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

Last updated October 22, 2026

Values this chapter turns on

max building area of a single portable classroom: 100 m²; max building area of a single portable classroom
portable spacing below which they count as one: 6 m; portable spacing below which they count as one
max first storey area, unsprinklered self-storage: 500 m²; max first storey area, unsprinklered self-storage
maximum water depth of a public spa: 1,200 mm; maximum water depth of a public spa

Sections 3.9 to 3.19 of Division B are the "special buildings" end of Part 3. Each one starts by saying that the rest of Division B applies except where the Section says otherwise, then adds or relaxes a short list of rules. On the exam, these Sections reward fast navigation more than deep reasoning: the questions are almost always "what number does this Section give", so learn where each Section sits and what kind of numbers it holds.

Portable classrooms and self-service storage (3.9, 3.10)

A single portable classroom is limited to 100 m² of building area and 1 storey (OBC Div. B 3.9.3.1.). Portables closer than 6 m apart may be treated as one building for Subsection 3.2.2., using their combined area. Spacing drives almost everything else in Section 3.9.:

Spacing between portables	Effect
6 m or more	No spatial separation between them; fire alarm need not be extended from the school
Less than 6 m, groups of up to 6, groups 12 m or more apart	Spatial separation relaxed within a group (3.9.3.2.)
1.5 m or less	Fuel-fired appliance needs a 1.5 h fire separation
More than 1.5 m	Fuel-fired appliance needs a 45 min fire separation

The appliance rules are in OBC Div. B 3.9.3.7.. A portable with only one egress door always needs at least a 45 min separation around the appliance. The separation can be dropped where portables are 6 m or more apart and the single appliance is at least 4.5 m from the egress doorway, or for sealed combustion appliances in groups of not more than four. Washrooms and barrier-free access can be left to the main school building if that building complies (3.9.3.8., 3.9.3.9.).

A self-service storage building is treated as Group F, Division 2 and may not contain any high-hazard industrial occupancy (3.10.2.1.). Occupant load rules do not apply. The first storey must be cut into areas of not more than 500 m² by 1 h masonry or reinforced concrete fire separations, or be sprinklered (3.10.2.3.). Corridor rules in 3.10.2.4.: where rental space doors swing in the direction of exit travel the corridor is at least 1,500 mm wide and the doors at most 914 mm wide; where they do not, the corridor is at least 1,100 mm. Dead-end corridors are not allowed. Multi-storey storage buildings (3.10.3.) need a fire alarm system, access routes at least 9 m wide and 9 m between buildings; one storey complexes (3.10.4.) may treat a group of buildings as one building area, with 6 m between buildings in a group.

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Public pools and public spas (3.11, 3.12)

Every public pool is designated Class A or Class B (3.11.2.1.). Class A is the general public, publicly supported institutions and recreational camps. Class B is the "private but shared" group: six or more dwelling units, hotels, campgrounds, clubs, mobile home parks and care facilities.

Key values from OBC Div. B 3.11.3.1., 3.11.4.1. and 3.11.8.1.:

Item	Value
Minimum water depth (normal pool)	750 mm
Bottom slope limit, water 1,350 mm or less	8%
Pool deck width	1,800 mm, 1,100 mm of it barrier-free
Depth under board, board 600 mm or less high	2,750 mm
Depth under board, board over 600 mm up to 1,000 mm	3 m
Daily turnover, Class A / Class B	6 times / 4 times pool volume
Chlorine capacity, indoor / outdoor pool	200 g / 300 g per day per 10,000 L

Public spas (3.12.) borrow many pool Sentences and add their own: water no deeper than 1,200 mm, bottom slope not over 8%, a water heater cut-off at 40°C, a telephone within 30 m and an emergency stop button within 15 m and in sight of users (3.12.2.1., 3.12.4.1., 3.12.5.1.).

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Rapid transit stations (3.13)

Section 3.13. replaces Subsections 3.2.1. and 3.2.2. for stations with its own construction rules: noncombustible construction, 2 h floors underground (3.13.2.1.). Learn the defined terms in 3.13.1.2., especially crush load (seats plus standing room at 0.2 m² per person). Leased areas must be sprinklered, and once leased area on a level exceeds 15% of the public area (20% for a stand-alone above-ground station) the public area must be sprinklered too (3.13.3.4.).

Egress width is a flow calculation (3.13.4.5.): divide the required egress capacity by the flow rate for the facility type in Table 3.13.4.5., then for corridors and gentle ramps add 300 mm at each sidewall. Corridors, doorways and platforms flow at 80 persons per minute per metre; stairs at 55. One escalator per level is assumed out of service.

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Tents, air-supported structures, signs and rack storage (3.14 to 3.16)

Tents and air-supported structures keep 3 m from property lines and other structures and keep the ground clear of combustibles for 3 m (3.14.1.4., 3.14.2.3.). An air-supported structure may not house Group B, C or F1 occupancies or classrooms, and an assembly use for more than 200 persons needs an engine-driven backup that can run one blower for 4 h (3.14.2.6.).

For signs, remember the plastic face limits in 3.15.4.1.: outside over noncombustible cladding, 30% of the storey's wall area and 15 m² or 1,200 mm high per storey; inside corridors, 15% of the wall with 600 mm clearances, doubled in area and halved in clearance where sprinklered. An exterior sign over a sidewalk needs 2,400 mm of clearance (3.15.5.2.).

Shelf and rack storage systems (3.16.) are sprinklered, capped at 24 m high (7 m for plastics and tires), and have detailed egress rules in 3.16.1.7.: two exits per level, a single unenclosed stair only for a walkway up to 200 m² with 25 m travel to the level below, 45 m travel limits, 760 mm aisles and a time-based analysis where ground floor travel exceeds 45 m.

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Demountable stages and existing buildings (3.17, 3.18)

Section 3.17. applies only above certain sizes (3.17.1.1.): platforms over 60 m² with any part over 3 m high, platforms over 225 m², or anything 5 m or more high. Platforms need two means of egress unless the load is under 60 persons and the stage is small; guards are 1,070 mm where the drop exceeds 1,500 mm, with openings that stop a 535 mm sphere (3.17.2.3.).

Section 3.18. covers existing buildings that undergo certain changes of use, or a combustible building extended to more than four storeys (3.18.1.1.). The building must then meet the listed Part 3 rules for the new use, and its performance level after construction may not drop, with compensating construction from Part 11 where it would (3.18.2.2.).

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Four-storey row houses (3.19)

Section 3.19. lets a 4 storey Group C row house be combustible if it meets a tight profile (3.19.1.1.): no more than 1 storey below grade, no occupied roof, 14 m from grade to the top storey ceiling, building area up to 600 m², no unit above another, and an entrance within 1,500 mm of grade. It must be sprinklered to NFPA 13D with 1 h unit separations (3.19.4.1.), needs no standpipe, and each unit gets a fourth-storey balcony at least 1,200 mm deep plus large openable windows on the third and fourth storeys. Each principal entrance, balcony and required window must be 3 m to 15 m from the fire access route (3.19.5.1.).

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Common traps

Mixing the 6 m and 1.5 m portable classroom spacings.
Using the tent permit exemption (60 m², Div. C) in place of the Section 3.14. size of 225 m².
Forgetting the sidewall allowance in transit corridor widths.
Treating hotel pools as Class A.

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 (3.9, 3.10)	A single portable classroom is limited to 100 m² of building area and 1 storey.
Public pools and public spas (3.11, 3.12)	Every public pool is designated Class A or Class B. Class A is the general public, publicly supported institutions and recreational camps.
Rapid transit stations (3.13)	Section 3.13. replaces Subsections 3.2.1. and 3.2.2. for stations with its own construction rules: noncombustible construction, 2 h floors underground.
Tents, air-supported structures, signs and rack storage (3.14 to 3.16)	Tents and air-supported structures keep 3 m from property lines and other structures and keep the ground clear of combustibles for 3 m.
Demountable stages and existing buildings (3.17, 3.18)	Section 3.17. applies only above certain sizes: platforms over 60 m² with any part over 3 m high, platforms over 225 m², or anything 5 m or more high.
Four-storey row houses (3.19)	Section 3.19. lets a 4 storey Group C row house be combustible if it meets a tight profile: no more than 1 storey below grade, no occupied roof, 14 m from grade to the top storey…

Portable classrooms and self-service storage (3.9, 3.10)
A single portable classroom is limited to 100 m² of building area and 1 storey.
Public pools and public spas (3.11, 3.12)
Every public pool is designated Class A or Class B. Class A is the general public, publicly supported institutions and recreational camps.
Rapid transit stations (3.13)
Section 3.13. replaces Subsections 3.2.1. and 3.2.2. for stations with its own construction rules: noncombustible construction, 2 h floors underground.
Tents, air-supported structures, signs and rack storage (3.14 to 3.16)
Tents and air-supported structures keep 3 m from property lines and other structures and keep the ground clear of combustibles for 3 m.
Demountable stages and existing buildings (3.17, 3.18)
Section 3.17. applies only above certain sizes: platforms over 60 m² with any part over 3 m high, platforms over 225 m², or anything 5 m or more high.
Four-storey row houses (3.19)
Section 3.19. lets a 4 storey Group C row house be combustible if it meets a tight profile: no more than 1 storey below grade, no occupied roof, 14 m from grade to the top storey…

Usual exam traps

Mixing the 6 m and 1.5 m portable classroom spacings.
Using the tent permit exemption (60 m², Div. C) in place of the Section 3.14. size of 225 m².
Forgetting the sidewall allowance in transit corridor widths.
Treating hotel pools as Class A.

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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.

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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 3.9.3.2. Spatial Separations
(1)The requirements in Subsection 3.2.3. need not be provided between individual portable classrooms where the distance between the classrooms is 6 m or more.
(2)The requirements in Subsection 3.2.3. need not be provided between individual portable classrooms within a group where
(a)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 is not more than six, and
(iii)the distance between groups of classrooms is 12 m or more, or
(b)the portable classrooms are in groups where
(i)the means of egress for each classroom within a group is by a common corridor or passageway,
(ii)the number of portable classrooms in a group is not more than six, and
(iii)the distance between groups of portable classrooms is 12 m or more.
Open OBC Div. B 3.9.3.2. 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 3.9.3.8. Washroom Facilities
(1)Washroom facilities need not be provided in a portable classroom where the facilities in the main school building comply with the requirements of Subsection 3.7.4. for the total occupant load of the main school building and the portable classrooms.
Open OBC Div. B 3.9.3.8. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.9.3.9. Barrier-Free Access
(1)The requirements of Section 3.8. for barrier-free access need not be provided for a portable classroom provided that the main school building complies with the requirements of Section 3.8.
Open OBC Div. B 3.9.3.9. 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 3.10.2.3. 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 3.10.2.4. 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

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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 3.11.4.1. Diving Boards or Platforms
(1)No diving board or diving platform shall be installed in a public pool unless the requirements of Sentences (5) to (17) are met but the requirements for a diving platform do not apply to a starting platform.
(2)No diving board or diving platform shall be installed in a modified pool or a wave action pool.
(3)Where a public pool is equipped with a diving board or a diving platform, the board or platform shall have a non-slip surface.
(4)Where a diving board or a diving platform in a public pool is more than 600 mm above the water surface, the board or platform shall be equipped with one or more adjacent handrails.
(5)Where a public pool is equipped with a diving board or a diving platform not more than 3 m in height above the water surface, the pool shall be designed and constructed in conformance with Sentences (6) to (15).
(6)The depth of water in the area directly below a horizontal semi-circle in front of a diving board or diving platform having a radius of 3 m measured from any point on the front end of the board or platform shall not be less than
(a)2,750 mm, where a board is 600 mm or less in height above the water surface,
(b)3 m, where a board or platform is greater than 600 mm but not more than 1,000 mm in height above the water surface, and
(c)3.65 m, where a board or platform is greater than 1,000 mm but not more than 3 m in height above the water surface.
(7)Except as permitted in Sentence (8), the water depth in a public pool shall be at least 1,350 mm at the horizontal arc having a radius of 9 m measured from any point on the front end of the diving board or diving platform and intersecting the vertical projections of the walls of the pool.
(8)Where a Class B pool is equipped with a diving board 600 mm or less in height above the water
(a)the water depth shall be at least 1,350 mm at the horizontal arc having a radius of 7.5 m measured from any point on the front end of the diving board, and
(b)a warning notice, on which is printed in letters at least 150 mm high, the words DANGER AVOID DEEP OR LONG DIVES, shall be posted in a location clearly visible to divers.
(9)The slope of the bottom of a public pool having a diving board or diving platform shall not change by more than 17% where the water depth is less than the applicable depth set out in Sentence (6) and greater than the depth set out in Sentence (7) or (8), as applicable.
(10)The horizontal distance between the vertical projection of the centre line of a diving board or diving platform and the vertical projection of the centre line of another board or platform shall be at least 2,750 mm.
(11)The horizontal distance between the centre line of a diving board or diving platform and the vertical projection of the closest side or any ledge on the closest side of a public pool shall be at least
(a)3 m, where a diving board or diving platform is 1,000 mm or less in height above the water surface, and
(b)3.6 m, where a diving board or diving platform is greater than 1,000 mm in height above the water surface.
(12)A diving board or a diving platform 600 mm or less in height above the water surface shall project over the water a horizontal distance of at least 900 mm from the vertical projection of a pool wall under it.
(13)A diving board greater than 600 mm in height above the water surface shall project over the water a horizontal distance of at least 1,500 mm from the vertical projection of the pool wall under it.
(14)A diving platform greater than 600 mm in height above the water surface shall project a horizontal distance of at least 1,200 mm from the vertical projection of the pool wall under it.
(15)The space above a diving board or diving platform shall be unobstructed and shall consist of at least
(a)a space having a width of 2,500 mm on each side of the centre line of the board or platform, a length equal to the sum of the horizontal distance the board or platform projects over the water plus 3 m, and a height of,
(i)3.65 m above a diving board 3.65 m or less in length,
(ii)5 m above a diving board greater than 3.65 m in length, or
(iii)3 m above a diving platform, and
(b)the space below the planes originating from the front and sides of the uppermost horizontal plane of the space determined under Clause (a) and sloping downwards at 30° from the horizontal.
(16)A diving board or diving platform greater in height than 3 m above the water surface shall be equipped with a gate, barrier or other device capable of preventing access to the diving board or diving platform.
(17)Where a public pool is to be equipped with diving boards or diving platforms greater than 3 m in height above the water surface, the design of the diving boards or diving platforms and the corresponding water depths and clearances shall be in accordance with FINA, "Rules and Regulations FINA Facilities Rules 2021-2025 FR3 Diving Facilities."
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OBC Div. B 3.11.8.1. Recirculation Systems
(1)Every public pool shall be equipped with a recirculation system.
(2)For the purposes of this Subsection, the water in a public pool and its recirculation system is deemed not to be potable water.
(3)The water in a public pool and its recirculation system shall be separated from the potable water supply and from the sewer or drainage system into which it drains by air gaps or other devices that prevent
(a)the water in the pool or its recirculation system from flowing back into the potable water supply, and
(b)the water in the sewer or drainage system from flowing back into the pool or its recirculation system.
(4)The recirculation system of a public pool shall be designed, constructed and equipped to comply with Sentences (5) to (20).
(5)The recirculation system of a public pool shall be capable of filtering, disinfecting and passing through the pool each day a volume of water of at least
(a)in the case of a Class A pool, other than a modified pool or a wave action pool, six times the total water volume of the pool.
(b)in the case of a Class B pool, other than a wave action pool, four times the total water volume of the pool,
(c)in the case of a modified pool, three times the total water volume of the pool, and
(d)in the case of a wave action pool, six times the total water volume of the pool.
(6)A recirculation system shall be equipped with a flow meter registering the rate of water flow.
(7)All pools shall be provided with automatic make-up water devices and provided with water meters to register the volume of all make-up water added to a public pool or its recirculation system.
(8)Equipment shall be installed to continuously disinfect the water in a public pool by means of
(a)a chlorination or hypochlorination system provided with a chemical controller for regulating the dosage of chlorine and capable of providing not less than,
(i)in the case of an outdoor pool, other than a wave action pool, 300 g of chlorine per day per 10,000 L of total pool capacity,
(ii)in the case of an indoor pool, other than a wave action pool, 200 g of chlorine per day per 10,000 L of total pool capacity,
(iii)in the case of an outdoor wave action pool, 1,200 g of chlorine per day per 10,000 L of total pool capacity, and
(iv)in the case of an indoor wave action pool, 800 g of chlorine per day per 10,000 L of total pool capacity, or
(b)a bromination system capable of maintaining in the pool water a total bromine residual of 3 mg/L.
(9)Chlorination equipment for a public pool shall contain a mechanism whereby the chlorine feed shall automatically terminate whenever the recirculation system ceases to supply clean water to the pool.
(10)All exposed potable water piping and chlorine piping within a public pool water treatment service room shall be colour coded by means of
(a)painting the entire outer surface of the piping, or
(b)coloured bands at least 25 mm in width that are spaced along the piping at intervals of not more than 1,200 mm.
(11)The colour coding referred to in Sentence (10) shall be yellow for chlorine and green for potable water.
(12)Except for a modified pool and wave action pool, a public pool shall be equipped with overflow gutters or surface skimmers connected to the recirculation system that are capable of removing surface film from the surface of the water and withdrawing each day and discharging to the waste drains up to 15% of the total volume of pool water.
(13)A public pool shall be equipped with clean water inlets arranged in conjunction with surface skimmers or overflow gutters to provide uniform distribution and circulation of clean water.
(14)Except as permitted in Sentence (19), all fittings at or below the water surface that allow water and/or air to be passed to or from the public pool shall
(a)have a maximum opening of 7 mm in one direction, and
(b)be securely held in place by corrosion resistance fastening that require a tool for removal and are galvanically compatible with the fittings and grilles or covers.
(15)Except as provided in Sentence 3.11.6.1.(7) for a modified pool, all fittings below the water surface that provide suction or gravity flow in a public pool shall
(a)be provided with a minimum of two suction or gravity outlets interconnected to a full size manifold, and
(b)be separated by a clear distance of not less than 1,200 mm.
(16)Except as provided in Sentence 3.11.6.1.(7) for a modified pool, water in all public pools shall be capable of being emptied through the pool drains in 12 hours or less.
(17)Except as provided in Sentence 3.11.6.1.(7) for a modified pool, openings in suction or gravity fittings shall
(a)be such that the flow of water does not exceed 0.45 m/s and the velocity is calculated assuming all possible sources of suction flow are present at one time, and
(b)be such that every suction fitting located within 1,000 mm of the water surface, except for skimmers and gutter fittings, contain openings with a minimum aggregate area of 0.2 m².
(18)Except for skimmers and gutters, all submerged suction and gravity fittings shall be clearly and permanently marked with a 50 mm wide band in a contrasting colour.
(19)Fittings returning water and/or air to the pool tank that are located within 300 mm of the water surface are permitted to have openings with one dimension more than 7 mm but shall contain no openings more than 25 mm in diameter.
(20)Submerged skimmer equalizer fittings and vacuum fittings are not permitted in public pools.
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OBC Div. B 3.12.2.1. Construction Requirements
(1)In addition to the requirements of this Subsection, public spas shall comply with the requirements of Sentences 3.11.3.1.(13) to (18), (20), (21) and (23) and Clause 3.11.3.1.(25)(a).
(2)A public spa shall be constructed to have a water depth of not more than 1,200 mm.
(3)The slope of the bottom of any portion of a public spa shall not exceed 8%.
(4)A public spa shall be surrounded by a hard-surfaced pool deck that
(a)shall have a minimum clear deck space of not less than 1.8 m at the main entrance point,
(b)shall have a clear deck space of 900 mm on all sides, except as required by Clause (a) and permitted by Sentence (5),
(c)shall be sloped away from the pool to waste drains or to adjacent lower ground at a slope of between 2% and 4%, in the case of an outdoor public spa, and
(d)shall be impervious and sloped away from the pool to waste drains at a slope of between 1% and 4%, in the case of an indoor public spa.
(5)One section of the hard-surfaced pool deck that does not exceed 25% of the perimeter of the public spa may have a minimum clear deck space of not more than 300 mm if
(a)the public spa has an area less than 6 m² , and
(b)the public spa has no interior dimension more than 2.5 m.
(6)The maximum depth of water to a seat or bench in a public spa shall be 600 mm.
(7)If a set of steps is provided for entry into and egress from the public spa water, the steps
(a)shall be equipped with a handrail,
(b)shall have a non-slip surface, and
(c)shall have a band of contrasting colour along the entire juncture of the side and top of the edges.
(8)Every public spa shall be provided with dressing rooms, water closets and shower facilities that are conveniently available on the premises.
(9)Except where no space is provided between ladder treads and the spa wall, the space between the spa 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.
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OBC Div. B 3.12.4.1. Water Circulation Systems
(1)In addition to the requirements of this Subsection, the water circulation system of a public spa shall comply with the requirements of Sentences 3.11.8.1.(2), (3), (6), (7), (9), (10), (11), (13) and (20).
(2)A public spa shall be equipped with a water circulation system that is capable of filtering, disinfecting and passing the public spa water through the public spa with a turnover period of not more than
(a)30 minutes for a public spa with a volume of water that exceeds 6 m²,
(b)20 minutes for a public spa with a volume of water that exceeds 4 m² but does not exceed 6 m², or
(c)15 minutes for a public spa with a volume of water that does not exceed 4 m².
(3)If cartridge-type filters are used for a public spa, the filters shall be a surface-type that is designed for a maximum flow rate of 0.27 L/s/m² effective filter area.
(4)Except as provided in Sentence (6), every circulation system in a public spa shall be served by a minimum of two suction or gravity outlets
(a)that are interconnected to a full-size manifold, and
(b)except as provided in Sentence (5), that are separated by a clear distance of not less than 900 mm.
(5)If compliance with Clause (4)(b) is impracticable because of dimensional restrictions at the bottom of the public spa, the outlets may be located on two different planes of the public spa if
(a)at least one of the outlets through which the public spa can be emptied to a full-size manifold is located on the bottom of the public spa, and
(b)the bottom of all outlets, other than skimmers, are not more than 75 mm from the floor of the public spa.
(6)A circulation system in a factory-built public spa may be served by a built-in suction or gravity outlet with multiple openings that are connected to a full-size manifold.
(7)All fittings at or below the water surface that allow water or air or both to be passed to or from the public spa shall be securely held in place by corrosion resistant fastening that requires a tool for removal and is galvanically compatible with the fittings and grilles or covers.
(8)Except as provided in Sentence (9), all suction or gravity fittings installed at or below the water line of a public spa shall
(a)have a maximum opening of 7 mm in one direction, and
(b)be designed so that the flow of water through the openings does not exceed 0.45 m/s.
(9)Sentence (8) does not apply to suction and gravity outlets that are equipped with anti-entrapment covers that comply with the requirements of ASME A112.19.8, "Suction Fittings for Use in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs."
(10)The calculation of water velocities for the purposes of Clause (8)(b) and Sentences (11) and (12) and the calculation of water flow rates for the purposes of Sentence (9) shall be based on the assumption that all possible sources of suction flow are present at the same time.
(11)The water velocity in a suction pipe shall not exceed 1.8 m/s.
(12)The water velocity in a pressure pipe shall not exceed
(a)3.0 m/s for plastic piping, and
(b)1.8 m/s for copper piping.
(13)Every suction system that serves a public spa shall be equipped with a vacuum relief mechanism that shall include
(a)a vacuum release system,
(b)a vacuum limit system, or
(c)other engineered systems that are designed, constructed and installed to conform to good engineering practice appropriate to the circumstances.
(14)Equipment shall be installed to continuously disinfect the water in a public spa by means of a chlorination, hypochlorination or bromination system that is capable of regulating the dosage of chlorine or bromine.
(15)If a two-speed pump is utilized for a public spa, the filter and heater shall be sized to accommodate the maximum pump output, without exceeding the manufacturer's design flow rate of the filter element or heater and without by-passing the filter element.
(16)A public spa equipped with hydro-massage jet fittings shall be provided with a timing device
(a)that controls the period of operation of the jet pump, and
(b)that is placed in a location where the user must exit the public spa to reset the timer.
(17)A public spa water heater shall be equipped with an upper limit cut-off device,
(a)that is independent of the normal public spa water temperature thermostat, and
(b)that limits the maximum water temperature of the public spa to 40°C.
(18)A public spa shall be equipped with a water circulation system that is capable of both completely and partially draining and refilling the public spa water.
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OBC Div. B 3.12.5.1. Lighting and Emergency Provisions
(1)In addition to the requirements of this Subsection, public spas shall comply with the requirements of Sentences 3.11.10.1.(1) to (6).
(2)An emergency telephone directly connected to an emergency service or to the local telephone utility shall be installed within 30 m of the public spa.
(3)All pumps used in a public spa shall be capable of being deactivated by an emergency stop button that is
(a)clearly labelled, and
(b)located at a point that is
(i)readily accessible to and within sight of persons using the public spa, and
(ii)within 15 m of the public spa.
(4)The emergency stop button required in Sentence (3) shall
(a)be a switch separate from the public spa's timing device,
(b)activate an audible and a visual signal when used, and
(c)have an emergency sign conforming to Sentence 3.11.10.1.(14).
(5)If a public spa and public pool are located in the same room or space, the emergency stop buttons required in Sentences (3) and 3.11.10.1.(12) shall deactivate all pumps serving the public spa and public pool.
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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 3.13.1.2. Definitions
(1)In this Section:
Ancillary space means the rooms or spaces in the station used only by the transit agency to house or contain operating, maintenance or support equipment and functions, but does not include booths and kiosks used by the transit agency or service rooms.
Central supervising station means the operations centre where the transit agency controls and co-ordinates the system-wide movement of passengers and vehicles and from which communication is maintained with supervisory and operating personnel of the transit agency and with participating agencies when required.
Crush load means the total of the seating capacity and the standing capacity of a car where
(a)the seating capacity is the number of seats in a car, and
(b)the standing capacity is 0.2 m² per person for the standing area which is measured 300 mm in front of the seats.
Egress capacity means the number of people able to travel from or through a type of egress facility in a specified period of time.
Entraining load means the number of passengers boarding the train at a station.
Fare paid area means that portion of a rapid transit station to which access is gained by a pass or by paying a fare.
Fare-paid area control means the point where passengers enter or leave the fare paid area.
Link load means the number of passengers on board the train(s) travelling between two stations.
Maximum calculated train load means the crush load per car multiplied by the maximum number of cars per train in the peak period.
Peak direction means, for each route, the direction of train travel having the largest passenger flow volume based on the sum of the incoming link load plus the entraining load per peak hour.
Protected route means that portion of a means of egress that starts at the point where passengers would not be vulnerable to exposure from a train fire and that leads to the exterior of the station or through an exit to an adjacent building.
Public area means the public circulation areas in a rapid transit station providing pedestrian access to and from trains.
Rapid transit station means a building or part thereof used for the purpose of loading and unloading passengers of a rapid transit system but does not include open air shelters at street level.
Rapid transit system means an electrified transportation system, utilizing guidance methods involving positive mechanical contact with the fixed way operating on a right-of-way for the mass movement of passengers.
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OBC Div. B 3.13.3.4. Leased Areas
(1)All leased areas within a rapid transit station shall be
(a)sprinklered, and
(b)separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation of noncombustible construction that is not required to have a fire-resistance rating.
(2)A door acting as a closure in the fire separation in Clause (1)(b) is not required to be equipped with a self-closing device.
(3)Where leased areas are located on opposite sides of a means of egress, the width of the means of egress shall not be reduced to less than 5 m.
(4)Except as provided in Sentence (5), where the leased area on any floor level exceeds 15% of the public area on that level, the public area shall be sprinklered.
(5)In a rapid transit station that is erected entirely above the adjoining finished ground level and is a stand-alone building, where the leased area on any floor level exceeds 20% of the public area on that level, the public area shall be sprinklered.
(6)In determining the leased area in Sentences (4) and (5), it is not necessary to include a leased area that is separated from the public area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than
(a)2 h where the leased area contains a mercantile or medium-hazard industrial occupancy, or
(b)1 h where the leased area contains any other occupancy.
(7)A leased area is permitted on a platform level provided it is
(a)located not less than 5 m from the platform edge,
(b)located not less than 5 m from an egress facility, and
(c)not located in a dead-end portion of the platform.
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OBC Div. B 3.13.4.5. Width of Means of Egress
(1)Except as otherwise required in this Subsection, the required width of means of egress serving platforms in a rapid transit station shall be determined based on
(a)the required egress capacity determined in conformance with Article 3.13.4.4., and
(b)the pedestrian flow rate for the type of means of egress facility listed in Table 3.13.4.5.
(2)In calculating the required width of corridors and ramps with a grade of less than 4%, 300 mm at each sidewall shall be added to the width determined based on required egress capacity.
(3)In calculating the required width of egress routes, one escalator at each level in a rapid transit station is deemed to be out of service and not available for egress purposes.
(4)Except as provided in Sentence (5), the minimum width of means of egress facilities serving platforms shall be
(a)1,750 mm for corridors and ramps,
(b)1,750 mm for stairs,
(c)600 mm nominal width for escalators, and
(d)900 mm for a door leaf.
(5)A second means of egress as required by Sentence 3.13.4.3.(1) is permitted to be not less than 1,100 mm wide.
(6)The minimum width of platforms shall be
(a)3.2 mfor side platforms, and
(b)6.4 m for island platforms.
(7)The minimum unobstructed width of platforms measured from the platform edge shall be 2.5 m.
(8)The minimum clear width for fare collection equipment providing means of egress from public areas in rapid transit stations shall be
(a)420 mm for turnstiles.
(b)455 mm for fare collection gates with a height of 1,000 mm or less, and
(c)530 mm for fare collection gates with a height of more than 1,000 mm.
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OBC Div. B Table 3.13.4.5. Pedestrian Flow Rates
Table 3.13.4.5 — Pedestrian Flow Rates Forming Part of Sentence 3.13.4.5.(1) Type of Egress Facility | Flow Rate, pedestrians per minute | Flow Rate, pedestrians per minute per metre width Platforms | N/A | 80 Corridors | N/A | 80 Doorways | N/A | 80 Gates | N/A | 80 Ramps not more than 4% | N/A | 80 Ramps more than 4% | N/A | 55[1] Stairs | N/A | 55[1] Escalators moving in direction of egress travel, nominal width: 1 200 mm | 100 | N/A Escalators moving in direction of egress travel, nominal width: 800 mm | 80 | N/A Escalators moving in direction of egress travel, nominal width: 600 mm | 60 | N/A Turnstiles, height of bar: not more than 900 mm | 45 | N/A Turnstiles, height of bar: more than 900 mm | 25 | N/A Notes to Table 3.13.4.5.: (1) Flow rate is applied vertically.
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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 3.14.2.3. Spatial Separation
(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (5), air-supported structures shall not be erected closer than 3 m to other structures on the same property or to the property line.
(2)Air-supported structures not occupied by the public need not be separated from one another, and are permitted to be erected closer than 3 m from other structures on the same property where such closer spacing does not create a hazard to the building occupants or the public.
(3)Except as provided in Sentence (4), an air-supported structure is permitted to be attached to another building provided the building to which it is attached
(a)conforms to the requirements of other Parts of this Division based on the total building areas of the air-supported structure and the attached building,
(b)is sprinklered throughout, and
(c)is separated from the air-supported structure by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 h.
(4)An air-supported structure is permitted to be attached to another building provided the building to which it is attached
(a)has a building area not more than 200 m²,
(b)conforms to the requirements of other Parts of the Code based on the building area of the attached building, and
(c)is sprinklered or separated from the air-supported structure by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 h.
(5)Where an air-supported structure is to be constructed in proximity to existing above ground electrical conductors, the air-supported structure shall be constructed in accordance with Article 3.1.20.1.
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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 3.15.4.1. Combustible Sign Faces
(1)Plastic materials used in the construction of sign faces shall
(a)have an average burning rate not greater than
(i)65 mm/min in sheets 1.5 mm thick when tested in accordance with ASTM D635, "Standard Test Method for Rate of Burning and/or Extent and Time of Burning of Plastics in a Horizontal Position", or
(ii)140 mm/min when tested in accordance with ASTM D3801, "Standard Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics of Solid Plastics in a Vertical Position," and
(b)have a measurement of material thickness in accordance with Method B-Machinists' Micrometer Without Ratchet of ASTM D374 / D374 m, "Standard Test Methods for Thickness of Solid Electrical Insulation."
(2)Except as provided in Sentence (3), where the exterior cladding of a wall is required to be noncombustible, a plastic sign face or a group of contiguous plastic sign faces may be placed over such cladding provided each such sign face or group of contiguous sign faces
(a)does not exceed 30% of the wall area of the storey on which it is installed,
(b)does not exceed 15 m² in area or 1,200 mm in height at each storey, and
(c)when located above the first storey, is vertically separated from other plastic sign faces by 1,200 mm of noncombustible construction unless separated by a horizontal noncombustible projection such as a canopy, extending the full width of, and projecting at least 900 mm beyond the exterior sign face.
(3)Where a plastic exterior sign is mounted as a face on a metal sign box that is at least 200 mm in depth, the requirements of Sentence (2) need not apply provided the sign box is mounted on a noncombustible exterior wall.
(4)Notwithstanding the requirements of Sentence (5), the plastic portion of an interior sign placed over or forming part of an interior wall surface in corridors, covered or enclosed walkways at or above grade in buildings shall
(a)not exceed 15% of the wall area in, or over which it may be installed,
(b)be supported by a device that will not detrimentally affect the fire-resistance rating of the interior wall to which it is attached or of which it may form a part, and encase the edges of the plastic sign face in metal,
(c)not be positioned or sized in such a manner that it is less than 600 mm from the vertical line separating two adjacent premises,
(d)be placed so that there is at least 600 mm vertical separation of noncombustible material between the top of the plastic sign surface and the ceiling surface,
(e)be permitted to have an increase of 100% in area required in Clause (a) and a decrease of 50% of the separation distances required in Clauses (c) and (d) if the area is sprinklered, and
(f)have a flame-spreading rating not more than 250.
(5)Signs in exits and underground walkways shall have a flame-spread rating not more than 25.
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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 3.16.1.7. Exits and Means of Egress
(1)Except as permitted in Sentences (2) and (3), every walkway or platform level shall be provided with no fewer than two exits conforming to Section 3.4.
(2)An access to exit from an elevated platform level may be provided by means of open unenclosed stairs serving
(a)not more than four platform levels, the highest of which shall be not more than 12 m above the main floor, where the shelf and rack storage system is intended for the storage of Class I, II, III and IV commodities, as defined in NFPA 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems," and
(b)not more than two platform levels, where the shelf and rack storage system is intended for the storage of Group A, B and C plastics and rubber tires, as defined in NFPA 13, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems."
(3)Any single platform or walkway in a shelf and rack storage system may be served by a single unenclosed stair leading to the platform or walkway level immediately below provided
(a)the platform or walkway does not exceed 200 m² in area,
(b)the travel distance on the platform or walkway to the level below, including the travel distance along the single unenclosed egress stair, does not exceed 25 m, and
(c)the platform or walkway below is provided with two separate egress stairs or exits.
(4)The maximum travel distance on an elevated platform to the ground floor level, including the travel distance along unenclosed stairs, shall not exceed 45 m.
(5)The maximum travel distance on an elevated platform to an exit serving that platform shall not exceed 45 m.
(6)Except as permitted in Sentence (7), the maximum travel distance from the bottom of an unenclosed stair to an exit along a main aisle on the ground floor level shall not exceed 45 m.
(7)Where the travel distance in Sentence (6) exceeds 45 m
(a)an egress system serving the shelf and rack storage system shall be designed on the basis of a time-based egress analysis using the following criteria:
(i)occupant egress speed of 1 m/sec shall be used for horizontal egress routes within the shelf and rack storage system,
(ii)occupant egress speed of 0.6 m/sec shall be used for vertical egress routes within the shelf and rack storage system, measured on the diagonal along the nosing of the stairs,
(iii)occupant egress speed of 1.3 m/sec shall be used for horizontal egress routes along a main aisle on the ground floor level,
(iv)each lift-gate shall be accorded an egress time of 10 seconds,
(v)each at-level conveyor cross-over shall be accorded a time of 5 seconds, and
(vi)a safety factor of 1.5 shall be used in calculating the total egress time,
(b)the total egress time shall be calculated using the following formula:
Total Egress Time = ( H_p + V_p / 0.6 + H_m / 1.3 + 10N_lg + 5N_lc ) · 1.5 (in seconds)
where:
H_p = horizontal travel distance on the shelf and rack storage system, in metres,
V_p = vertical travel distance on the shelf and rack storage system, in metres,
H_m = horizontal travel distance on the main floor, in metres,
N_lg = number of lift gates in the means of egress,
N_lc = number of at-level cross overs in the means of egress,
(c)the total egress time from any point in the shelf and rack storage system shall be a maximum of 4 minutes,
(d)a fire alarm and detection system conforming to Subsection 3.2.4. shall be installed in the building,
(e)smoke detectors shall be provided under all solid decking and walkways,
(f)clearly identified and easily accessible pull stations shall be provided at egress stairs, conveyor cross-overs or lift-gates located along egress paths, and
(g)the occupant load on each level of the shelf and rack storage system shall not exceed 10 persons per egress stair. (See Note A-3.16.1.7.(7))
(8)A dead-end aisle shall not exceed 9 m where the platform or walkway is provided with two or more egress facilities.
(9)An aisle serving a shelf and rack storage system shall have a clear-aisle width of not less than 760 mm.
(10)Conveyors, trolleys, tracks or any other similar mode of product transportation within the aisle or walkway shall not reduce the clear-aisle width required in Sentence (9).
(11)Where exits are provided to comply with Sentence 3.4.2.5.(2), main aisles serving the shelf and rack storage system on the ground floor, leading from egress stairs directly to an exit, shall be clearly demarcated and have a minimum unobstructed, clear-aisle width of 2.4 m.
(12)Where a lift-gate is incorporated along an egress route,
(a)a maximum of two lift-gates may be within a single egress route,
(b)each lift-gate shall be equipped with a positive lock when open, and
(c)it shall be designed to automatically stop the conveyor belt that it serves when the lift-gate is open.
(13)Where an at-level conveyor cross-over is incorporated along an egress route,
(a)not more than two at-level conveyor cross-overs shall be within a single egress route,
(b)handrails spaced not more than 1 m apart and parallel to the direction of egress shall be provided on both sides of the at-level cross-over,
(c)flat, metal inserts shall be placed between each roller over the required egress width at each at-level conveyor cross-over to provide a walking surface,
(d)at least two inserts not less than 100 mm wide shall be arranged symmetrically between the handrails serving the at-level cross-over,
(e)inserts shall be sized to support loads specified in Part 4,
(f)a clearly identified and easily accessible switch that will stop the conveyor shall be located at each at-level cross-over, and
(g)stairs approaching at-level conveyor cross-overs shall be marked to indicate that they are readily identifiable as part of the egress route.
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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 3.17.2.3. 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 3.18.2.2. 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 3.19.5.1. 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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