Appendix A
Explanatory Material for Division A
Explanatory Material for Division ACopy linkAdd bookmark
A-1.1.1.1.(2) Factory-Constructed Buildings. Copy linkAdd bookmark
The Building Code applies the same requirements to site-built and factory-constructed buildings. However, it can often be difficult to determine whether a factory-constructed building complies with the Code once it has been delivered to the construction site because many of the wall, roof and floor assemblies are closed in and so their components cannot be inspected. CSA A277, “Procedure for certification of prefabricated buildings, modules, and panels,” was developed to address this problem with regard to residential, commercial and industrial buildings. This standard describes a procedure whereby an independent certification agency can review the quality control procedures of a factory and make periodic unannounced inspections of its products. The standard is not a building code, only a procedure for certifying compliance of factory-constructed components with a building code or other standard. If a factory-constructed building bears the label of an accredited certification agency indicating that compliance with the Building Code has been certified using the CSA A277 procedure, the accepting authority will have some assurance that the concealed components do not require re-inspection on site.
On the other hand, standards in the CSA Z240 MH Series, “Manufactured homes,” do resemble a building code. Most of the individual standards in the series contain requirements regarding many issues also covered in the Building Code. Some of these Z240 MH Series provisions are performance requirements with no quantitative criteria, some simply reference the applicable Building Code requirements, while others contain requirements that differ from those in the Building Code. Because it would be illogical to have two different sets of requirements for buildings—one set that applies to site-built buildings and one set that applies to factory-constructed buildings—the Building Code does not reference these Z240 MH Series standards. One of the individual standards in the Z240 MH Series deals with special requirements for manufactured homes related to the fact that these houses must be moved over roads, which is an issue the Building Code does not address. Therefore, labeling that indicates that a factory-constructed house complies with the Z240 MH Series standards cannot be taken as an indication that the house necessarily complies with the building code in effect for the location where the house will be sited.
The Building Code does reference CSA Z240.10.1, “Site preparation, foundation, and installation of buildings,” which is not actually part of the CSA Z240 MH Series. This standard contains requirements for surface foundations where buildings—not just houses—comply with the deformation resistance test provided in CSA Z240.2.1, “Structural requirements for manufactured homes.”
A-1.2.1.1.(1)(a) Compliance Via Acceptable Solutions. Copy linkAdd bookmark
If a building design (e.g. material, component, assembly or system) can be shown to meet all provisions of the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B (e.g. it complies with the applicable provisions of a referenced standard), it is deemed to have satisfied the objectives and functional statements linked to those provisions and thus to have complied with that part of the Code. In fact, if it can be determined that a design meets all the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B, there is no need to consult the objectives and functional statements in Division A to determine its compliance.
A-1.2.1.1.(1)(b) Compliance Via Alternative Solutions. Copy linkAdd bookmark
Where a design differs from the acceptable solutions in Division B, then it should be treated as an “alternative solution”. A proponent of an alternative solution must demonstrate that the alternative solution addresses the same issues as the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B and their attributed objectives and functional statements. However, because the objectives and functional statements are entirely qualitative, demonstrating compliance with them in isolation is not possible.
Therefore, Clause 1.2.1.1.(1)(b) identifies the principle that Division B establishes the quantitative performance targets that alternative solutions must meet. In many cases, these targets are not defined very precisely by the acceptable solutions -certainly far less precisely than would be the case with a true performance code, which would have quantitative performance targets and prescribed methods of performance measurement for all aspects of building performance. Nevertheless, Clause 1.2.1.1.(1)(b) makes it clear that an effort must be made to demonstrate that an alternative solution will perform as well as a design that would satisfy the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B - not “well enough” but “as well as”. In this sense, it is Division B that defines the boundaries between acceptable risks and the “unacceptable” risks referred to in the statements of the Code’s objectives, i.e. the risk remaining once the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B have been implemented represents the residual level of risk deemed to be acceptable by the broad base of Canadians who have taken part in the consensus process used to develop the Code.
Level of PerformanceCopy linkAdd bookmark
Where Division B offers a choice between several possible designs, it is likely that these designs may not all provide exactly the same level of performance. Among a number of possible designs satisfying acceptable solutions in Division B, the design providing the lowest level of performance should generally be considered to establish the minimum acceptable level of performance to be used in evaluating alternative solutions for compliance with the Code.
Sometimes a single design will be used as an alternative solution to several sets of acceptable solutions in Division B. In this case, the level of performance required of the alternative solution should be at least equivalent to the overall level of performance established by all the applicable sets of acceptable solutions taken as a whole.
Each provision in Division B has been analyzed to determine to what it applies and what it is intended to achieve. The resultant application and intent statements clarify what undesirable results each provision seeks to preclude. These statements are not a legal component of the Code, but are advisory in nature, and can help Code users establish performance targets for alternative solutions.
Areas of PerformanceCopy linkAdd bookmark
A subset of the acceptable solutions in Division B may establish criteria for particular types of designs (e.g. certain types of materials, components, assemblies, or systems). Often such subsets of acceptable solutions are all attributed to the same objective: Fire Safety, for example. In some cases, the designs that are normally used to satisfy this subset of acceptable solutions might also provide some benefits that could be related to some other objective: Fire Protection of the Building, for example. However, if none of the applicable acceptable solutions are linked to Objective OP1, Fire Protection of the Building, then alternative solutions proposed to replace these acceptable solutions are not required to provide a similar benefit related to Fire Protection of the Building. In other words, the acceptable solutions in Division B establish acceptable levels of performance for compliance with Division B only in those areas defined by the objectives and functional statements attributed to the acceptable solutions.
Applicable Acceptable SolutionsCopy linkAdd bookmark
In demonstrating that an alternative solution will perform as well as a design that would satisfy the applicable acceptable solutions in Division B, its evaluation should not be limited to comparison with the acceptable solutions to which an alternative is proposed. It is possible that acceptable solutions elsewhere in the Code also apply. The proposed alternative solution may be shown to perform as well as the most apparent acceptable solution which it is replacing but may not perform as well as other relevant acceptable solutions. For example, an innovative sheathing material may perform adequately as sheathing in a wall system that is braced by other means but may not perform adequately as sheathing in a wall system where the sheathing must provide the structural bracing. All applicable acceptable solutions should be taken into consideration in demonstrating the compliance of an alternative solution.
Relationship Between Division A and Division BCopy linkAdd bookmark
Supplementary Standard SA-1 sets out the objectives and functional statements which have been attributed to the acceptable solutions provided in Division B of the Building Code.
“Acceptable solution” is defined in Article 1.4.1.2. of Division A. Objectives and functional statements have accordingly been attributed to each provision of Parts 2 to 12 of Division B that is considered to be a “requirement”; that is, a provision that provides criteria necessary to determine compliance with Division B. Requirements may specify performance values, qualities, quantities, design methods and test methods that are required in order to comply with Division B.
Objectives and functional statements have not been attributed to provisions of Division B which are not considered to be “requirements”, but rather assist in the interpretation of requirements by fulfilling the following functions:
- • Introductions: specifies the scope and/or application of requirements (for example, Sentence 5.1.2.1.(1) of Division B, which specifies that application of Part 5);
- • Application modifiers: expand or limit the application of a requirement without changing its intent (for example, Sentence 9.35.2.1.(1) of Division B, which expands the application of the requirements for garages to a carport with more than 60% of its perimeter enclosed);
- • Exemptions: waive the application of a requirement (for example, Sentence 6.3.1.3.(6) of Division B, which exempts open-air storeys in a storage garage from the mechanical exhaust requirements of the remainder of Article 6.3.1.3.);
- • Signpost: provides direction to another requirement which would in any event be applicable (for example, Sentence 3.13.5.1. of Division B, which directs the Code user to the requirements of Subsection 3.2.4. for fire alarm and detection systems in rapid transit stations);
- • Classifications: categorize and sort requirements or aspects of requirements (for example, Sentence 8.1.2.1.(1) of Division B, which classifies the types of sewage systems)
- • Clarifications: explain the intent of a requirement (for example, Sentence 5.2.2.1.(2) of Division B, which identifies the structural loads referenced in the remainder of Article 5.2.2.1.);
- • Definitions: defining terms used in a requirement (for example, Sentence 7.1.1A.1.(2) of Division B, which defines “storey” for the purpose of Part 7);
- • Administrative provisions: specifies the use of, and determination of compliance with, requirements (for example, Sentence 9.7.4.3.(4) of Division B, which requires labelling of exterior wood doors to facilitate enforcement of the requirements of the remainder of Article 9.7.4.3.);
Requirements of Division B will often be dependent on other provisions of Division B to which objectives and functional statements have not been attributed.
For example, Sentence 3.2.4.1.(4) of Division B lists the conditions when a fire alarm system is required. Objective OS1.5 and functional statement F11 are attributed to this requirement. However, this Sentence must also be examined in the context of Sentences 3.2.4.1.(4.1) and (5), which are not characterized as requirements (and therefore have not been attributed objectives or functional statements) but are necessary to explain the context of that Sentence. In this instance, Sentences (4.1) and (5) list exceptions and modifications to Sentence (4).
As a result, in evaluating the level of performance of an acceptable solution for the purposes of assessing an alternative solution, regard must be had both to requirements (to which objectives and functional statements have been attributed in this Standard) and to other provisions (to which objectives and functional statements have not been attributed in this Standard) related to the requirement.
A-1.3.3. Application of Division B. Copy linkAdd bookmark
The provisions in this Code are intended to establish minimum acceptable standards for public health and public safety, fire protection, structural sufficiency, conservation, environmental integrity, barrier-free use and access. It is intended that all installed features of a building, whether required or not, would be designed in conformance with good engineering practice and would meet the applicable requirements of the Code. Good design is necessary to ensure that the level of public safety established by the Building Code requirements would not be reduced by a voluntary installation. Voluntary installations should not detrimentally affect other applicable provisions required by the Code.
There is a public expectation that installed features in a building would meet their intended function and conform to the Building Code.
A-1.3.3.3C. Existing Buildings. Copy linkAdd bookmark
This Article describes the extent of renovation subject to the Building Code: only the areas or portions of a building being renovated, or other parts of a building adversely affected by that renovation need comply with the requirements of the Code; all other areas or portions need not comply with the Code and may remain unchanged.
A-1.3.3.4.(2) Buildings Divided by Firewalls. Copy linkAdd bookmark
This concept relates to the provisions directly regulated by this Code and does not apply to electrical service entrance and natural gas service requirements which are regulated by other documents.
A-1.4.1.2.(1) Defined Terms. Copy linkAdd bookmark
Adaptable SeatingCopy linkAdd bookmark
Adaptable seating enables persons in wheelchairs to transfer to a fixed seat without the obstruction of an armrest.
ExitCopy linkAdd bookmark
Exits include doors or doorways leading directly into an exit stair or directly to the outside. In the case of an exit leading to a separate building, exits also include vestibules, walkways, bridges and balconies.
Farm BuildingCopy linkAdd bookmark
Farm buildings as defined in Article 1.4.1.2. include but are not limited to produce storage and packing facilities, livestock and poultry housing, milking centres, manure storage facilities, grain bins, silos, feed preparation centres, farm workshops, greenhouses, farm retail centres, and horse riding, exercise and training facilities. Farm buildings may be classed as low or high human occupancy depending on the occupant load.
Examples of farm buildings likely to be classed as low human occupancy as defined in Article 1.2.1.2. of the National Farm Building Code of Canada are livestock and poultry housing, manure and machinery storage facilities and horse exercise and training facilities where no bleachers or viewing area are provided.
Examples of other buildings that would be classed as other than low human occupancy include farm retail centres for feeds, horticultural and livestock produce, auction barns and show areas where bleachers or other public facilities are provided. Farm work centres where the number of workers frequently exceeds the limit for low human occupancy will also be in this category.
It is possible to have areas of both high and low human occupancy in the same building provided that the structural safety and fire separation requirements for high human occupancy are met in the part thus designated.
Fire SeparationCopy linkAdd bookmark
A fire separation may or may not have a fire-resistance rating.
Heritage BuildingCopy linkAdd bookmark
This definition facilitates acknowledgement and acceptance of the significance of such a building through creditable means.
Plumbing SystemCopy linkAdd bookmark
“Plumbing” is defined in the Building Code Act, 1992. Each of the three systems (drainage, venting, water) appearing in the definition are further defined in Article 1.4.1.2., with the end result that a plumbing system encompasses all three elements.
Other piping systems as listed below are excluded from plumbing system since the definition of water system limits the system to the point of juncture with outlets, fixtures, etc. Similarly, a drainage system starts at the fixture or plumbing appliance it drains.
A plumbing system does not include,
(a) a system of piping, (i) for space heating in which water is used as a medium to transfer heat, (ii) in which liquids or vapours are circulated for the purpose of cooling or refrigeration, (iii) through which air is passed for the purpose of controlling the temperature, humidity or motion of air passing through the system, (iv) that conveys water for the purpose of providing water or nutrients to the soil, (v) that conveys water for the purpose of landscaping or for the care of animals, birds or fish, (vi) that transmits force by means of water or by means of a liquid other than water in which water is used for cooling, (vii) that conveys liquids for the purpose of melting ice or snow, or (viii) that uses water in the conveyance of flammable gas or fuel; or
(b) a well, a well pump installed for the purpose of conveying water from a well, a pressure tank and pump if the tank and pump are combined as a unit, the piping between any well pump and the well, the piping between a well pump and a pressure tank that is installed separate from the pump and the connection of the piping to such pressure tank, and when there is no well pump, any piping connected to the well for a distance of three feet from the outside of the well.
Public CorridorCopy linkAdd bookmark
A covered mall is considered to be a public corridor and, as such, is subject to the same requirements as a public corridor.
Public Heritage BuildingCopy linkAdd bookmark
This definition addresses smaller heritage buildings that are to be made available to the public for viewing as examples of an architectural period or periods in the past, depicting how our forebears lived, worked or played, and what artifacts, objects or clothing were in use at that time. These buildings are not considered museums as such, and therefore would not be subject to the more stringent requirements of assembly occupancies for that use.
Service RoomCopy linkAdd bookmark
Typical examples of service rooms include boiler rooms, furnace rooms, incinerator rooms, garbage handling rooms, and rooms to accommodate air-conditioning or heating appliances, pumps, compressors and electrical equipment. Rooms such as elevator machine rooms and common laundry rooms are not considered as service rooms.
SuiteCopy linkAdd bookmark
Tenancy in the context of the term “suite” applies to both rental and ownership tenure. In a condominium arrangement, for example, dwelling units are considered separate suites even though they are individually owned. In order to be of complementary use, a series of rooms that constitute a suite are in reasonably close proximity to each other and have access to each other either directly by means of a common doorway or indirectly by a corridor, vestibule or other similar arrangement.
The term “suite” does not apply to rooms such as service rooms, common laundry rooms and common recreational rooms that are not leased or under a separate tenure in the context of the Code. Similarly, the term suite is not normally applied in the context of buildings such as schools and hospitals, since the entire building is under a single tenure. A rented room in a long-term care home could be considered as a suite if the room was under a separate tenure. A hospital bedroom on the other hand is not considered to be under a separate tenure, since the patient has little control of that space, even though he pays the hospital a per diem rate for the privilege of using the hospital facilities, which include the sleeping areas.
For certain requirements in the Code, the expression “room or suite” is used (e.g. travel distance). This means that the requirement applies within the rooms of suites as well as to the suite itself and to rooms that may be located outside the suite. In other places the expression “suite, and rooms not located within a suite” is used (e.g. for the installation of smoke and heat detectors). This means that the requirement applies to individual suites as defined, but not to each room within the suite. The rooms “not within a suite” would include common laundry rooms, common recreational rooms and service rooms, that are not considered as tenant occupied space.
A-1.4.1.3. Applicable Law. Copy linkAdd bookmark
Applicants for building permits are required to establish compliance with applicable law. The following table lists contact information for those agencies responsible for the statutory provisions defined in Sentence 1.4.1.3.(1):
| Applicable Law Provision | Responsible Agency | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| City of Toronto Act, 2006: Subsection 102(3) of the City of Toronto Act, 2006 By-laws made under section 108 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006 but only with respect to the issuance of a permit for the construction of a green roof. Section 114 of the City of Toronto Act, 2006, with respect to the approval by the City of Toronto or the Ontario Land Tribunal of plans and drawings. | City of Toronto | General Inquiry: ph: 311 or 416-392-2489 |
| Clean Water Act, 2006: Clause 59(1)(b) of the Clean Water Act, 2006 with respect to the issuance of a notice by the risk management official for the construction of a building. | Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks | General Inquiry: ph: 416-325-4000 or 800-565-4923 |
| Conservation Authorities Act: Clause 28(1)(c) under the Conservation Authorities Act, with respect to the permission of the authority for the construction of a building if the control of flooding, erosion, dynamic beaches or pollution may be affected by the development. | Local Conservation Authority | |
| Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014: Section 14 of Regulation 137/15, under the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014, with respect to the approval of plans for a new building to be erected or an existing building to be used, altered or renovated for use as a child care centre or for alterations or renovations to be made to premises used by a child care centre. | Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services | General Inquiry: ph: 416-212-7432 Central East Regional Office ph: 905-868-8900 Central West Regional Office ph: 905-567-7177 or 877-832-2818 Eastern Regional Office ph: 613-234-1188 or 800-267-5111 Hamilton/Niagara Regional Office ph: 905-521-7280 North East Regional Office ph: 705-474-3540 or 800-461-6977 Northern Regional Office ph: 705-564-6699 or 800-265-1222 South East Regional Office ph: 613-545-0539 or 800-646-3209 South West Regional Office ph: 519-438-5111 or 800-265-4197 Toronto Regional Office ph: 416-325-0500 |
| Development Charges Act, 1997: Sections 28 and 53 under the Development Charges Act, 1997. | Local Municipality | |
| Education Act: Education Act, Section 194, with respect to the approval of the Minister for the demolition of a building. | Ministry of Education | General Inquiry ph: 416-325-2929 or 800-387-5514 |
| Education Act: Sections 257.83 and 257.93 under the Education Act. | Local Municipality | |
| Elderly Persons Centres Act: Section 6 of Regulation 314, of the Elderly Persons Centres Act, with respect to the approval of the Minister for the construction of a building project. | Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care | General Inquiry: ph: 416-327-4327 or 800-268-1153 |
| Environmental Assessment Act: Section 5 of the Environmental Assessment Act, with respect to the approval of the Ministry or the Ontario Land Tribunal to proceed with an undertaking. Subsection 5(4) of the Environmental Assessment Act | Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks | General Inquiry: ph: 416-325-4000 or 800-565-4923 Environmental Approvals Branch ph: 416-314-8001 or 800-461-6290 |
| Environmental Protection Act: Section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act with respect to the approval of the Minister to use land or land covered by water that has been used for the disposal of waste. Section 47.3 of the Environmental Protection Act, with respect to the issuance of a renewable energy approval. Section 168.3.1 of the Environmental Protection Act, with respect to the construction of a building to be used in connection with a change of use of a property. Paragraph 2 of Subsection 168.6(1) of the Environmental Protection Act, if a certificate of property use has been issued in respect of the property under subsection 168.6(1) of the Act. | Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks | General Inquiry: ph: 416-325-4000 or 800-565-4923 Central Region ph: 416-326-6700 or 800-810-8048 Eastern Region ph: 613-549-4000 or 800-267-0974 Northern Region ph: 807-475-1205 or 800-875-7772 Southwestern Region ph: 519-873-5000 or 800-265-7672 West Central Region ph: 905-521-7640 or 800-668-4557 |
| Milk Act Section 14 of the Milk Act, with respect to the permit from the Director for the construction or alteration of any building intended for use as a plant. | Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs | General Inquiry ph: 519-826-3100 or 888-466-2372 |
| Municipal Act, 2001 Subsection 133(4) of the Municipal Act, 2001. | Local Municipality | |
| Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act: Subsection 24(3) of the Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act. | Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry | General Inquiry ph: 800-667-1940 Niagara Escarpment Commission ph: 905-877-5191 |
| Nutrient Management Act, 2002: Section 11.1 of O. Reg. 267/03 of the Nutrient Management Act, 2002, with respect to a proposed building or structure to house farm animals or store nutrients if that Regulation requires the preparation and approval of a nutrient management strategy before construction of the proposed building or structure. | Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs | General Inquiry ph: 519-826-3100 or 888-466-2372 |
| Nutrient Management Act, 2002: Section 11.1 of O. Reg. 267/03 of the Nutrient Management Act, 2002, with respect to a proposed building or structure to house farm animals or store nutrients if that Regulation requires the preparation and approval of a nutrient management strategy before construction of the proposed building or structure. | Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs | General Inquiry ph: 519-826-3100 or 888-466-2372 |
| Ontario Heritage Act: Subsection 27(9) of the Ontario Heritage Act, with respect to a notice to the council of a municipality to the demolition or removal of a building from a registered property. Subsection 30(2) of the Ontario Heritage Act, with respect to a consent of the council of a municipality to the alteration or demolition of a building. Section 33 of the Ontario Heritage Act, with respect to the consent of the council of a municipality for the alteration of a property. Section 34 of the Ontario Heritage Act, with respect to the consent of the council of a municipality for the demolition of a building. By-laws made under Section 40.1 of the Ontario Heritage Act Section 42 of the Ontario Heritage Act, with respect to the permit given by the council of a municipality for the erection, alteration, or demolition of a building. | Local Municipality | |
| Ontario Heritage Act: Section 34.5 of the Ontario Heritage Act, with respect to a consent of the Minister to the alteration or demolition of a designated building Subsection 34.7(2) of the Ontario Heritage Act, with respect to a consent of the Minister to the alteration or demolition of a designated building | Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport | General Inquiry: ph: 416-326-9326 |
| Ontario Planning and Development Act, 1994, Section 14 Ontario Planning and Development Act, 1994, with respect to any conflict between a development plan made under that Act and a zoning by-law that affects the proposed building or structure. Subsection 17(1) Ontario Planning and Development Act, 1994 with respect to orders made under that Act. | Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing | General Inquiry: ph: 416-585-7041 Central Municipal Services Office ph: 416-585-6226 or 800-668-0230 Eastern Municipal Services Office ph: 613-545-2100 or 800-267-9438 Northeastern Municipal Services Office ph: 705-564-0120 or 800-461-1193 Northwestern Municipal Services Office ph: 807-475-1651 or 800-465-5027 Southwestern Municipal Services Office ph: 519-873-4020 or 800-265-4736 |
| Planning Act: Section 33 of the Planning Act, except where in the case of demolition of a residential property, a permit to demolish the property is obtained under that Section By-laws made under Sections 34 or 38 of the Planning Act. Section 41 of the Planning Act, with respect to the approval by the council of the municipality of the Municipal Board of plans and drawings. Section 42 of the Planning Act, with respect to the payment of money to the Municipality. Section 46 of the Planning Act. By-laws made under O. Reg. 608/06 (Development Permits) made under the Planning Act. By-laws made under O. Reg. 246/01 (Development Permits) made under the Planning Act. | Local Municipality | |
| Planning Act: Section 47 of the Planning Act, with respect to orders made under that Act. | Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing | General Inquiry: ph: 416-585-7041 Central Municipal Services Office ph: 416-585-6226 or 800-668-0230 Eastern Municipal Services Office ph: 613-545-2100 or 800-267-9438 Northeastern Municipal Services Office ph: 705-564-0120 or 800-461-1193 Northwestern Municipal Services Office ph: 807-475-1651 or 800-465-5027 Southwestern Municipal Services Office ph: 519-873-4020 or 800-265-4736 |
| Public Lands Act: Section 2 of O. Reg. 453/96 of the Public Lands Act, with respect to the work permit from the Minister authorizing the construction or placement of a building on public land. | Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry | General Inquiry ph: 800-667-1940 |
| Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act: Section 34 or 38 of the Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act, with respect to the permit from the Minister for the placement, erection or alteration of any building or other structure or the use of land. | Ministry of Transportation | General Inquiry ph: 800-268-4686 Central Region: ph: 416-235-5412 Eastern Region: ph: 800-267-0295 Northeastern Region: ph: 705-472-7900 or 800-461-9547 Northwestern Region: ph: 807-473-2000 or 800-465-5034 Southwestern Region: ph: 519-873-4335 or 800-265-6072 |
A-1.5.1.1.(1) Application of Referenced Documents. Copy linkAdd bookmark
Documents referenced in the Building Code may contain provisions covering a wide range of issues, including issues that are unrelated to the objectives and functional statements stated in Parts 2 and 3 of Division A respectively; e.g. aesthetic issues such as colour-fastness or uniformity. Sentence 1.5.1.1.(1) is intended to make it clear that, whereas referencing a document in the Building Code generally has the effect of making the provisions of that document part of the Code, provisions that are unrelated to buildings or to the objectives and functional statements attributed to the provisions in Division B where the document is referenced are excluded.
Furthermore, many documents referenced in the Building Code contain references to other documents, which may also, in turn, refer to other documents. These secondary and tertiary referenced documents may contain provisions that are unrelated to buildings or to the objectives and functional statements of the Building Code: such provisions - no matter how far down the chain of references they occur - are not included in the intent of Sentence 1.5.1.1.(1) of Division A.
A-2.2.1.1.(1) Objectives. Copy linkAdd bookmark
Listing of ObjectivesCopy linkAdd bookmark
Any gaps in the numbering sequence of the objectives are due to the fact that there is a master list of objectives covering the Building Code, Fire Code and the National Code Documents (National Building Code of Canada 2020, National Plumbing Code of Canada 2020 and National Fire Code of Canada 2020) but not all objectives are pertinent to all Codes.
The BuildingCopy linkAdd bookmark
Where the term “the building” is used in the wording of the objectives, it refers to the building for which compliance with the Building Code is being assessed.
EmergencyCopy linkAdd bookmark
The term “emergency" - in the context of safety in buildings - is often equated to the term “fire emergency”; however, the wording of objectives OS3.7 and OS5.9 makes it clear that the Code addresses any type of emergency that would require the rapid evacuation of the building, such as the release of hazardous substances or the presence of intruders.
A-3.2.1.1.(1) Functional Statements. Copy linkAdd bookmark
Listing of Functional StatementsCopy linkAdd bookmark
The numbered functional statements are grouped according to functions that deal with closely related subjects. For example, the first group deals with fire risks, the second group deals with emergency egress and response, etc. There are gaps in the numbering sequence for the following reasons:
- Each group has unused numbers which allows for the possible future creation of additional functional statements within any one group.
- There is a master list of functional statements covering the Building Code, Fire Code and the National Code Documents (National Building Code of Canada 2020, National Plumbing Code of Canada 2020 and National Fire Code of Canada 2020) but not all functional statements are pertinent to all Codes.