Ontario Building Code Occupancy Classifications and Fire Separation Requirements | empcontracting.ca Inc.
Sarah's Expert Insight
OBC Compliance Specialist
"Correctly applying the 30-person threshold for restaurant classification or the 10-person limit for care units can save developers thousands in fire-suppression costs. At empcontracting.ca Inc., we frequently use these specific OBC allowances in London and Oakville to help clients achieve residential-style compliance for care-based facilities, significantly reducing the regulatory burden on smaller projects."
Understanding the nuances of the 2024 Ontario Building Code (OBC) is critical for code compliance and project feasibility. At empcontracting.ca Inc. your construction contractor in London, Ontario, we help clients navigate these complex regulations to ensure safety and structural integrity.
Major Occupancy Classifications under OBC Part 3
The OBC provides specific criteria for classifying various facilities, which dictates the fire safety and construction standards required for the project.
Police Stations and Care Occupancies
Per Section 3.1.2.4, police stations with detention quarters may be classified as Group B, Division 2, provided they do not exceed one storey and 600 m² in area. Additionally, Group B, Division 3 care occupancies can be treated as Group C (Residential) if they function as a single housekeeping unit for 10 or fewer persons with limited evacuation assistance needs.
Commercial and Industrial Classifications
For small-scale hospitality projects, a restaurant designed for no more than 30 persons can be classified as a Group E occupancy. Conversely, storage facilities for baled combustible fibres are strictly classified as medium-hazard industrial occupancies to account for higher fire risks.
3.1.3.1. Requirements for Separation of Major Occupancies
In mixed-use developments, major occupancies must be isolated from one another to prevent the spread of fire. This is achieved through fire separations with ratings conforming to Table 3.1.3.1.
Mixed-Use Fire Rating Exemptions
One common application for residential-commercial builds is found in Sentence (2): in buildings up to 3 storeys high, if a Group E occupancy is paired with no more than two dwelling units, the required fire-resistance rating between them is limited to 1 hour. This allowance is a vital consideration for modern urban infill projects in London and the surrounding GTA.
Disclaimer: This content is generated from the Ontario Building Code for educational purposes. Always consult with a licensed professional engineer or your local building department before starting any construction project in London, Ontario.