Last updated
Values this chapter turns on
- building area above which Part 2 farm rules apply
- 600 m²
- building area above which Part 2 farm rules apply
- height limit for a small farm building
- 3 storeys
- height limit for a small farm building
- per person, the Group G occupant load test
- 40 m²
- per person, the Group G occupant load test
- minimum thickness of soil, as Part 8 defines it
- 100 mm
- minimum thickness of soil, as Part 8 defines it
This section of the syllabus is a grab bag of short Division A and B provisions that a plans reviewer meets on almost every file: how referenced documents apply, how farm buildings are scoped, special radon and flood plain rules, window and door standards, two Part-specific definitions, and a few Part 9 scope items. Questions here are usually direct lookups. The skill being tested is knowing where to find each item fast. As with all Building Code material, this chapter paraphrases the Code and cites article numbers.
Referenced documents (Division A 1.5)
| Article | Rule in our words |
|---|---|
| A 1.5.1.1.OBC Div. A 1.5.1.1. Application of Referenced Documents(1) The provisions of documents referenced in this Code, and of any documents referenced within those documents, apply only to the extent that they relate to (a) buildings, and (b) the objectives and functional statements attributed to the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B where the documents are… | A referenced document (and documents it references) applies only so far as it relates to buildings and to the objectives and functional statements of the acceptable solutions where it is referenced |
| A 1.5.1.2.OBC Div. A 1.5.1.2. Conflicting Requirements(1) In case of conflict between the provisions of this Code and those of a referenced document, the provisions of this Code shall govern. | If the Code and a referenced document conflict, the Code governs |
| A 1.5.1.3.OBC Div. A 1.5.1.3. Applicable Editions(1) Where documents are referenced in this Code, they shall be the editions designated in Subsection 1.3.1. of Division B. | The edition that applies is the one designated in Division B Subsection 1.3.1. |
| A 1.5.2.1.OBC Div. A 1.5.2.1. Abbreviations of Proper Names(1) The abbreviations of proper names in this Code shall have the meanings assigned to them in Article 1.3.2.1. of Division B. | Abbreviations of proper names have the meanings in Division B Article 1.3.2.1. |
An RCA reviewing an alternative solution that leans on a newer edition of a standard should remember 1.5.1.3.: the designated edition is the one that counts for compliance.
Farm buildings (Division B 2.1)
A "farm building" is a building or part of one containing an agricultural occupancy (A 1.4.1.2.OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Farm buildingFarm building means a building or part thereof that contains an agricultural occupancy. (See Note A-1.4.1.2.(1))). Part 2 deals with the fire, structural and HVAC performance of farm buildings and with processes creating explosion or high flammability hazards (B 2.1.1.1.OBC Div. B 2.1.1.1. Scope(1) This Part is concerned with the fire, structural, heating, ventilating and air-conditioning performance of farm buildings, as well as processes and operations carried out therein that involve a risk of explosion, high flammability or related conditions that create a hazard to life safety. (See Note A-2.1.1.1.(1))).
| Farm building | Rule |
|---|---|
| Group G, Division 1, 2 or 3, more than 600 m² building area or more than 3 storeys | Part 2 applies (B 2.1.2.1.OBC Div. B 2.1.2.1. Application(1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), this Part applies to all farm buildings (a) that are (i) more than 600 m² in building area or more than 3 storeys in building height used for major occupancies classified as Group G, Division 1, 2 or 3 agricultural occupancies, or (ii) used for major occupancies…) |
| Group G, Division 4 (no human occupants) | Part 2 applies, except Subsections 2.2.6. and 2.2.7. |
| Group G, Division 1, 2 or 3, not more than 3 storeys and not more than 600 m² | Small farm building: National Farm Building Code of Canada with Ontario modifications (B 2.1.2.3.OBC Div. B 2.1.2.3. Small Farm Buildings(1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (6), farm buildings not more than 3 storeys in building height and not more than 600 m² in building area used for major occupancies classified as Group G, Division 1, 2, or 3 agricultural occupancies shall conform to the requirements in the CCBFC NRCC 38732 National Farm…) |
| Agricultural occupancy with occupant load of not more than one person per 40 m² | Classified in Group G |
| Agricultural occupancy with more than one person per 40 m² | Classified under the Part 3 occupancy table instead (B 2.1.2.2.OBC Div. B 2.1.2.2. Classification of Buildings Containing agricultural occupancies(1) Buildings or parts of buildings containing an agricultural occupancy that has an occupant load of not more than one person per 40 m² shall be classified according to their major occupancy as belonging to Group G, Division 1, 2, 3 or 4. (2) Buildings or parts of buildings containing an agricultural occupancy that…) |
Every farm building is classified by major occupancy into a Group G division per Table 2.1.4.1. (B 2.1.4.1.OBC Div. B 2.1.4.1. Classification(1) Every farm building or part of a farm building shall be classified according to its major occupancy as belonging to one of the Divisions of Group G described in Table 2.1.4.1. (See Note A-2.1.4.1.(1)) (See also Note A-2.2.8.3.)). A small low human occupancy farm building can be deemed to meet structural requirements by following Supplementary Standard SB-11.
Radon and flood plains (Division B 3.1.1.5. and 3.1.1.6.)
B 3.1.1.5.OBC Div. B 3.1.1.5. Radon(1) In addition to all other requirements, a building in the following designated areas shall be designed and constructed so that the annual average concentration of radon 222 does not exceed 200 Bq/m² of air and the annual average concentration of the short lived daughters of radon 222 does not exceed 0.02 working… (and its Part 9 twin, 9.1.1.7.) applies extra design limits on radon 222 and its short lived daughters in three designated areas only: the City of Elliot Lake, the Township of Faraday (Hastings) and the geographic Township of Hyman (Sudbury). The limits are 200 Bq per cubic metre of air annual average, and 0.02 working levels for the daughters.
B 3.1.1.6.OBC Div. B 3.1.1.6. Building in Flood Plains(1) Buildings constructed on flood plains shall (a) be designed and constructed in accordance with good engineering practice to withstand anticipated vertical and horizontal hydrostatic pressures acting on the structure, and (b) incorporate floodproofing measures that will preserve the integrity of exits and means of… (twin 9.1.1.8.): buildings on flood plains must be designed by good engineering practice to resist anticipated vertical and horizontal hydrostatic pressures, and must include floodproofing that keeps exits and means of egress intact during flooding.
Environmental separation standards (Division B 5.9)
B 5.9.1.1.OBC Div. B 5.9.1.1. Compliance with Applicable Standards(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2) and elsewhere in this Part, materials and components, and their installation, shall conform to the requirements of the applicable standards in Table 5.9.1.1. where those materials or components are (a) incorporated into environmental separators or assemblies exposed to the…: materials and components in environmental separators or assemblies exposed to the exterior, installed to meet Part 5, must conform to the standards in Table 5.9.1.1. Flame-spread ratings in thermal insulation standards apply only as Part 3 requires.
B 5.9.2.2.OBC Div. B 5.9.2.2. Applicable Standards(1) Windows, doors and skylights shall conform to the requirements in (a) AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, "North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights" (Harmonized Standard), and (b) CSA A440S1, "Canadian Supplement to AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-17, North American Fenestration…: windows, doors and skylights conform to the North American Fenestration Standard (the "Harmonized Standard") and the Canadian Supplement, CSA A440S1. Performance grades are selected per the Canadian Supplement for the conditions and location, and the products must meet them when tested to the Harmonized Standard.
Part-specific definitions (Division B 7.1.1A. and 8.1.1.2.)
| Part | Term | Gist |
|---|---|---|
| Part 7 Plumbing (B 7.1.1A.1.OBC Div. B 7.1.1A.1. Definitions(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), words that appear in italics are defined in Article 1.4.1.2. of Division A and in the Building Code Act, 1992. (2) In this Part, Storey means the interval between two successive floor levels including mezzanine floors that contain plumbing fixtures or between a floor level and…) | Storey | The interval between two successive floor levels, including mezzanine floors that contain plumbing fixtures, or between a floor level and the roof |
| Part 8 Sewage (B 8.1.1.2.OBC Div. B 8.1.1.2. Definitions(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), words that appear in italics are defined in Article 1.4.1.2. of Division A and in the Building Code Act, 1992. (2) In this Part, Soil means in-situ, naturally occurring, unconsolidated mineral or organic material, at the earth's surface that is at least 100 mm thick and capable…) | Soil | Natural, unconsolidated mineral or organic material at the surface, at least 100 mm thick and able to support plant growth; excludes displaced material such as gravel dumps and mine spoils |
Part 9 application items (Division B 9.1, 9.10.1.1., 9.10.9.14.)
- B 9.1.1.1.OBC Div. B 9.1.1.1. Application(1) The application of this Part shall be as described in Subsection 1.3.3. of Division A.: Part 9 applies as described in Division A Subsection 1.3.3.
- Section 9.1 points Part 9 buildings to Part 3 rules for signs (3.15), self-service storage (3.10), tents and air-supported structures (3.14), overhead electrical conductors (3.1.20), food premises (3.7.6), public pools and spas (3.11, 3.12) and shelf and rack storage (3.16). Manufactured buildings are deemed to comply if built to CSA Z240.2.1 (sections not wider than 4.88 m) or CSA A277, with site work still subject to the Code.
- B 9.10.1.1.OBC Div. B 9.10.1.1. Sloped Roofs(1) For the purposes of this Section, roofs with slopes of 60° or more to the horizontal and that are adjacent to a room or space intended for occupancy shall be considered as a wall.: for Section 9.10., a roof sloped at 60° or more to the horizontal that is next to an occupied room or space is treated as a wall.
- B 9.10.9.14.OBC Div. B 9.10.9.14. Residential Suites in Industrial Buildings(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), not more than one suite of residential occupancy shall be contained within a building classified as a Group F, Division 2 major occupancy. (2) Except where a Group F Division 2 major occupancy is directly related to live/work units, not more than one suite of residential…: a building classified as Group F, Division 2 may contain not more than one suite of residential occupancy, unless the F-2 occupancy is directly related to live/work units.
Worked scenarios
Scenario 1. An RCA reviews a 900 m² Group G, Division 2 livestock barn. It exceeds 600 m², so Part 2 applies directly rather than the small farm building route.
Scenario 2. A plans reviewer sees a new house in the Township of Faraday. Radon design limits under 9.1.1.7. apply.
Scenario 3. A Part 9 house has a mansard roof at 70° beside a bedroom. For spatial separation and fire protection under Section 9.10., treat it as a wall.
Common traps
- Assuming radon rules apply province-wide. Only three named areas.
- Using the general Division A definition of "storey" in Part 7 or "soil" in Part 8.
- Thinking a referenced standard overrides the Code where they conflict. The Code governs.
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.
- Referenced documents (Division A 1.5)
An RCA reviewing an alternative solution that leans on a newer edition of a standard should remember 1.5.1.3.: the designated edition is the one that counts for compliance.
- Farm buildings (Division B 2.1)
A "farm building" is a building or part of one containing an agricultural occupancy.
Usual exam traps
- Assuming radon rules apply province-wide. Only three named areas.
- Using the general Division A definition of "storey" in Part 7 or "soil" in Part 8.
- Thinking a referenced standard overrides the Code where they conflict. The Code governs.
Practice this chapter
Questions on Code structure and scope items from Divisions A and B, in the exam format, every answer explained and cited to its article. Sign in to start; a free account gets the free questions.
Code cited in this chapter
Based on the official 2024 Building Code Compendium on ontario.ca.
© King's Printer for Ontario, 2024. Reproduced with permission.
OBC Div. A 1.5.1.1. Application of Referenced Documents
Open OBC Div. A 1.5.1.1. in the code viewer(1)The provisions of documents referenced in this Code, and of any documents referenced within those documents, apply only to the extent that they relate to
(a)buildings, and
(b)the objectives and functional statements attributed to the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B where the documents are referenced. (See Note A-1.5.1.1.(1))
OBC Div. A 1.5.1.2. Conflicting Requirements
Open OBC Div. A 1.5.1.2. in the code viewer(1)In case of conflict between the provisions of this Code and those of a referenced document, the provisions of this Code shall govern.
OBC Div. A 1.5.1.3. Applicable Editions
Open OBC Div. A 1.5.1.3. in the code viewer(1)Where documents are referenced in this Code, they shall be the editions designated in Subsection 1.3.1. of Division B.
OBC Div. A 1.5.2.1. Abbreviations of Proper Names
Open OBC Div. A 1.5.2.1. in the code viewer(1)The abbreviations of proper names in this Code shall have the meanings assigned to them in Article 1.3.2.1. of Division B.
OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) Farm building
Open OBC Div. A 1.4.1.2.(1) in the code viewerFarm building means a building or part thereof that contains an agricultural occupancy. (See Note A-1.4.1.2.(1))
OBC Div. B 2.1.1.1. Scope
Open OBC Div. B 2.1.1.1. in the code viewer(1)This Part is concerned with the fire, structural, heating, ventilating and air-conditioning performance of farm buildings, as well as processes and operations carried out therein that involve a risk of explosion, high flammability or related conditions that create a hazard to life safety. (See Note A-2.1.1.1.(1))
OBC Div. B 2.1.2.1. Application
Open OBC Div. B 2.1.2.1. in the code viewer(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), this Part applies to all farm buildings
(a)that are
(i)more than 600 m² in building area or more than 3 storeys in building height used for major occupancies classified as Group G, Division 1, 2 or 3 agricultural occupancies, or
(ii)used for major occupancies classified as Group G, Division 4, with no human occupantsagricultural occupancies, and
(b)described in Sentence 2.1.2.2.(1).
(2)Subsections 2.2.6. and 2.2.7. do not apply to Group G, Division 4 major occupancies.
(3)farm buildings not described in Sentence (1) shall conform to the requirements of Article 2.1.2.3.
OBC Div. B 2.1.2.3. Small Farm Buildings
Open OBC Div. B 2.1.2.3. in the code viewer(1)Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (6), farm buildings not more than 3 storeys in building height and not more than 600 m² in building area used for major occupancies classified as Group G, Division 1, 2, or 3 agricultural occupancies shall conform to the requirements in the CCBFC NRCC 38732 National Farm Building Code of Canada.
(2)Articles 1.1.1.2. and 3.1.8.1. and Subsections 3.1.4. and 4.1.4. in the CCBFC NRCC 38732 National Farm Building Code of Canada do not apply to farm buildings.
(3)Except as provided in Sentence (4), in the CCBFC NRCC 38732 National Farm Building Code of Canada, references in Articles 1.1.1.3., 2.2.2.1., 2.2.2.2., 2.3.1.1., 2.3.2.1., 3.1.1.1., 3.1.1.2., 3.1.2.1. and 3.1.6.1. to the CCBFC NRCC 38726 National Building Code of Canada, are deemed to be references to Ontario Regulation 403/97 (Building Code), as it read on December 30, 2006.
(4)The climatic values required for the design of farm buildings shall be in conformance with the climatic values provided in MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-1, Climatic and Seismic Data.
(5)A farm building of low human occupancy having a building area not exceeding 600 m² and not more than three storeys in building height is deemed to comply with the structural requirements of CCBFC NRCC 38732 National Building Code of Canada, if it is designed and constructed in conformance with MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-11, Construction of Farm Buildings.
(6)Where a floor area or portion of a floor area within a farm building is intended to contain a hazardous extraction operation involving cannabis, the floor area or portion of the floor area shall conform to the requirements of Article 2.2.8.9.
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OBC Div. B 2.1.2.2. Classification of Buildings Containing agricultural occupancies
Open OBC Div. B 2.1.2.2. in the code viewer(1)Buildings or parts of buildings containing an agricultural occupancy that has an occupant load of not more than one person per 40 m² shall be classified according to their major occupancy as belonging to Group G, Division 1, 2, 3 or 4.
(2)Buildings or parts of buildings containing an agricultural occupancy that has an occupant load of more than one person per 40 m² shall be classified according to their major occupancy as belonging to one of the Groups and Divisions listed in Table 3.1.2.1. of Division B.
(3)For the purposes of Sentences (1) and (2), the occupant load shall be determined based on the floor area or the part of the floor area that contains the agricultural occupancy.
(4)A building intended for use by more than one major occupancy shall be classified according to all the major occupancies for which it is used or intended to be used.
OBC Div. B 2.1.4.1. Classification
Open OBC Div. B 2.1.4.1. in the code viewer(1)Every farm building or part of a farm building shall be classified according to its major occupancy as belonging to one of the Divisions of Group G described in Table 2.1.4.1. (See Note A-2.1.4.1.(1)) (See also Note A-2.2.8.3.)
OBC Div. B 3.1.1.5. Radon
Open OBC Div. B 3.1.1.5. in the code viewer(1)In addition to all other requirements, a building in the following designated areas shall be designed and constructed so that the annual average concentration of radon 222 does not exceed 200 Bq/m² of air and the annual average concentration of the short lived daughters of radon 222 does not exceed 0.02 working levels inside the building:
(a)the City of Elliot Lake in the Territorial District of Algoma,
(b)the Township of Faraday in the County of Hastings, and
(c)the geographic Township of Hyman in the Territorial District of Sudbury.
OBC Div. B 3.1.1.6. Building in Flood Plains
Open OBC Div. B 3.1.1.6. in the code viewer(1)Buildings constructed on flood plains shall
(a)be designed and constructed in accordance with good engineering practice to withstand anticipated vertical and horizontal hydrostatic pressures acting on the structure, and
(b)incorporate floodproofing measures that will preserve the integrity of exits and means of egress during times of flooding.
OBC Div. B 5.9.1.1. Compliance with Applicable Standards
Open OBC Div. B 5.9.1.1. in the code viewer(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2) and elsewhere in this Part, materials and components, and their installation, shall conform to the requirements of the applicable standards in Table 5.9.1.1. where those materials or components are
(a)incorporated into environmental separators or assemblies exposed to the exterior, and
(b)installed to fulfill the requirements of this Part. (See Note A-5.9.1.1.(1))
(2)The requirements for flame-spread ratings contained in thermal insulation standards shall be applied only as required in Part 3.
OBC Div. B 5.9.2.2. Applicable Standards
Open OBC Div. B 5.9.2.2. in the code viewer(1)Windows, doors and skylights shall conform to the requirements in
(a)AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, "North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights" (Harmonized Standard), and
(b)CSA A440S1, "Canadian Supplement to AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-17, North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for windows, doors, and skylights."
(2)Performance grades for windows, doors and skylights shall be selected according to the Canadian Supplement referenced in Clause (1)(b) so as to be appropriate for the conditions and geographic location in which the window, door or skylight will be installed.
(3)Windows, doors and skylights shall conform to the performance grades selected in Sentence (2) when tested in accordance with the Harmonized Standard referenced in Clause (1)(a).
OBC Div. B 7.1.1A.1. Definitions
Open OBC Div. B 7.1.1A.1. in the code viewer(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), words that appear in italics are defined in Article 1.4.1.2. of Division A and in the Building Code Act, 1992.
(2)In this Part,
Storey means the interval between two successive floor levels including mezzanine floors that contain plumbing fixtures or between a floor level and roof.
OBC Div. B 8.1.1.2. Definitions
Open OBC Div. B 8.1.1.2. in the code viewer(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), words that appear in italics are defined in Article 1.4.1.2. of Division A and in the Building Code Act, 1992.
(2)In this Part,
Soil means in-situ, naturally occurring, unconsolidated mineral or organic material, at the earth's surface that is at least 100 mm thick and capable of supporting plant growth, and includes material compacted or cemented by soil forming processes, but does not include displaced materials such as gravel dumps, mine spoils, or like deposits.
OBC Div. B 9.1.1.1. Application
Open OBC Div. B 9.1.1.1. in the code viewer(1)The application of this Part shall be as described in Subsection 1.3.3. of Division A.
OBC Div. B 9.10.1.1. Sloped Roofs
Open OBC Div. B 9.10.1.1. in the code viewer(1)For the purposes of this Section, roofs with slopes of 60° or more to the horizontal and that are adjacent to a room or space intended for occupancy shall be considered as a wall.
OBC Div. B 9.10.9.14. Residential Suites in Industrial Buildings
Open OBC Div. B 9.10.9.14. in the code viewer(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), not more than one suite of residential occupancy shall be contained within a building classified as a Group F, Division 2 major occupancy.
(2)Except where a Group F Division 2 major occupancy is directly related to live/work units, not more than one suite of residential occupancy shall be contained within a building classified as Group F, Division 2 major occupancy.