Next Edition of Ontario’s Building Code: First Round of

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and HousingMinistère des Affaires municipales et du Logement

Next Edition of Ontario’s Building Code:

First Round of Public ConsultationBuilding and Development Branch

October 2010

Building and Development Branch 2

Purpose of Presentation

▪ To advise building sector stakeholders of the development process for the next edition of Ontario’s Building Code

▪ To describe the content of the first round of public consultations on the next edition

▪ To encourage stakeholders and the public to submit written comments as part of this consultation


Outline

▪ Background:Building Regulation in OntarioCode DevelopmentThe Next Edition of the Building CodeFall 2010 ConsultationsWinter 2011 Consultations

▪ Fall 2010 Consultation: Potential Code Changes

▪ How to Submit Comments▪ Questions


BACKGROUND


Building Regulation in Ontario:Legal Framework

▪ The Building Code Act, 1992 (BCA) governs the construction, renovation, demolition and change of use of buildings

▪ The Building Code is a regulation under the BCA and sets out minimum technical and administrative requirements

▪ The Building Code is a “go forward” standard:Does not mandate the retrofit of existing buildings

▪ A provincial Building Code was first established in 1976:Consolidates most requirements for buildings into a single documentEnsures uniformity of construction standards across the province


Building Regulation in Ontario:Code Amendments

▪ New editions of Ontario’s Building Code are released on a regular basis, with the current edition dating from 2006

▪ In addition, interim changes to the Code are made frequently


Building Regulation in Ontario:Recent Building Code Amendments

▪ December 2009: Large package of technical amendmentsIncluding the referencing of a new Supplementary Standard (SB-12) that established alternative compliance paths for energy efficiency in housesNew requirement for house occupancy permitsAdministrative changes to support the implementation of the Good Government Act, 2009(complete applications, illegal residential builders)

▪ July 2010:Administrative amendments related to on-site sewage maintenance inspection systems


Code Development:Steps

▪ The typical route for Building Code changes (new editions and major amendments) is as follows:

Review of possible Code amendmentsGovernment directionPublic consultationsReview by Building Code Technical Advisory Committees (TACs)TACs make recommendations to governmentRegulatory draftingApproval by Cabinet


Code Development:Steps

▪ Filing of Regulation▪ Publication in the Ontario Gazette and e-laws▪ New/updated Building Code Compendium▪ Date of effect▪ Implementation:

Stakeholder outreachNew/updated Building Code examinationsNew updated training courses/best practices


Code Development:Source of Code Changes

▪ In Ontario, potential code changes based on:Government priorities and requests from other ministriesRecommendations from advisory councilsNational Code changesRequests from Ontario stakeholdersInnovations in building materials, systems and designsNew industry standards (e.g. those releases by the Canadian Standards Association)Coroner’s jury recommendations and emergency situations


Code Development:Evaluation of Code Proposals

▪ Evaluation takes place at three stages:In determining which potential code changes go forward for public consultationIn TAC discussionsIn finalizing regulatory changes


Code Development:Evaluation of Code Proposals

▪ Factors:Degree to which intent of change is achievedAlignment with Building Code objectivesTechnical veracityIndustry impact:• Technical feasibility• Cost and design choice• Industry capacity to deliver

Enforcement implications


Code Development:National Process

▪ Ontario participates in a joint Federal/ Provincial/Territorial Code development process:

Coordinated by Canadian Commission on Building and Fire CodesModel national codes are developed with support from the National Research Council“Core" codes (building, plumbing and fire) released on a five year cycleNew editions of core codes expected in Fall 2010Policy advice provided by the Provincial Territorial Policy Advisory Committee on Codes (Ontario is a member)


Code Development:National Process

▪ Ontario's Building Code largely reflects content of the model National Building Code and model National Plumbing Code

▪ However, key points of divergence where Ontario has its own policy priorities:

Unique code requirements (e.g. energy conservation and water conservation) Support for the re-use of buildingsConsolidation of construction requirements in the Building Code (e.g., on-site sewage systems, pools, rapid transit stations)Higher or modified requirements (e.g., barrier-free access)


The Next Edition of the Code:Why a New Edition?

▪ Release in Fall 2010 of new model National Building Code and Plumbing Code

▪ Critical mass of potential Code amendments to reflect:

Government prioritiesProposals from Ontario stakeholdersNeed to reflect advances in industry technology and best practices


The Next Edition of the Code: Anticipated Themes

Support for the economy:• Promoting innovation• Reducing costs and increasing certainty• Increasing harmonization with national codes

Environmental initiatives:• Energy and water conservation• Greenhouse gas reduction• Climate change adaptation• Environmental protection

Enhanced barrier-free accessibility Enhanced public health and safety


The Next Edition of the Code: Role of Ministry Councils

▪ Building Advisory Council has indicated that next edition changes:

Should consider affordability and industry capacityShould not have multiple phase in dates

▪ Building Code Energy Advisory Council will be providing strategic advice in a number of areas, which likely include:

Long-term goals re: energy conservationNew Code objectivesNew energy conservation benchmarks for houses and large buildingsEnergy requirements when buildings are renovated


The Next Edition of the Code

▪ Two rounds of public consultations: First Round - October 6 to November 8, 2010Second Round - Winter 2011

▪ Technical Advisory Committee meetings following each round

▪ Approval of regulations anticipated mid 2011▪ Date of effect anticipated end of 2011:

Although some changes may be phased in on subsequent dates


The Next Edition of the Code: Public Consultations

▪ Each round of consultation will involve:A web-based consultation paper Hardcopies of consultation paper mailed to chief building officials and key stakeholdersRegional information sessions around the provinceMeetings with key stakeholders

▪ Specific Code proposals available on the web:Not available in hard copy due to volume of paper (e.g., over 1,300 pages of documentation for round one)But material will be available on CD upon request


The Next Edition of the Code: Public Consultations

▪ The following information will be available for each potential Code change:

Change numberCode referenceDescriptionExisting Code ProvisionsProposed Code ChangeRational for Code Change (including cost/benefit analysis, enforcement implications, who is affected, objective-based analysis)


Fall 2010 Consultations

▪ Potential Code changes that reflect:Amendments to the anticipated 2010 model National Building Code and model National Plumbing CodeProposals from Ontario stakeholders

▪ Approximately 450 code proposals▪ Consultation paper and specific Code proposals

available through the Ministry or Municipal Affairs and Housing Website:

http://www.mah.gov.on.ca

▪ Hard copies of consultation paper have been mailed out to chief building officials and stakeholders


Fall 2010 Consultations:Information Sessions

▪ Six sessions scheduled:Ottawa – October 18, 2010Mississauga – October 19, 2010Thunder Bay – October 21, 2010London – October 26, 2010Markham – October 27, 2010Sudbury – October 28, 2010


Winter 2011 Consultations

▪ A second round of public consultations on the next edition of the Building Code is planned for Winter 2011:

Focus on implementing key government prioritiesAreas where further research is required Direction required from Building Code Energy Advisory CouncilAreas subject to further government direction


Winter 2011 Consultations:Anticipated Content

▪ Proposals for increasing the range of Building Code objectives:

To specifically reference greenhouse gas reduction and the reduction of pollutants released into the air and water

▪ Potential changes related to energy conservation:

Will take into account strategic advice developed by the Building Code Energy Advisory CouncilLikely to address houses, large buildings and renewables



▪ Potential changes related to water conservation:

To support the implementation of the proposed Water Conservation and Water Opportunities Act, 2010 , should it be passed by the Legislature

▪ Proposals for enhanced barrier-free accessibility requirements:

Being developed as part of the implementation of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005



▪ Proposals to facilitate the greater use of wood in construction

▪ The potential consolidation and rationalization of Ontario construction standards (e.g., the Building Code, and Electrical Safety Code)

▪ Maintenance of knowledge for building practitioners


Fall 2010 Consultation:

FALL 2010 CONSULTATION: POTENTIAL CODE CHANGES


Fall 2010 Consultation: Sources

▪ Model National Building Code and model National Plumbing Code

Approximately 330 proposals

▪ Ontario proposalsSubmitted by provincial government, regulators, industry (builders, designers, manufacturers) and the publicApproximately 120 proposals


Building Code Changes

Proposals include▪ Defined terms and reference standards▪ Enhanced fire-stopping provisions in small buildings▪ Revised Part 9 foundation wall design▪ Additional smoke alarms in residential occupancies▪ Enhanced fire protection of soffits and wall cladding to

reduce fire spread (applicable to all buildings)▪ European-style ‘pictorial green’ exit signs


National Building Code Changes

National Code changes not being consulted on include proposals where

▪ Not consistent with Ontario policy objectives▪ Conflict with established practice in Ontario’s

Code▪ Different approach than Ontario’s Code▪ Already in Ontario’s Code▪ Do not apply to conditions in Ontario


Building Code Changes

The following slides provide examples of changes being considered

mNBC proposed changes (harmonization)Submitted by Ontario stakeholders


Division A Proposals – Part 1

New Definitions▪ Fire Block – a material, component or system

that restricts the spread of fire within a concealed space or from a concealed space to an adjacent space [A-01-04-26]

▪ Fire stop – a system consisting of a material, component and means of support, used to fill gaps between fire separations or between fire separations and other assemblies, or used around items that wholly or partially penetrate a fire separation [A-01-04-27]



New Definitions▪ Distilled Beverage Alcohol - related to

incorporating Fire Code provisions for distilleries into the building code

[A-01-04-08]▪ Principal entrance – the entrance most

identifiable to emergence responders [A-01-04-20]



Revised Definitions▪ Dwelling unit - delete the term “used as

a domicile” as courts have ruled the term applies to a principal residence

[A-01-04-01]▪ Grade - clarify that localized

depressions need not be considered in the determination of average levels of finished ground. [A-01-04-07]


Division B Proposals - Part 3

Fire Safety Enhancements▪ Penetrations other than service penetrations to be

protected [B-03-01-16] ▪ Clarify all combustible piping require fire stop

systems [B-03-01-19] ▪ Require installation of smoke detectors in elevator

machine rooms and elevator recall upon activation [B-03-02-17]

▪ Limit the size of individual unprotected openings in an exposing building face having a limiting distance of less than 2 m. [B-03-02-04]


Division B Proposals –Parts 3 and 9 Harmonization

Smoke Alarms▪ Location

Smoke alarm on each floor level – (900 within another floor level) and every floor level containing a sleeping room [B-09-10-39] [B-09-10-40] [B-03-02-24]the change will require a SA in the bedroom in dwelling unit in addition to between the bedroom and the remainder of the storey [B-03-02-24][B-09-10-39]

15 m rule deleted from Part 9 [B-09-10-39]



Smoke Alarms (cont’d)▪ Battery backup [B-03-02-25][B-09-10-44]

7 day power required followed by 4 minutes of alarm

▪ Smoke detectors in lieu of smoke alarms [B-03-02-25][B-09-10-44]

Permitted in suites of residential occupancyMust sound locally within the individual suitesForm part of the fire alarm systemInstalled in conformance with CAN/ULC-S524



Smoke Alarms (cont’d)▪ Manual silencing device [B-03-02-01][B-09-10-46]

Manual 10 min silencing switch requiredSwitch not required where smoke detectors installed

▪ Temporal pattern of alarm signals [B-03-02-29] [B-09-10-38]

Shall meet the temporal patterns of alarm signals orBe a combination temporal pattern and voice relay



Incorporate Fire Code Provisions into the Building Code

▪ The Fire Code contains requirements for fire separations, fire suppression systems and ventilation of certain occupancies [B-03-03-12]

▪ Applicable occupancies include distilleries, laboratories, dry cleaning plants and rooms for the storage of compressed gas [B-03-03-10], [B-03-03-11], [B-03-03-12]



Design of Hazardous Areas [B-03-03-08] ▪ New Building Code Subsection 3.3.6. includes

provisions based on the Fire Code▪ Applies to buildings or parts thereof used for the short

or long term storage, handling, use, and processing of products that involve a risk of explosion or are highly flammable

▪ Does not apply to materials that are directly supplied to appliances, equipment or apparatus – eg: gas cylinder connected to a barbecue



Other Proposals▪ Establish minimum lighting levels [B-03-02-36] ▪ Heavy duty screen no longer an option to

prevent falls (see next slide) [B-03-07-01] ▪ Change exit signage to conformance with ISO

3864-1 (green and white pictogram with graphic symbols) [B-03-04-03]



Other Proposals (Cont’d)▪ Require public washrooms in every rapid transit

station instead of only end of line stations [B-03-13-01]

▪ Protection for emergency generators is required when it is located within a building

[B-03-06-02] ▪ Require an anchorage system for a portable

ladder providing access to the roof of a building [B-03-06-01]



Crane Loading Effects [B-04-01-01] [B-04-01-03]

▪ Current provisions are not adequate.▪ Live load due to cranes including self-weight▪ Self weight of all cranes positioned for

maximum effects▪ Crane bumper impact loads▪ Incorporate the crane load combinations of

Appendix C of CAN/CSA-S16 –(Limit States Design of Steel Structures)



Vehicle Guardrails [B-04-01-22]

▪ 22 kN horizontal loading design currently limited to vehicles in storage garages

▪ Now applicable to all vehicle guardrailsRepair garagesCar showrooms



Live Loads [B-04-01-13] [B-04-01-14]

▪ Revisions to Table 4.1.5.3.Assembly occupanciesCourtroomsVomitories, exits, lobbies and corridors Vehicle loads now defined on the basis of weight of vehicle


Division B Proposals – Part 5

Environmental Separation▪ Clarify requirements for seismic effects, earthquake

loads for post-disaster buildings [B-05-02-01][B-05-01-01] ▪ Add requirements to protect persons from ice/snow

falling from roofs [B-05-06-02] ▪ Add provisions related to performance of fenestration

[B-05-10-09] ▪ Revise reference standards applicable to environmental

separators and assemblies exposed to the exterior [B-05-10-01 to B-05-10-08]



Ventilation Requirements▪ Require outdoor air used for ventilation to meet

minimum air quality levels [B-06-02-01]▪ Require to clean the air if it doesn’t meet minimum

[B-06-02-03]▪ Exhaust rates in dwellings to be consistent with

ASHRAE 62.1 [B-06-02-05]▪ Decrease exposure level of CO to 25 PPM in repair

garages [B-06-02-02]



Water Piping▪ Permit stainless steel piping to be used for

potable water [B-07-02-07]▪ Allow polyethylene water pipe to Series 160 or

greater [B-07-02-05]▪ Reference CAN/CSA B483.1 “Drinking Water

Treatment Systems” [B-07-02-11]



Backflow Prevention▪ Require premise isolation for buildings with a

potential moderate health hazard [B-07-06-04]▪ Clarify type of premise isolation on residential

buildings with an auxiliary supply [B-07-06-03]▪ Require the installation of a backwater valve

when a residential building may be subject to backflow [B-07-04-04]



Rainwater▪ Add requirement for minimum capacity of

scupper drains [B-07-04-10]▪ Ensure that no more than 150 mm of rainwater

can be retained on roof [B-07-04-10]▪ Minimum 2 roof drains and emergency roof

overflows where parapet >150 mm[B-07-04-11]▪ New definition of rainwater [A-01-04-03]



Spacing Dimensions for Wood Frame Construction [B-09-04-01]

▪ Light frame construction limited to maximum spacing of 600 mm o.c.

▪ Code metric spacing dimensions do not coincide with actual construction practices

▪ Wood and gypsum products are manufactured in imperial dimensions (for 610,406 and 305 framing).

▪ Change spacing from: 600 mm to 610 mm o.c.400 mm to 406 mm o.c300 mm to 305 mm o.c.



Stairs, Ramps and Handrails▪ Clear height measurement over clear width of stair

[B-09-08-02]▪ Rise and run for public stairs and service stairs- public stairs

treads are becoming deeper [B-09-08-05]▪ Clear widths for ramps [B-09-08-07]▪ Intermediate handrail requirements for stairs and ramps

[B-09-08-13]▪ Height of handrails on stairs [B-09-08-14]



Tolerances for Steps and Landings[B-03-04-07] [B-09-08-04] [B-09-08-09]

▪ Risers5 mm between adjacent treads and landings10 mm between the shortest and tallest

▪ Treads 5 mm between adjacent treads 10 mm between the deepest and narrowest

▪ Slope of treads and landingsNot more than 1 in 50



Measuring the Height of a Handrail[B-09-08-14]



Open Risers in Stairs [B-09-08-03]

▪ Restrict opening size to coincide with maximum opening in guards

▪ Maximum opening not to permit passage of 100 mm diameter sphere

▪ Applicable to stairs serving a dwelling unit



Guards▪ Revise guard provisions to prevent climbing

[B-09-08-21]▪ Harmonize minimum height requirements for guards

on exit stairs [B-09-08-19]▪ Change location for applying specified horizontal loads

on guards [B-09-08-18] “top of guard” changed to “required height of guard”



Lighting and Emergency Lighting▪ Change application from “exits” to “all means

of egress” [B-09-09-07]▪ Specify minimum illumination levels for egress

facilities of 10 lux [B-09-09-05]▪ Specify minimum illumination levels for

emergency lighting of 1 lux [B-09-09-06]



Custodial & Convalescent Homes [B-09-10-02]

▪ Custodial and convalescent homes are B-3 care occupancies under Part 3

▪ Delete Article 9.10.2.2. that addresses Custodial and Convalescent Homes with 10 or less as Group C



Restaurants [B-09-10-03]

▪ Delete Article 9.10.2.5. that addresses restaurants with 30 or less as Group E in Part 9

▪ Restaurants are A-2 assembly occupancies under Part 3



Requirements for Fire Separations / Firewalls (Harmonization with Part 3)

▪ Clarify that a fire separation must also retard passage of smoke [B-09-10-04]

▪ Penetrations in firewalls must be firestopped in conformance with Part 3 [B-09-10-06]

▪ Outlet boxes in fire separations Offset in separate stud spaces or Use tested fire stop system [B-09-10-09]



Spatial Separation: Short Limiting Distances▪ Reduced unprotected openings for unsprinklered

buildings where limiting distances are 2m or less[B-09-10-15]

▪ Requirement for minimum separation between unprotected openings [B-09-10-15]

▪ Non-combustible cladding required for residential occupancies with up to 50% unprotected openings

[B-09-10-16]▪ Protection for permitted projections [B-09-10-17]▪ Roof soffits more restricted

(not permitted where LD < 0.45 m). [B-09-10-18]



Dampproofing of Footings / Foundation Shear Keys

▪ Extend dampproofing on top of footings to minimize moisture ingress [B-09-13-01]

▪ Specify performance level of dampproofing to permit use of sheet materials [B-09-13-02]

▪ Require shear key or steel anchorage to provide lateral support at base of foundation [B-09-15-05]



Waterproofing Foundation Walls [B-09-13-04]

▪ Require waterproofing for exterior surfaces of foundation walls

▪ Remove drainage layer provisions



Roof Design Measures for High Wind Events▪ Reduce intermediate fastener spacing of roof panel

sheathing from 300 mm to 150 mm o.c. [B-09-23-06]▪ Tie-down roof framing over garages and carports with

no storey above [B-09-23-03]Provide hurricane straps to resist 2800 N uplift load, or Design in accordance with Subsection 4.3.1.



Ceramic Tile Installation [B-09-30-01]

Remove provisions requiring ceramic tile to be installed on a reinforced subfloor or on a reinforced mortar bed

▪ Simplified installation using mortar bed or suitable adhesive directly on subfloor

Industry practice in Canada and throughout OntarioNo reported significant incidences of failureHarmonize with 2010 NBC



Part 12 - Resource Conservation[B-12-03-02]

▪ Currently no provisions for Part 9 non-residential buildings to comply with insulation standards

▪ New signpost directing compliance with insulation standards in Article 9.25.2.2.


Division C Proposals – Part 1

▪ Require a permit to demolish a farm house[C-01-03-01]

▪ Exempt pallet racking from a construction permit[C-01-03-02]

▪ Require that Minister’s Rulings be kept on site[C-01-03-03]

▪ Require an inspector provide written inspection reports to contractor and owner [C-01-03-04]

▪ Require thermal protection for foamed plastics as condition for early residential occupancy [C-01-03-05]


How To Submit Comments:

HOW TO SUBMIT COMMENTS


Comment Submission

▪ We look forward to your feedback regarding potential changes for the next edition of the Building Code

▪ Your active involvement helps ensure that potential Code changes are fully informed, are technically and economically feasible, and enforceable

▪ Comments are also appreciated on the timing of the proposed changes:

As was the case with the 2006 Building Code, it would be possible to phase in Code changes over the lifespan of the next Code cycle

▪ Comments are considered by MMAH and the Building Code Technical Advisory Committees


Steps to Submitting Comments

▪ Review this consultation paper (on-line, CD or hard copy)

Web address: http://www.mah.gov.on.ca▪ Review the specific Code proposals:

Available online or in CDUnlike previous Building Code consultations, the details of each proposed code amendment is not included in the printed version of the consultation paper.This recognizes the significant number of potential changes presented, and an effort to reduce the “carbon footprint” of the consultation


Steps to Submitting Comments

▪ Provide feedback on a potential change, by completing the comment form found online

▪ Complete an additional form for each proposed change for which you want to provide input

▪ You are encouraged to submit additional material in a manner that best allows you to express your views on the proposed Building Code amendments

▪ If you do not support the potential changes, or would support the changes with modifications, include an explanation of the rationale for your concerns


Steps to Steps to Submitting Comments (Con’t)

▪ Remember to include the following on each Comment Form:

your name your mailing address whether you are responding on behalf of yourself or an organization

▪ Submit by fax, mail, e-mail, or on-line▪ Deadline for comments: November 8,

2010


Options for Submitting Comments

▪ E-mail: [email protected] Subject Line: 2010 Next Edition Building Code Consultation

▪ Fax: (416) 585-7531 Subject Line: 2010 Next Edition Building Code Consultation

▪ Mail: 2010 Next Edition Building Code Consultation c/o Building and Development Branch Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing 777 Bay Street – 2nd Floor Toronto, ON M5G 2E5

▪ On-Line:Select: 2010 Public Consultation Comment Form


Ordering a Compact Disc

▪ Available free of charge▪ Contact by e-mail:

Alek Antoniuk Manager - Code Development Building and Development Branch Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing [email protected]

Subject Line: CD – 2010 Code Consultation


Contacts for Further Information

▪ Alek Antoniuk, Manager – Code Development Tel: (416) 585-6456 E-mail: [email protected]

▪ James Ross, Policy Coordinator Tel: (416) 585-4243 E-mail: [email protected]


Recommendations for other Code Changes

▪ A comment that refers to other requirements in the Code, for which no change is proposed, will not be considered as part of this consultation.

▪ However, should you wish to provide input on other Code requirements or make suggestions for changes to be included at a later date you may do so by completing the “ Code Change Request Form to Building Code ”


What Happens To Your Comments?

▪ All proposed changes and public comments are reviewed by Technical Advisory Committees (TACs)

▪ TAC members represent:DesignersBuilders / ContractorsRegulatory / Enforcement AgenciesIndustry / ManufacturersGeneral Public

▪ TACs are scheduled to meet in November, 2010 to review first round of consultations

▪ Further TAC meetings will be held following second round of consultations

▪ TACs will make recommendations to the Ministry


Technical Advisory Committees

▪ Technical Advisory Committees have been established for:

Part 3 – Large and Complex BuildingsPart 4 – Structural DesignPart 5+12 – Environmental Separation and Resource ConservationPart 6 – Heating, Ventilating and Air ConditioningPart 7 – PlumbingPart 8 – Sewage SystemsPart 9 – Housing and Small BuildingsBarrier-Free & Accessibility (being formed)


Collection of Personal Information

▪ Personal information provided in responses to Building Code consultations is collected under the authority of subsection 38(2) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for consultative purposes and for contacting you should we need to clarify your response to this consultation.

▪ Responses to consultations (minus addresses, where provided) may be shared with provincial and national building and fire code development committees.

▪ Questions about the collection of personal information may be addressed to James Ross, Policy Coordinator, at the address noted above.


2010 Next EditionBuilding Code Consultation

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Next Edition of Ontario’s Building Code: First Round of