Plumbing facilities, health care, food premises and barrier-free design (Small Buildings)

Last updated October 22, 2026

Values this chapter turns on

per person for Group D fixture counts: 14 m²; per person for Group D fixture counts
minimum barrier-free path clear width: 1,100 mm; minimum barrier-free path clear width
door clear width in a barrier-free path: 850 mm; door clear width in a barrier-free path
maximum barrier-free ramp gradient: 1 in 12; maximum barrier-free ramp gradient

This chapter covers the Part 3 health requirements that the Small Buildings syllabus pulls in: how many toilets and sinks a building needs (Subsection 3.7.4.), health care facility systems (3.7.5.), food premises (3.7.6.), and all of Section 3.8. on barrier-free design. Two fixture articles are left out of this exam: the assembly occupancy tables in 3.7.4.3. and the care and detention rules in 3.7.4.4. Expect counting questions, "is a barrier-free path required here?" questions, and dimension lookups.

Plumbing facilities and fixture counts

A building on a lot that fronts a street with a public water main must have a plumbing system with potable water, sanitary drainage and fixtures. Where there is no water supply, privies or chemical closets may be used instead (OBC Div. B 3.7.4.1.).

The count starts with the occupant load from Subsection 3.1.17., with one change: for a Group D (business and personal services) occupancy the Code uses 14 m² per person for fixture purposes (OBC Div. B 3.7.4.2.(1)). Unless you can predict the mix, assume the load is split evenly between males and females.

Other rules in 3.7.4.2. that are often tested:

Rule	Value
Urinals counted as male water closets (most occupancies)	up to two-thirds of the required male water closets
Urinals in hospitals and long-term care homes	up to one-fifth
Only two male water closets required	one may be a urinal
Lavatories	one for a room with 1 or 2 water closets or urinals, plus one for each additional 2
Wash fountain equivalence	each 500 mm of trough length or circumference counts as one lavatory
Metered faucet run time	at least 10 s

Each occupancy then has its own table. Residential (other than dwelling units), business, mercantile employee and industrial tables all use the same steps: 1 fixture per sex up to 9 persons, 2 for 10 to 24, 3 for 25 to 49, 4 for 50 to 74, 5 for 75 to 100, then more for each 30 persons over 100 (OBC Div. B 3.7.4.7., 3.7.4.8., 3.7.4.9.). The industrial table counts water closets and lavatories together.

Single shared toilets are allowed in small cases: a Group D occupancy with an occupant load of 10 or fewer; a Group E occupancy with 9 or fewer persons or not more than 300 m² (basements excluded); a Group F occupancy with 10 or fewer persons or not more than 300 m². Mercantile public toilets are 1 per 300 males and 1 per 150 females, but a store of not more than 600 m² needs no more than one per sex.

A dwelling unit with piped water needs a kitchen sink, lavatory, water closet (or drainless composting water closet) and a bathtub or shower (OBC Div. B 3.7.4.5.). Other details: 380 mm clear in front of a water closet outside dwelling units (3.7.4.14.), impervious finishes 900 mm around urinals and water closets (3.7.4.11.), a floor drain in a public washroom with a urinal or an auto-flush water closet (3.7.4.12.), and drinking water within 100 m of work areas (3.7.4.17.).

Practice this topic

Health care facilities and food premises

Subsection 3.7.5. is short. Electrical systems in anaesthetizing locations and medical gas piping must follow named standards, and every x-ray installation must be shielded to protect people inside and outside the building (OBC Div. B 3.7.5.3.). Exam questions here ask which item is covered, not the content of the standards.

Subsection 3.7.6. applies to all food premises (OBC Div. B 3.7.6.1.). Key points:

Floors where food is handled, utensils are washed or toilets are located must be tight, smooth and non-absorbent, but carpet is allowed where food is served (3.7.6.2.).
A room with a water closet must not open directly into a food area, and the public must not have to walk through food preparation to reach it. A restaurant's washrooms may be outside the restaurant if they are in the same building and the travel distance is not more than 45 m (3.7.6.3.).
Each preparation area needs a separate handwashing lavatory for employees. A small retail food premises with an eating area of not more than 56 m² that sells only certain items (sealed cold drinks, hot beverages, popcorn and similar) is exempt (3.7.6.4.).
A room with sanitary units for employees must be at least 2.3 m² (3.7.6.6.), and sleeping quarters cannot open directly into a food room.

Practice this topic

Barrier-free design: where it is required

Section 3.8. applies to all buildings except houses (detached, semi, duplex, triplex, row house and similar), boarding houses with fewer than 8 roomers, Group F, Division 1 buildings, buildings not occupied daily (such as pumphouses), and camps for housing of workers (OBC Div. B 3.8.1.1.).

All pedestrian entrances to a barrier-free storey must be barrier-free, except service entrances (3.8.1.2.). A barrier-free path of travel needs at least 1,100 mm clear width, with a 1,800 mm by 1,800 mm passing space at least every 30 m where the path is narrower than 1,600 mm (3.8.1.3.). Level changes up to 13 mm may be bevelled at 1 in 2; anything higher needs a slope or ramp.

The path must run throughout the entrance storey and within all normally occupied floor areas (OBC Div. B 3.8.2.1.). The big small-building exemption: it need not extend to floor areas of Group C or D in a building of not more than 3 storeys and not more than 600 m² building area. Other exemptions include service rooms, crawl spaces, high-hazard industrial areas and, in buildings of not more than 2 storeys, the level above or below the entrance unless that level is 600 m² or more, is served by an elevator or similar device, holds facilities integral to the entrance level, or has an assembly occupancy over 100 m².

In a Group C apartment building, at least 15% of suites need a barrier-free path from the suite door to a bedroom, a bathroom, the kitchen and the living space. Hotels need at least 10% of suites barrier-free, capped at 20 suites (3.8.2.4.).

Universal washrooms per building are set by storeys: 1 for 1 to 3 storeys, 2 for 4 to 6 (Table 3.8.2.3.-A). In a washroom on a barrier-free storey, the number of barrier-free stalls depends on the water closets in that room (Table 3.8.2.3.-B).

Practice this topic

Barrier-free design standards

Section 3.8.3. gives the dimensions. The numbers questions most often turn on:

Element	Key value	Article
Door clear width in a barrier-free path	850 mm	3.8.3.3.(1)
Opening force, interior / exterior door	22 N / 38 N	3.8.3.3.(7)
Ramp maximum gradient	1 in 12	3.8.3.4.(1)
Ramp landings	1,700 mm by 1,700 mm, at most every 9 m	3.8.3.4.(1)
Exterior walk maximum gradient before it is a ramp	1 in 20	3.8.3.2.(1)
Universal washroom turning circle	1,700 mm	3.8.3.12.(1)
Barrier-free stall turning circle	1,500 mm	3.8.3.8.(1)
Water closet seat height	430 to 485 mm	3.8.3.9.(1)
Grab bar load	1.3 kN	3.8.3.8.(7)

Power door operators are needed on doors through a barrier-free entrance, on the vestibule door into the floor area, and on doors to a public washroom required to be barrier-free (OBC Div. B 3.8.3.3.). A universal washroom also needs a power door operator, an emergency call system and a clear space for an adult-size change table. Only the change table space has a relief: it is not needed in certain small suites under 300 m², or where another universal washroom is on the same floor within 45 m (3.8.3.12.). Barrier-free shower counts are in Table 3.8.3.13.. Signs at doors must give the same information in visual and tactile form (3.8.3.1.).

Practice this topic

Common traps

Using the Part 3 occupant load directly for an office's fixtures. For Group D fixtures, use 14 m² per person.
Applying the 3.7.4.3. assembly tables. They are excluded from this exam, but restaurants classed as mercantile still point there.
Forgetting that the 600 m² barrier-free exemption covers only Group C and D floor areas, never the entrance storey.
Confusing the 1,500 mm stall turning space with the 1,700 mm universal washroom space.
Treating a triplex or a boarding house with 7 roomers as needing barrier-free design. Both are exempt.

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
Plumbing facilities and fixture counts	A building on a lot that fronts a street with a public water main must have a plumbing system with potable water, sanitary drainage and fixtures.
Health care facilities and food premises	Subsection 3.7.6. applies to all food premises.
Barrier-free design: where it is required	Section 3.8. applies to all buildings except houses (detached, semi, duplex, triplex, row house and similar), boarding houses with fewer than 8 roomers, Group F, Division 1…
Barrier-free design standards	Section 3.8.3. gives the dimensions.

Plumbing facilities and fixture counts
A building on a lot that fronts a street with a public water main must have a plumbing system with potable water, sanitary drainage and fixtures.
Health care facilities and food premises
Subsection 3.7.6. applies to all food premises.
Barrier-free design: where it is required
Section 3.8. applies to all buildings except houses (detached, semi, duplex, triplex, row house and similar), boarding houses with fewer than 8 roomers, Group F, Division 1…
Barrier-free design standards
Section 3.8.3. gives the dimensions.

Usual exam traps

Using the Part 3 occupant load directly for an office's fixtures. For Group D fixtures, use 14 m² per person.
Applying the 3.7.4.3. assembly tables. They are excluded from this exam, but restaurants classed as mercantile still point there.
Forgetting that the 600 m² barrier-free exemption covers only Group C and D floor areas, never the entrance storey.
Confusing the 1,500 mm stall turning space with the 1,700 mm universal washroom space.
Treating a triplex or a boarding house with 7 roomers as needing barrier-free design. Both are exempt.

Practice this chapter

Questions on Plumbing facilities, health care, food premises and barrier-free design, in the exam format, every answer explained and cited to its article. Sign in to start; a free account gets the free questions.

Practice this chapter Small Buildings calculations

Code cited in this chapter

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

OBC Div. B 3.7.4.1. Plumbing and Drainage Systems
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (3), each building situated on property that abuts on a street in which a public or municipal water main is located shall be provided with or have accessible to its occupants a plumbing system including a potable water supply, a sanitary drainage system and plumbing fixtures.
(2)When the installation of a sanitary drainage system is not possible because of the absence of a water supply, sanitary privies, chemical closets or other means for the disposal of human waste shall be provided.
(3)Plumbing fixtures need not be provided in a building that is not normally occupied by persons where such installations are impractical and other fixtures are available in nearby buildings when the subject building is in use.
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.4.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.7.4.2. Plumbing Fixtures, General
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), for the purposes of this Subsection, the occupant load shall be determined in accordance with the provisions in Subsection 3.1.17. except that in a Group D occupancy, the area per person shall be 14 m². (See Note A-3.7.4.2.(1))
(2)For the purpose of this Subsection, the occupant load for floor areas that are classified as an industrial occupancy is permitted to be based solely on the total number of staff for which the floor area is designed, where the floor area is only intermittently occupied or where the presence of occupants is transitory. (See Note A-3.7.4.2.(2))
(3)Except as permitted by this Subsection, water closets shall be provided for each sex assuming that the occupant load is equally divided between males and females, unless the proportion of each sex expected in the building can be determined with reasonable accuracy. (See Note A-3.7.4.2.(3))
(4)Except as provided in Sentence (5), urinals are permitted to be substituted for water closets required by this Subsection for males and may be counted as water closets provided the number of urinals is not more than
(a)one-fifth of the required number of water closets in hospitals and long-term care homes, and
(b)two-thirds of the required number of water closets in any other occupancy.
(5)If only two water closets are required for males, one urinal is permitted to be substituted for one of the water closets.
(6)Except as required in this Subsection, at least one lavatory shall be provided in a room containing one or two water closets or urinals, and at least one additional lavatory shall be provided for each additional two water closets or urinals. (See Note A-3.7.4.2.(6))
(7)Wash fountains in circular or straight trough form are permitted to be provided in lieu of required lavatories provided each 500 mm of circumference or trough length is considered to be the equivalent of one lavatory.
(8)The water closet and lavatory provided in the universal washroom described in Sentence 3.8.3.12.(1) may be counted as part of the plumbing fixtures required for males and females in this Subsection if
(a)more than one water closet is required for males, and
(b)more than one water closet is required for females.
(9)Where one water closet is required for males and one water closet is required for females, the following may be provided in lieu of the water closets otherwise required by this Subsection:
(a)one universal washroom conforming to Sentence 3.8.3.12.(1), and
(b)one washroom containing one water closet that is permitted to be used by both sexes provided the door to the room can be locked from the inside. (See Note A-3.7.4.2.(9))
(10)Both sexes are permitted to be served by a single water closet if the occupant load is not more than 10 persons in an assembly occupancy referred to in Article 3.7.4.3. except for
(a)elementary and secondary schools,
(b)child care facilities,
(c)places of worship, and
(d)undertaking premises.
(11)Any shelf or projection above a lavatory shall be located so that it will not be a hazard.
(12)Except for dwelling units, lavatories required by Sentence (6) shall be equipped with faucets that
(a)operate automatically, or
(b)have a manual control that
(i)has a lever type handle or is otherwise operable with a closed fist,
(ii)does not require the application of continuous force to maintain water flow, and
(iii)where metered, provides at least 10 s of water flow.
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.4.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.7.4.7. Plumbing Fixtures for Business and Personal Services Occupancies
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), the number of water closets required for business and personal services occupancies shall conform to Table 3.7.4.7.
(2)Not more than one water closet to serve both sexes need be provided in a Group D occupancy having an occupant load of not more than 10 persons.
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.4.7. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.7.4.8. Plumbing Fixtures for Mercantile Occupancies
(1)Except as provided in this Article, the number of water closets required for employees in mercantile occupancies shall conform to Table 3.7.4.8.
(2)Except as provided in Sentence (4), the number of water closets required for the public in mercantile occupancies shall be at least one fixture for each 300 males and one fixture for each 150 females, except that
(a)water closets provided for employees are permitted to be counted as part of those required for the public when these water closets are made accessible to the public, and
(b)where the total area of the mercantile occupancy, excluding basements, is not more than 600 m², not more than one water closet for each sex need be provided.
(3)Not more than one water closet to serve both sexes need be provided in a Group E occupancy where
(a)the occupant load is not more than nine persons, or
(b)where the total area of the occupancy, excluding basements, is not more than 300 m².
(4)For a restaurant classified as mercantile occupancy, the number of water closets and lavatories required shall conform to Article 3.7.4.3.
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.4.8. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.7.4.9. Plumbing Fixtures for Industrial Occupancies
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), the number of water closets and lavatories required for industrial occupancies shall conform to Table 3.7.4.9.
(2)Not more than one water closet to serve both sexes need be provided in a Group F occupancy where,
(a)the occupant load is not more than 10 persons, or
(b)the total area of the occupancy, excluding basements, is not more than 300 m².
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.4.9. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.7.4.5. Plumbing Facilities for Dwelling Units
(1)A dwelling unit where a piped water supply is available shall be provided with a
(a)kitchen sink,
(b)lavatory,
(c)water closet or drainless composting water closet, and
(d)bathtub or shower stall.
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.4.5. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.7.4.14. Clearances for Water Closets
(1)Except in a dwelling unit and except as required by Section 3.8., a minimum clearance of 380 mm shall be provided in front of a water closet. (See Note A-3.7.4.14.(1))
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.4.14. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.7.4.11. Surface Protection
(1)Wall and floor surfaces below the uppermost surfaces of urinals shall be protected from deterioration by impervious and durable material for a distance from the urinal to a point not less than 900 mm from the projected outline of the urinal on to the wall or floor.
(2)Floor surfaces around a water closet shall be protected from deterioration by impervious and durable material for a distance not less than 900 mm from the projected outline of the water closet on to the floor.
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.4.11. in the code viewer

Show all 27 articles

OBC Div. B 3.7.4.12. Floor Drains
(1)A floor drain shall be installed in a washroom for public use that contains a urinal or a water closet equipped with an automatic flushing device. (See Note A-3.7.4.12.(1))
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.4.12. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.7.4.17. Drinking Water
(1)On every floor where work will be performed and within 100 m of any area where work will be performed, potable water shall be provided from
(a)a fountain with an upward jet,
(b)a tap from a piped water supply, or
(c)a tap from a covered vessel.
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.4.17. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.7.5.3. Shielding of X-Ray Equipment
(1)Every installation of an x-ray machine or of x-ray equipment in a building shall be shielded to protect any person who could be exposed to radiation inside and outside the building. (See Note A-3.7.5.3.(1))
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.5.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.7.6.1. Application
(1)The requirements of this Subsection apply to all food premises.
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.6.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.7.6.2. Room Finishes
(1)Except as provided in Sentence (2), floors and floor coverings shall be tight, smooth and non-absorbent in rooms where
(a)food or drink for human consumption, or an ingredient of food or drink for human consumption, is manufactured, processed, prepared, stored, displayed, handled, served, distributed, sold or offered for sale,
(b)utensils are washed, or
(c)washing fixtures or toilet fixtures are located.
(2)Carpeting may be used in areas where food is served.
(3)Wall and ceiling finishes of rooms and passageways shall be easy to clean.
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.6.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.7.6.3. Location of Plumbing Fixtures
(1)A room containing a water closet shall be located where
(a)it does not open directly into any room or area where food or drink for human consumption, or an ingredient of food or drink for human consumption, is intended to be stored, prepared, processed, distributed, served, sold or offered for sale, and
(b)it is not necessary for the public to go through the food preparation areas to gain access to the plumbing fixtures.
(2)Except as permitted in Sentence (3), a room containing plumbing fixtures for the public and employees in a restaurant shall be located in the restaurant.
(3)A room containing plumbing fixtures for the public in Sentence (2) need not be located in the restaurant if
(a)the room is located in the building containing the restaurant, and
(b)the distance of travel between the restaurant and the room is not more than 45 m.
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.6.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.7.6.4. Lavatories, Appliances and Sinks
(1)A separate lavatory for the handwashing of employees shall be constructed in a location convenient for employees in each manufacturing, processing and preparation area.
(2)If equipment and facilities for the cleaning and sanitizing of utensils are provided, they shall consist of
(a)mechanical equipment, or
(b)drainage racks of corrosion-resistant materials and
(i)a three-compartment sink or three sinks, or
(ii)a two-compartment sink or two sinks, where the first compartment or sink can be used effectively for washing and rinsing and the second compartment or sink can be used effectively for sanitizing.
(3)A retail food premises is exempt from compliance with this Article if its eating and drinking area does not exceed 56 m² and any one or more of the following applies:
(a)it is designed to sell only cold drinks in or from the original container,
(b)it is designed to sell only frozen confections in the original package or wrapper,
(c)it is designed to prepare and sell only hot beverages,
(d)it is designed to prepare and sell only popped corn, roasted nuts or french-fried potatoes,
(e)it is designed to sell only food or drink for human consumption that
(i)is pre-packaged at a premises other than the food premises at which it is being offered for sale, and
(ii)is not capable of supporting the growth of pathogenic organisms or the production of the toxins of such organisms.
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.6.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.7.6.6. Employee Facilities
(1)In a food premises, where dressing rooms are provided for employees, there shall be separate dressing rooms for males and females that
(a)are large enough for the employees to change and store their clothing, and
(b)are equipped with lockers or other facilities suitable for storing the clothing of the employees.
(2)Every room containing sanitary units for employees shall have a floor area not less than 2.3 m².
Open OBC Div. B 3.7.6.6. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.8.1.1. Application
(1)The requirements of this Section apply to all buildings except
(a)detached houses, semi-detached houses, houses with a secondary suite, duplexes, triplexes, townhouses, row houses and boarding or rooming houses with fewer than 8 boarders or roomers, (See Note A-1.4.1.2.(1) of Division A, Secondary Suite)
(b)buildings of Group F, Division 1 major occupancy, (See Note A-3.8.1.1.(1)(b))
(c)buildings that are not intended to be occupied on a daily or full time basis, including automatic telephone exchanges, pumphouses and substations, and
(d)camps for housing of workers. (See Note A-3.8.1.1.(1)(d))
Open OBC Div. B 3.8.1.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.8.1.2. Entrances
(1)Except as provided in Sentence 3.13.8.1.(2) and except for service entrances, all pedestrian entrances to a barrier-free storey of a building referred to in Sentence 3.8.1.1.(1) shall be barrier-free and shall connect to a barrier-free exterior path of travel complying with Sentence 3.8.2.2.(1).
(2)In addition to the barrier-free entrances required by Sentence (1), a suite of assembly occupancy, business and personal services occupancy or mercantile occupancy that is located in the first storey of a building or in a storey to which a barrier-free path of travel is provided, and that is separated from the remainder of the building so that there is no access to the remainder of the building, shall have at least one barrier-free entrance.
(3)A barrier-free entrance shall
(a)be designed in accordance with Article 3.8.3.3., and
(b)lead from
(i)the outdoors at sidewalk level, or
(ii)a ramp that conforms to Article 3.8.3.4. and leads from a sidewalk.
(4)At a barrier-free entrance that includes more than one doorway, only one of the doorways is required to be designed in accordance with Article 3.8.3.3.
(5)If a walkway or pedestrian bridge connects two barrier-free storeys in different buildings, the path of travel from one storey to the other storey by means of the walkway or bridge shall be barrier-free.
Open OBC Div. B 3.8.1.2. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.8.1.3. Barrier-Free Path of Travel
(1)Except as required in Sentence (4) and except as permitted in Subsection 3.8.3., every barrier-free path of travel shall provide an unobstructed width of at least 1,100 mm for the passage of wheelchairs.
(2)Interior and exterior walking surfaces that are within a barrier-free path of travel shall
(a)have no opening that will permit the passage of a sphere more than 13 mm in diam,
(b)have any elongated openings oriented approximately perpendicular to the direction of travel,
(c)be stable, firm and slip-resistant,
(d)be bevelled at a maximum slope of 1 in 2 at changes in level not more than 13 mm, and
(e)be provided with sloped floors or ramps at changes in level more than 13 mm. (See Note A-3.8.1.3.(2))
(3)A barrier-free path of travel is permitted to include ramps, passenger elevators or other platform equipped passenger elevating devices to overcome a difference in level.
(4)Every barrier-free path of travel less than 1,600 mm in width shall be provided with an unobstructed space not less than 1,800 mm in width and 1,800 mm in length located not more than 30 m apart. (See Note A-3.8.1.3.(4))
(5)Where the headroom of an area in a barrier-free path of travel is reduced to less than 1,980 mm, a guardrail or other barrier with its leading edge at or below 680 mm from the finished floor shall be provided. (See Note A-3.8.1.3.(5) and (6)(b))
(6)A normally occupied floor area that is not required by Article 3.8.2.1. to have a barrier-free path of travel shall meet the following requirements:
(a)interior walking surfaces throughout the normally occupied floor area shall comply with Clauses (2)(a) to (e), and
(b)where the headroom of an area in a corridor or aisle in the normally occupied floor area is reduced to less than 1,980 mm, a guardrail or other barrier with its leading edge at or below 680 mm from the finished floor shall be provided. (See Note A-3.8.1.3.(5) and (6)(b))
Open OBC Div. B 3.8.1.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.8.2.1. Areas Requiring Barrier-Free Path of Travel
(1)Except as permitted by Sentence (3), a barrier-free path of travel from the entrances required by Sentences 3.8.1.2.(1) and (2) to be barrier-free shall be provided
(a)throughout the entrance storey, and
(b)within all normally occupied floor areas and rooftop amenity spaces, unless as permitted by Sentence (2). (See Note A-3.8.2.1.(b)) (See Article 3.3.1.7. for additional requirements regarding floor areas above or below the first storey to which a barrier-free path of travel is required). (See Note A-3.8.2.1.(1))
(2)A barrier-free path of travel described in Clause (1)(b) is not required to extend
(a)to floor areas or portions of floor areas containing a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy that are not required by Article 3.5.2.1. to be connected by a ramp or served by an elevator,
(b)to floor areas containing Group C or Group D occupancies that are located in a building that
(i)is three or fewer storeys in building height, and
(ii)has a building area not exceeding 600 m², (See Note A-3.8.2.1.(2)(b))
(c)to portions of restaurants and licensed beverage establishments where the same amenities and uses are provided on other floor areas that have a barrier-free path of travel, or
(d)to portions of child care facilities that have all entrance doors at floor levels that do not have a barrier-free path of travel. (See Note A-3.8.2.1.(2))
(3)A barrier-free path of travel described in Sentence (1) is not required
(a)into service rooms,
(b)into elevator machine rooms,
(c)into janitors' rooms,
(d)into service spaces,
(e)into crawl spaces,
(f)into attic or roof spaces,
(g)into high-hazard industrial occupancies,
(h)within portions of a floor area with fixed seats in an assembly occupancy where these portions are not part of the barrier-free path of travel to
(i)spaces designated for wheelchair use,
(ii) seats designated for adaptable seating, or
(iii) spaces for the storage of wheelchairs and mobility assistive devices,
(i)to suites of residential occupancy that are in storeys other than the entrance storey and that have all entrance doors at floor levels that are not required to have a barrier-free path of travel,
(j)except as required by Sentence (5), on the inside of a suite of residential occupancy,
(k)to portions of a floor area that are not at the same level as the entry level, provided amenities and uses provided on any raised or sunken level are accessible on the entry level by means of a barrier-free path of travel,
(l)within a parking level with no barrier-free parking spaces, or
(m)to the floor level above or below the entrance level in buildings no more than 2 storeys in building height or in 2-storey suites, unless the floor level above or below
(i)is served by a passenger elevator, a platform-equipped passenger-elevating device, an escalator or an inclined moving walk,
(ii)is 600 m² or more in floor area,
(iii)contains facilities that are not contained on the entrance level, but that are integral to the principal function of the entrance level, or
(iv)contains an assembly occupancy more than 100 m² in floor area. (See Note A-3.8.2.1.(3)(m)) (See Note A-3.8.2.1.(3))
(4)In an assembly occupancy with fixed seats, the minimum number of spaces designated for wheelchair use and the minimum number of fixed seats designated for adaptable seating shall conform to Table 3.8.2.1. (See Note A-3.8.2.1.(4))
(5)In a Group C major occupancy apartment building, not less than 15% of all suites of residential occupancy shall be provided with a barrier-free path of travel from the suite entrance door into the following rooms and spaces that shall be located at the same level as the barrier-free path of travel:
(a)at least one bedroom, (See Note A-3.8.2.1.(5)(a) and
(b)
(b) at least one bathroom conforming to Sentence (6), (See Note A-3.8.2.1.(5)(a) and (b))
(c)a kitchen or kitchen space, and
(d)a living room or space. (See Note A-3.8.2.1.(5))
(6)Bathrooms required by Clause (5)(b) shall
(a)contain a lavatory,
(b)contain a water closet,
(c)contain a bathtub or a shower,
(d)have wall reinforcement installed in conformance with Sentence 3.3.4.9.(1), and
(e)be designed to permit a wheelchair to turn in an open space not less than 1,500 mm in diameter. (See Note A-3.8.2.1.(6))
(7)The number of suites described in Sentence (5) having 1, 2 or 3 or more bedrooms shall be in proportion to the number of suites of residential occupancy having 1, 2 or 3 or more bedrooms in the remainder of the building. (See Note A-3.8.2.1.(7))
(8)The suites described in Sentence (5) shall be distributed among storeys that are required by Article 3.8.2.1. to have a barrier-free path of travel, having regard to the height of the suite above grade.
Open OBC Div. B 3.8.2.1. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.8.2.4. Hotels
(1)Except as permitted in Sentence (2), at least 10% of the suites of a hotel shall
(a)have a barrier-free path of travel extending to
(i)the inside of each room, and
(ii)a balcony where required by Sentence 3.3.1.7.(2), and
(b)be distributed among storeys that are required by Article 3.8.2.1. to have a barrier-free path of travel, having regard to the height of the suite above grade. (See Note A-3.8.2.4.(1))
(2)Not more than 20 suites need comply with Sentence (1).
(3)A suite having a barrier-free path of travel required by Sentence (1) shall have a bathroom that
(a)conforms to Clauses 3.8.3.12.(1)(a) to (h) and (j),
(b)has an unobstructed area at least 1,200 mm in diameter extending the full height of the room, except that a door is permitted to open on the inside if it does not reduce the unobstructed area, and
(c)has a bathtub or shower that conforms to Article 3.8.3.13.
(4)Except as required by Sentence 3.8.3.3.(17) for power door operator controls, controls for the operation of building services or safety devices, including electrical switches, thermostats and intercom switches, intended to be operated by the occupant and located within a suite having a barrier-free path of travel required by Sentence (1) shall conform to Sentence 3.8.1.5.(1).
(5)An entrance door to a suite having a barrier-free path of travel required by Sentence (1) shall have
(a)a power door operator conforming to Article 3.8.3.3., and
(b)a door viewer located at a height no higher than 1,100 mm above the finished floor.
(6)Where a door is provided between a suite having a barrier-free path of travel required by Sentence (1) and an adjoining suite, the door shall conform to Sentences 3.8.3.3.(1) and (3).
(7)Where an emergency power supply is supplied by a generator, it shall supply at least one emergency power receptacle in at least one of the suites having a barrier-free path of travel required by Sentence (1). (See Note A-3.8.2.4.(7))
(8)The emergency power receptacle described in Sentence (7) shall be identified with a legible sign having the words emergency power outlet permanently mounted on the wall beside the receptacle.
Open OBC Div. B 3.8.2.4. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B Table 3.8.2.3-A. Minimum Number of Universal Washrooms per Building
Table 3.8.2.3.-A — Minimum Number of Universal Washrooms per Building Forming Part of Sentence 3.8.2.3.(2) Number of Storeys in Building | Minimum Number of Universal Washrooms per Building 1 to 3 | 1 4 to 6 | 2 Over 6 | 3, plus 1 for each additional increment of 3 storeys in excess of 6 storeys
Open OBC Div. B Table 3.8.2.3-A. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B Table 3.8.2.3-B. Minimum Number of Water Closet Stalls or Enclosures Required to be Barrier-Free
Table 3.8.2.3.-B Minimum Number of Water Closet Stalls or Enclosures Required to be Barrier-Free Forming Part of Sentence 3.8.2.3.(3) Number of Water Closets per Washroom | Minimum Number of Barrier-Free Water Closet Stalls or Enclosures per Washroom 1 to 3 | 0, where a universal washroom is provided on the same floor level within 45 m of the washroom, or 1, where a universal washroom is not provided on the same floor level within 45 m of the washroom 4 to 9 | 1 10 to 16 | 2 17 to 20 | 3 21 to 30 | 4 Over 30 | 5, plus 1 for each additional increment of 10 water closets per washroom in excess of 30 water closets per washroom
Open OBC Div. B Table 3.8.2.3-B. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.8.3.3. Doorways and Doors
(1)Every doorway that is located in a barrier-free path of travel shall have a clear width of not less than 850 mm when the door is in the open position. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(1))
(2)Except as provided in Sentence 3.3.4.11.(11) and except where no bathroom within the suite is at the level of the suite entrance door to which a barrier-free path of travel is provided in accordance with Sentence 3.8.2.1.(1), the doorway to at least one bathroom and to each bedroom at the same level as such bathroom within a suite of residential occupancy shall have, when the door is in the open position, a clear width of not less than
(a)760 mm where the door is served by a corridor or space not less than 1,060 mm wide, and
(b)810 mm where the door is served by a corridor or space less than 1,060 mm wide. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(2))
(3)Door opening devices that are the only means of operation shall
(a)be designed to be operable using a closed fist, and
(b)be mounted not less than 900 mm and not more than 1,100 mm above the finished floor. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(3))
(4)Except as permitted by Sentence (12), every door that provides a barrier-free path of travel through a barrier-free entrance referred to in Article 3.8.1.2. shall be equipped with a power door operator. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(4))
(4.1)Except as permitted by Sentence (12), doors equipped with a self-closing device shall be equipped with power door operators where doors are located in a barrier-free path of travel, between the entrance referred to Article 3.8.1.2., including the interior doors of a vestibule, and the entrance doors to suites or rooms served by a public corridor or a corridor used by the public. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(4.1)
(5)Except as permitted by Sentence (12), where a barrier-free entrance referred to in Article 3.8.1.2. incorporates a vestibule, a door leading from the vestibule into the floor area shall be equipped with a power door operator.
(6)A door shall be equipped with a power door operator where the door serves
(a)a washroom for public use required to be barrier-free, or
(b)a Group A occupancy within a Group C major occupancy apartment building.
(7)Except as permitted in Sentence (8), and except for doors with power operators, closers for doors in a barrier-free path of travel shall be designed to permit doors to open when a force of not more than 38 N is applied to the handles, push plates or latch-releasing devices in the case of exterior doors and 22 N in the case of interior doors.
(8)Sentence (7) does not apply to doors at the entrances to dwelling units, or where greater forces are required in order to close and latch the doors against prevailing differences in air pressures on opposite sides of the doors. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(8))
(9)Except for doors at the entrances to dwelling units, closers for interior doors in a barrier-free path of travel shall have a closing period of not less than 3 seconds measured from when the door is in an open position of 70° to the doorway, to when the door reaches a point 75 mm from the closed position, measured from the leading edge of the latch side of the door. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(9))
(10)Unless equipped with a power door operator, a door in a barrier-free path of travel shall have a clear space on the latch side extending the height of the doorway and not less than
(a)600 mm beyond the edge of the door opening if the door swings toward the approach side,
(b)300 mm beyond the edge of the door opening if the door swings away from the approach side, and
(c)300 mm beyond both sides of a sliding door. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(10))
(11)Vestibules located in a barrier-free path of travel
(a)shall be arranged to allow the movement of wheelchairs between doors, and
(b)shall provide
(i)where the doors into the vestibule are in series, a distance between the doors of at least 1,500 mm plus the width of any door that swings into the space in the path of travel from one door to another, and
(ii)where the doors into the vestibule are not aligned, a turning diameter of 1,500 mm within the vestibule clear of any door swing. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(11)(b))
(12)Only the active leaf in a multiple leaf door in a barrier-free path of travel need conform to the requirements of this Article.
(13)Except as provided in Clause 3.8.3.4.(1)(c), the floor surface on each side of a door in a barrier-free path of travel shall be level within a rectangular area
(a)as wide as the door plus the clearance required on the latch side by Sentence (10), and
(b)whose dimension perpendicular to the closed door is not less than the width of the barrier-free path of travel but need not exceed 1,500 mm.
(14)Where a vision panel is provided in a door in a barrier-free path of travel, such panel shall be at least 75 mm in width and be located so that
(a)the bottom of the panel is not more than 900 mm above the finished floor, and
(b)the edge of the panel closest to the latch is not more than 250 mm from the latch side of the door.
(15)A door in a barrier-free path of travel consisting of a sheet of glass shall be marked with a continuous opaque strip that
(a)shall be colour and brightness contrasted to the background of the door,
(b)shall be at least 50 mm wide,
(c)shall be located across the width of the door at a height of 1,350 mm to 1,500 mm above the finished floor, and
(d)may incorporate a logo or symbol provided such logo or symbol does not diminish
(i)the opacity of the strip,
(ii)the width of the strip,
(iii)the colour and brightness contrast of the strip to the background of the door, and
(iv)the continuity of the strip across the width of the door.
(16)Reserved.
(17)Except where a proximity scanning device is installed in conformance with Sentence (18), the control for a power door operator required by Sentence (4), (5) or (6) shall
(a)have a face dimension of not less than
(i)150 mm in diameter where the control is circular, or
(ii)50 mm by 100 mm where the control is rectangular,
(b)be operable using a closed fist,
(c)be located so that
(i)its centre is located not less than 900 mm and not more than 1,100 mm from the finished floor or ground, or
(ii)it extends from not more than 200 mm to not less than 900 mm above the finished floor or ground, (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(17)(c))
(d)be located not less than 600 mm and not more than 1,500 mm beyond the door swing where the door opens towards the control,
(e)be located to allow persons to activate the opening of the door from either direction of travel,
(f)be located so that the path of travel is not obstructed,
(g)be located in a clearly visible position, and
(h)contain a sign incorporating the International Symbol of Access.
(18)A proximity scanning device that activates a power door shall be capable of detecting a person in a wheelchair. (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(18))
(19)A normally occupied floor area that is not required by Article 3.8.2.1. to have a barrier-free path of travel shall comply with the following requirements:
(a)all doorways in public corridors in the normally occupied floor area shall comply with Sentence (1),
(b)door opening devices that are the only means of operation on doors in the normally occupied floor area shall comply with Sentence (3), (See Note A-3.8.3.3.(19)(b))
(c)where a vision panel is provided in a door in the normally occupied floor area, the panel shall comply with Sentence
(d)doors consisting of a sheet of glass in the normally occupied floor area shall comply with Sentence (15), and
(e)where a power door operator is installed for doors in the normally occupied floor area, the control for the power door operator shall comply with Sentence (17).
Open OBC Div. B 3.8.3.3. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.8.3.12. Universal Washrooms
(1)A universal washroom room shall
(a)be served by a barrier-free path of travel,
(b)have a door that
(i)complies with Article 3.8.3.3.,
(ii)has a graspable latch-operating mechanism that is
(A) operable using a closed fist and with a force of not more than 22.2 N, and
(B) located between 900 mm and 1,000 mm above the finished floor, and
(iii)is capable of being locked from the inside and released from the outside in case of emergency,
(c)have one lavatory conforming to Sentences 3.8.3.11.(1), (3) and (4),
(d)have one water closet conforming to Article 3.8.3.9. that is located in accordance with Clause 3.8.3.8.(2)(a) or (b), (See Note A-3.8.3.12.(1)(d))
(e)have grab bars conforming to
(i)Sentence 3.8.3.8.(3), if the water closet is located in accordance with Clause 3.8.3.8.(2)(a), or
(ii)Sentence 3.8.3.8.(4), if the water closet is located in accordance with Clause 3.8.3.8.(2)(b),
(f)have no internal dimension between walls that is less than 1,700 mm,
(g)have a coat hook that conforms to Clause 3.8.3.8.(1)(e) and a shelf that is located not more than 1,100 mm above the finished floor and projects not more than 100 mm from the wall,
(h)be designed to permit a wheelchair to turn in an open space not less than 1,700 mm in diameter,
(i)be provided with a door equipped with a power door operator,
(j)be provided with a mirror
(i)installed above a lavatory described in Clause (1)(c), and
(ii)mounted with its bottom edge not more than 1,000 mm above the finished floor or inclined to the vertical to be usable by a person in a wheelchair, and
(k)have lighting controlled by a motion sensor conforming to Sentence 12.2.4.1.(2). (See Note A-3.8.3.12.(1))
(2)A universal washroom shall have
(a)an emergency call system that consists of audible and visual signal devices inside and outside of the washroom that are activated by a control device inside the washroom, and
(b)an emergency sign that contains the words in the event of an emergency push emergency button and audible and visual signal will activate in letters at least 25 mm high with a 5 mm stroke and that is posted above the emergency button. (See Note A-3.8.3.12.(2))
(3)A clear space not less than 810 mm wide and 1,830 mm long shall be provided in each universal washroom for an adult-size change table. (See Note A-3.8.3.12.(3))
(4)Where the clear space provided for an adult-size change table is adjacent to a wall, reinforcement shall be installed in the wall to permit the future installation of the change table.
(5)Where an adult-size change table is installed, it shall
(a)when fully loaded, have a surface height above the finished floor that can be adjusted from between 450 mm and 500 mm at the low range to between 850 mm and 900 mm at the high range,
(b)be designed to carry a minimum load of 1.33 kN,
(c)have a clear floor space parallel to the long side of the table not less than 760 mm wide and 1,500 mm long, and
(d)in the case of a fold-down table,
(i)be installed so that it does not encroach into a clear transfer space described in Clause 3.8.3.8.(2)(a) or (b), and
(ii)have no operating mechanisms higher than 1,200 mm.
(6)A universal washroom need not conform to Sentences (3) and (4) if
(a)it is located in an individual suite that
(i)is used for an assembly occupancy, a business and personal services occupancy, a mercantile occupancy or an industrial occupancy, and
(ii)meets one of the following requirements,
(A) it is located in a building that is less than 300 m² in building area, or
(B) it is less than 300 m² in area, if located in a building that is at least 300 m² in building area, or
(b)another universal washroom conforming to this Article is provided on the same floor level within 45 m. (See Note A-3.8.3.12.(6))
Open OBC Div. B 3.8.3.12. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B Table 3.8.3.13. Minimum Number of Barrier-Free Showers
Table 3.8.3.13. Minimum Number of Barrier-Free Showers Forming Part of Sentence 3.8.3.13.(1) Number of Showers Provided in a Group | Minimum Number of Showers Required to be Barrier-Free 1 | 0 2 to 7 | 1 Over 7 | 1, plus 1 for each additional increment of 7 showers in a group
Open OBC Div. B Table 3.8.3.13. in the code viewer
OBC Div. B 3.8.3.1. Accessibility Signs
(1)Signs providing visual information shall be installed to indicate the location of
(a)barrier-free entrances,
(b)ramps located in a required barrier-free path of travel serving that entrance,
(c)an exterior passenger loading zone conforming to Sentence 3.8.2.2.(3), if one is provided,
(d)barrier-free washrooms,
(e)barrier-free showers,
(f)barrier-free elevators,
(g)barrier-free parking spaces, and
(h)assistive listening systems or adaptive technologies.
(2)Where a washroom, elevator, telephone or parking area is required to accommodate persons with disabilities, it shall be identified by a sign consisting of the International Symbol of Access or the International Symbol of Access for Hearing Loss and appropriate graphical or textural information that clearly indicates the type of facilities available.
(3)Where a washroom is not designed to accommodate persons with physical disabilities in a storey to which a barrier-free path of travel is required by Article 3.8.2.1., signs providing visual and tactile information shall be installed to indicate the location of barrier-free facilities.
(4)Signs incorporating the International Symbol of Access shall be installed where necessary to indicate the location of a barrier-free means of egress.
(5)Directional signs shall be provided with visual information.
(6)Except for doors that serve service spaces or are located within a suite, signs installed at or near doors shall provide the same information in both visual and tactile forms.
(7)Tactile information sign required by Subsections 3.4.5. and 3.4.6. and this Article shall
(a)have Braille and tactile characters in accordance with Clauses 4.5.6.2. and 4.5.6.3. of CSA B651, "Accessible design for the built environment."
(b)be installed on the wall closest to the latch side of the door or on the nearest wall in the right side of the door, where there is no wall at the latch side, and
(c)be centred 1500 mm above the finished floor with the edge of the sign located not more than 300 mm from the door. (See Note A-3.8.3.1.(7) and (8))
(8)Visual information signs required by Subsections 3.4.5. and 3.4.6. and this Article shall comply with Clauses 4.5.2., 4.5.3. and 4.5.4. of CSA B651, "Accessible design for the built environment." (See Note A-3.8.3.1.(7) and (8))
Open OBC Div. B 3.8.3.1. in the code viewer