.).

Log construction (9.38.):

• Logs touching masonry or concrete at or below grade are preservative treated (9.38.1.2.OBC Div. B 9.38.1.2. Requirement for Wood Preservative(1) The portion of any log coming in contact with masonry or concrete at or below grade shall be treated with a wood preservative to prevent decay.).
• Horizontal logs are fastened to the log below in at least three places, never more than 1,800 mm apart (9.38.2.3.OBC Div. B 9.38.2.3. Joining Logs(1) Each log in a horizontal position shall be scribed as close as possible to its bearer and fastened to the bearer in at least three places throughout its length, by dowels, continuous machined joints, vertical framing members or interlocking intersections or any combination of these, but in no case shall the…).
• Openings in horizontal log walls need a settlement gap above the rough buck of at least 13 mm per 300 mm of height (9.38.3.2.OBC Div. B 9.38.3.2. Clearance(1) At every opening in a wall made of logs in a horizontal position where shrinkage can occur there shall be a clearance between the rough buck header and the lintel log of not less than 13 mm in width for each 300 mm of height to allow for settlement.). A 1,500 mm high window needs 5 x 13 = 65 mm.

Park model trailers built to CAN/CSA-Z241 are deemed to comply when used as seasonal recreational buildings (9.39.2.1.OBC Div. B 9.39.2.1. General(1) Except as provided in Subsection 9.39.3., a manufactured building used or intended to be used as a seasonal recreational building of residential occupancy is deemed to comply with this Code if it is designed and constructed in conformance with CAN/CSA-Z241 Series, "Park model trailers."). Site-built parts must still meet the Code, and the units are anchored per the manufacturer.

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Slabs over cold rooms and change of use

Section 9.40. covers a reinforced slab over a basement cold room, supported only by the foundation walls, with a clear span of no more than 2.5 m and no vehicle loads (9.40.1.1.OBC Div. B 9.40.1.1. Application(1) This Section applies to (a) reinforced concrete slabs that are suspended over cold rooms in basements, and are supported by foundation walls along the perimeter of the slab with no additional interior supports, and (b) slabs in which the clear span between supporting walls is not more than 2.5 m along the shortest…). Otherwise use Part 4. Key values (9.40.1.4.OBC Div. B 9.40.1.4. Slab Construction(1) Concrete shall be cast against formwork in accordance with CSA A23.1, "Concrete materials and methods of concrete construction." (2) The slab shall be not less than 125 mm thick. (3) The slab shall be reinforced with 10 M bars spaced not more than 200 mm o.c. in each direction, with 30 mm clear cover from the…):

• at least 125 mm thick,
• 10M bars at 200 mm both ways, with 30 mm bottom cover,
• 75 mm bearing on the walls,
• 10M bent dowels at 600 mm.

Section 9.41. applies when construction causes a listed change of use (9.41.1.1.OBC Div. B 9.41.1.1. Application(1) This Section applies where proposed construction in respect of an existing building will result in any of the following changes of use of all or part of the building: (a) 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, (b) a suite of a…). The building must then meet listed provisions for the new occupancy, including room sizes in 9.5., glass in 9.6., guards in 9.8.8.1., and Sections 9.31., 9.32. and 9.34. (9.41.2.1.OBC Div. B 9.41.2.1. Change of Use and Compensating Construction(1) Where proposed construction will result in a change of use described in Clauses 9.40.1.1.(1)(a) to (f), 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 Subsections 9.5.1. and 9.5.3. to 9.5.10., Section 9.6.…). Its performance level after construction must not drop (9.41.2.2.OBC Div. B 9.41.2.2. Performance Level Evaluation 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. and 11.4.2.5. (3) Where the proposed…).

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