2024 Ontario Building Code Tent Regulations: Egress, Clearances, and Fire Safety Guide
Sarah's Expert Insight
OBC Compliance Specialist
"In high-traffic event areas like London or the cottage country of Muskoka, the 3-meter clearance rule for flammable materials and property lines is the most frequently cited violation during inspections. At empcontracting.ca Inc. your construction contractor in London, Ontario, we emphasize that verifying CAN/ULC-S109 flame resistance certification early in the planning phase is vital to avoid last-minute shutdowns by the fire marshal."
Understanding the complexities of the 2024 Ontario Building Code (OBC) is essential for any temporary structure project. Whether you are hosting a large-scale event or setting up temporary commercial space, empcontracting.ca Inc. your construction contractor in London, Ontario, ensures your project meets all Section 3.14.1 requirements for safety and legal compliance.
OBC 3.14.1.3: Means of Egress for Tents
Tents must generally conform to the egress standards found in Sections 3.3 and 3.4 of the OBC. Specifically, if the space between adjacent tents or the property line is used as a path of travel, a minimum width of 3 meters must be maintained between stake lines to ensure safe passage.
Section 3.14.1.4: Clearance to Other Structures
To prevent the spread of fire and ensure site safety, the following clearance rules apply:
Property Lines and Building Separation
- Tents must be located at least 3 meters from property lines.
- A 3-meter separation is required between tents and other structures on the same property, though walkways are permitted if they meet specific OBC fire safety articles.
Special Exceptions
Tents not occupied by the public, or those located on fairgrounds, may have reduced separation requirements provided they do not create a hazard to the public or interfere with electrical conductors.
OBC 3.14.1.5 & 3.14.1.6: Fire Safety and Flame Resistance
Fire prevention is a critical component of the Ontario Building Code. The ground inside and for 3 meters outside a tent must be cleared of all flammable vegetation or combustible materials. Furthermore, every tent and all decorative fabrics used within must be certified to CAN/ULC-S109 or NFPA 701 flame resistance standards.
Section 3.14.1.7 & 3.14.1.8: Bleachers and Sanitary Facilities
If your temporary structure includes seating, bleachers must be designed in accordance with Subsection 4.1.5. Additionally, the number of water closets and sanitary facilities must be calculated based on the occupant load as determined by OBC Table 3.7.4.3.-E.
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.