2012 Building Code Compendium Volume 1 PDF

Ministry of Ministère des Municipal Affairs Affaires municipales and Housing et du Logement Building and Development Direction du bâtiment Branch et de l'aménagement 777 Bay Street, 16th Floor 777, rue...

Ministry of Ministère des Municipal Affairs Affaires municipales and Housing et du Logement Building and Development Direction du bâtiment Branch et de l'aménagement 777 Bay Street, 16th Floor 777, rue Bay, 16e étage Toronto ON M7A 2J3 Toronto ON M7A 2J3 Telephone: 416 585-6666 Téléphone : 416 585-6666 www.ontario.ca/buildingcode www.ontario.ca/buildingcode July 1, 2022 NOTICE TO BUILDING CODE USERS Enclosed please find the Compendium Edition1 of the 2012 Building Code (O. Reg 332/12) which came into effect January 1, 2014. The Building Code is a regulation made under the Building Code Act, 1992. This edition of the 2012 Building Code Compendium reflects recent changes to the Building Code amended by: O. Reg. 217/22 to incorporate the following changes effective July 1, 2022: o new Article requiring truss and lightweight construction information be provided to fire chief or municipal clerk within 45 days of permit being issued. O. Reg. 434/22 to incorporate the following changes effective April 26, 2022: o new Subsection to include measures related to the Building Code to transition provisions from the Temporary Health or Residential Facilities Emergency Order that exempt temporary shelters and health facilities created to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic from having to obtain a building permit or a change of use permit and exempts these buildings from complying with the technical requirements of the Building Code. O. Reg. 451/22 to incorporate the following changes: o new Article exempting storage sheds of up to 15 m2 in area from Building Code requirements effective April 29, 2022; o new Subsection allowing encapsulated mass timber buildings to be constructed up to 12 storeys high effective July 1, 2022; o removing barriers to multi-residential premanufactured modular construction projects effective July 1, 2022; o supporting local building official internship programs effective July 1, 2022; o new Article addressing provisions to allow for the early and partial occupancy for super tall buildings (i.e., those that are 65 storeys or more) effective November 1, 2022. 1 The Compendium is not an official copy of the Act and Code. Official copies of the legislation can be accessed from www.e-laws.gov.on.ca. Changes to the Compendium are identified by a unique symbol identifying the source of the change and the corresponding effective date. ServiceOntario Publications is the official publisher and vendor of the 2012 Building Code Compendium and the amendment pages. You may contact ServiceOntario Publications by phone at 416-326-5300, 1-800-668-9938 (toll-free), TTY 1-800-268-7095 or www.serviceontario.ca/publications. For further information, please visit the Building Code website at www.ontario.ca/buildingcode. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Building and Development Branch 2012 Building Code Compendium 2012 Building Code Compendium Volume 1 July 1, 2022 update (Containing O. Regs. 217/22, 434/22 and 451/22)  Volume 1 2012 Building Code Compendium COMMENCEMENT Ontario Regulation 332/12 comes into force on the 1st day of January, 2014. r1 Amending Ontario Regulation 151/13 comes into force on the 1st day of January, 2014. r2 Amending Ontario Regulation 360/13 comes into force on the 1st day of January, 2014. r2.1 Amending Ontario Regulation 360/13 comes into force on the 1st day of January, 2015. r3 Amending Ontario Regulation 361/13 comes into force on the 1st day of January, 2014. r3.1 Amending Ontario Regulation 361/13 comes into force on the 1st day of January, 2015. r4 Amending Ontario Regulation 368/13 comes into force on the 1st day of January, 2015. r5 Amending Ontario Regulation 191/14 comes into force on the 1st day of January, 2015. r6 Amending Ontario Regulation 139/17 comes into force on the 1st day of July, 2017. r6.1 Amending Ontario Regulation 139/17 comes into force on the 1st day of January, 2018. r7 Amending Ontario Regulation 462/17 comes into force on the 1st day of January, 2018. r8 Amending Ontario Regulation 563/17 comes into force on the 1st day of January, 2018. r9 Amending Ontario Regulation 79/18 comes into force on the 3rd day of April, 2018. r10 Amending Ontario Regulation 388/18 comes into force on the 20th day of July, 2018. r11 Amending Ontario Regulation 88/19 comes into force on the 2nd day of May, 2019. r11.1 Amending Ontario Regulation 88/19 comes into force on the 1st day of January, 2020. r11.2 Amending Ontario Regulation 88/19 comes into force on the 1st day of January, 2022. r12 Amending Ontario Regulation 87/19 comes into force on the 1st day of July, 2019. r13 Amending Ontario Regulation 209/20 comes into force on the 11th day of May, 2020. r14 Amending Ontario Regulation 511/20 comes into force on the 18th day of September, 2020. r15 Amending Ontario Regulation 762/20 comes into force on the 16th day of December, 2020. r16 Amending Ontario Regulation 867/21 comes into force on the 1st day of January, 2022. r17 Amending Ontario Regulation 217/22 comes into force on the 1st day of July, 2022. r18 Amending Ontario Regulation 434/22 comes into force on the 27th day of April, 2022. r19 Amending Ontario Regulation 451/22 comes into force on the 29th day of April, 2022. r19.1 Amending Ontario Regulation 451/22 comes into force on the 1st day of July, 2022. r19.2 Amending Ontario Regulation 451/22 comes into force on the 1st day of November 2022. m1 Ruling of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (Minister’s Ruling) MR-13-S-24 comes into force on the 1st day of January 2014. m2 Ruling of the Minister of Municipal Affairs (Minister’s Ruling) MR-16-S-25 comes into force on the 7th day of July 2016. m3 Ruling of the Minister of Municipal Affairs (Minister’s Ruling) MR-16-S-26 comes into force on the 7th day of July 2016. m4 Ruling of the Minister of Municipal Affairs (Minister’s Ruling) MR-16-S-27 comes into force on the 1st day of January 43 2017. m5 Ruling of the Minister of Municipal Affairs (Minister’s Ruling) MR-17-S-28 comes into force on the 1st day of January 43 2018.  2012 Building Code Compendium Volume 1 EDITORIAL e1 Editorial correction issued for January 1st, 2014. e2 Editorial correction issued for January 1st, 2014. e2.1 Editorial correction issued for January 1st, 2015. e3 Editorial correction issued for January 1st, 2015. e4 Editorial correction issued for July 7th, 2016. e5 Editorial correction issued for January 1st, 2017. e6 Editorial correction issued for July 1st, 2017. e6.1 Editorial correction issued for January 1st, 2018. e7 Editorial correction issued for January 1st, 2018. e8 Editorial correction issued for January 1st, 2020. e8.1 Editorial correction issued for January 1st, 2022. e9 Editorial correction issued for July 1st, 2019. e10 Editorial correction issued for December 16th, 2020. e11 Editorial correction issued for July 1, 2022. e12 Editorial correction issued for November 1, 2022. Volume 1 2012 Building Code Compendium COVER PHOTO CREDITS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1. Stephen Hawking Centre at the Perimeter Institute of Theoretical Physics; Teeple Architects Inc.; Scott Norsworthy Photography 2. Lawren Harris House; Drew Mandel Architects; Tom Arban Photography Inc. 3. Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse; Teeple Architects Inc.; Shai Gil Photography 4. James Bartleman Archives and Library Materials Centre; Shoalts & Zaback Architects Ltd. / Barry J. Hobin & Associates Architects Inc.; Tom Arban Photography Inc. 5. Ottawa Convention Centre; bbb architects; William P. McElligott Photography 6. Renfrew County Courthouse; NORR Limited Architects Engineers & Planners; Steven Evans Photography 7. Stephen Hawking Centre at the Perimeter Institute of Theoretical Physics; Teeple Architects Inc.; Shai Gil Photography 8. James Bartleman Archives and Library Materials Centre; Shoalts & Zaback Architects Ltd. / Barry J. Hobin & Associates Architects Inc.; Tom Arban Photography Inc. © Copyright Queen's Printer for Ontario, 2022 ISBN 978-1-4868-6230-6 PDF – Set (July 1, 2022 update) ISBN 978-1-4868-6231-3 PDF – Volume 1 (July 1, 2022 update) All rights reserved. Questions regarding copyright, including reproduction and distribution, may be directed to the Director, Building and Development Branch, of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Tel: 416-585-6666 E-Mail: [email protected]  2012 Building Code Compendium Table of Contents Volume 1 Preface Highlights of Major Changes in 2012 Code Code Amendment History Building Code Act Building Code Division A Compliance, Objectives and Functional Statements Part 1 Compliance and General Part 2 Objectives Part 3 Functional Statements Division B Acceptable Solutions Part 1 General Part 2 Reserved Part 3 Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Part 4 Structural Design Part 5 Environmental Separation Part 6 Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Part 7 Plumbing Part 8 Sewage Systems Part 9 Housing and Small Buildings Part 10 Change of Use Part 11 Renovation Part 12 Resource Conservation Division C Administrative Provisions Part 1 General Part 2 Alternative Solutions, Disputes, Rulings and Interpretations Part 3 Qualifications Part 4 Transition, Revocation and Commencement Index Pending Amendments 1  2012 Building Code Compendium Volume 2 Appendix A Explanatory Information Appendix B Imperial Conversion Supplementary Standards SA-1 Attribution Tables SB-1 Climatic and Seismic Data SB-2 Fire Performance Ratings SB-3 Fire and Sound Resistance of Building Assemblies SB-4 Measures for Fire Safety in High Buildings SB-5 Reserved SB-6 Percolation Time and Soil Descriptions SB-7 Construction Requirements for Guards SB-8 Design, Construction and Installation of Anchorage Systems for Fixed Access Ladders SB-9 Requirements for Soil Gas Control SB-10 Energy Efficiency Supplement SB-11 Construction of Farm Buildings SB-12 Energy Efficiency of Housing SB-13 Glass in Guards SC-1 Code of Conduct for Registered Code Agencies Forms 2  2012 Building Code Compendium Preface Introduction The Building Code is a regulation made under the Building Code Act, 1992. This edition of the Building Code Compendium contains the Supplementary Standards referenced by the Code and additional explanatory material and is prepared for purposes of convenience only. For the authoritative text of the Building Code regulation, see the official volumes. The 2012 Building Code was enacted by Ontario Regulation 332/12, which came into force on January 1, 2014. The Building Code sets out technical requirements for the construction (including renovation) and demolition of buildings, the change of use of existing buildings where the change would result in an increase in hazard and the maintenance and operation of on-site sewage systems. The technical requirements of the Building Code do not have application to existing buildings other than the maintenance and operation of on-site sewage systems and buildings which undergo a change of use where the change would result in an increase in hazard. The Code is essentially a set of minimum provisions respecting the safety of buildings with reference to public health, fire protection, accessibility and structural sufficiency. It is not intended to be a textbook on building design, advice on which should be sought from professional sources. Its primary purpose is the promotion of public safety through the application of appropriate uniform building standards. The 2012 Building Code updated the previous edition of the Building Code, which dated from 2006. Many of the changes introduced into the 2012 Building Code increased the level of harmonization between Ontario’s Code and those in other Canadian jurisdictions. As well, the 2012 Building Code is written in an objective-based format which is intended to promote innovation and flexibility in design and construction. The Building Code and the Model National Construction Codes The Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC), supported by the National Research Council (NRC), released new editions of the model National Building, Plumbing and Fire Codes (mNBC, mNPC and mNFC) in 2010. These Codes have no legal status unless adopted by a province, territory or municipality. Ontario’s 2012 Building Code applies throughout Ontario and is based in large measure on the 2010 mNBC and mNPC. The amendments to the Building Code filed in May 2019 introduce further changes that harmonize with the 2015 mNBC and mNPC. However, differences between the model National Codes and Ontario’s Building Code occur. Ontario’s 2012 Building Code has Ontario-specific requirements in areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, renovation of existing buildings, and barrier-free access. Ontario has also moved to consolidate construction requirements from other legislation into the Building Code, including those related to on-site sewage systems, pools, spas, food premises, private sewers and private water supplies. Objective-Based Code Format The 2012 Building Code is Ontario’s second edition of the Building Code published in an objective-based format. The objective-based format augments specific technical requirements by identifying the underlying objectives and sub-objectives of those requirements (see table below). Each technical requirement that is an acceptable solution in Division B is linked to one or more of the objectives, as well as functional statements, through the Attribution Tables in Supplementary Standard SA-1. Some objectives were developed jointly by the NRC and Canadian provincial/territorial jurisdictions. Volume 1 i  2012 Building Code Compendium OBJECTIVES AND SUB-OBJECTIVES OF THE BUILDING CODE Objective Sub-Objective Fire Safety Structural Safety Safety Safety in Use Resistance to Unwanted Entry Indoor Conditions Sanitation Noise Protection Health Vibration and Deflection Limitation Hazardous Substances Containment Privacy* View to the Outdoors* Barrier-Free Path of Travel Accessibility Barrier-Free Facilities Fire Protection of the Building Structural Sufficiency of the Building Fire, Structural Water and Sewage Protection of Buildings Protection of Adjacent Buildings from Fire Protection of Adjacent Buildings from Structural Damage Water and Sewage Protection of Buildings and Facilities Water and Energy Conservation* Resource Conservation* Infrastructure Capacity* Air Quality Environmental Integrity* Water and Soil Quality Conservation of Buildings* N/A *Ontario-specific objectives are highlighted in grey. The objective-based format is intended to assist Building Code users to understand the “why” behind Code requirements, as well as the “what”. This new format is more flexible and more responsive to innovation, as it should provide Code users with more information to evaluate construction equivalents and acceptable alternatives to the requirements of the Code. The objective-based framework establishes a framework for evaluating “alternative solutions” against the performance achieved by the “acceptable solutions” set out in the Code. Objectives Every technical requirement that is an acceptable solution in Division B is linked to at least one objective, which explains the objective which the requirement is intended to achieve. ii Volume 1  2012 Building Code Compendium Functional Statements Functional Statements describe what the design and construction of the building must do to achieve the objectives. At least one functional statement is linked to each technical requirement that is an acceptable solution in Division B. Structure of the Objective-Based Code The Building Code is divided into three Divisions, which are further subdivided into Parts. Division A Compliance, Objectives and Functional Statements Part 1 Compliance and General Organization and application Compliance Interpretation Defined terms, symbols and abbreviations List of applicable law for the purposes of obtaining a permit under Sections 8 and 10 of the Act Part 2 Objectives Part 3 Functional Statements Division B Acceptable Solutions Part 1 General Part 1 contains the compliance and general requirements of the code, including organization, application, interpretation, terms and abbreviations, and referenced documents and organization. Part 2 Reserved Part 2 is reserved to maintain the organization of the acceptable solutions in a manner similar to previous Codes and to accommodate potential future changes in this Code and the model National Building Code (mNBC). Part 3 Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Part 3 contains the requirements with respect to health and fire safety, which depend upon the use to which a building is put and its type of occupancy. The first Section contains material relating to occupancy classification and the more occupancy and fire safety within floor areas, exit requirements, requirements for service spaces and health requirements. Section 3.8. contains requirements for those buildings required to be accessible to persons with physical or sensory disabilities. Section 3.11. includes requirements for the design of public pools. Part 4 Structural Design Part 4 is made up of four Sections. The first deals with the loads to be used in design calculations and the methods of design to be followed. Section 4.2. regulates foundation design and construction. Section 4.3. deals with design in wood, masonry, concrete, steel, aluminum and glass. Section 4.4. deals with the design of air-supported structures, parking structures and guards over retaining walls. Section 4.3. and parts of Section 4.4. contain performance requirements referring to the design methods outlined in detail in the relevant Canadian Standards. Volume 1 iii  2012 Building Code Compendium Part 5 Environmental Separation Part 5 includes requirements for the design of building elements to control groundwater, condensation and the penetration of wind and rain. Part 6 Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Part 6 provides for the safe functioning of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning equipment installed in a building. The requirements deal mainly with installation standards for design. Part 7 Plumbing Part 7 governs the design, construction and installation of plumbing systems within properties. It also addresses the required material to be certified or in compliance with a testing standard. Part 8 Sewage Systems Part 8 governs the design, construction, operation and maintenance of various class of sewage systems located within properties. It addresses sewage systems up to 10,000 litres capacity serving one lot. Systems larger than 10,000 litres/day and off-lot (communal) sewage systems are regulated under the Ontario Water Resources Act, with approvals issued by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. MECP also regulates waste approvals for the hauling of sewage and land application sites under Part V of the Environmental Protection Act. Part 9 Housing and Small Buildings Part 9 provides detailed requirements for the construction of houses and small buildings up to 600 m2 per floor and 3 storeys in height, and applies to all occupancies except assembly, care or detention and high hazard industrial. Part 10 Change of Use Part 10 governs the requirements with respect to a change in major occupancy without any proposed construction to the buildings. Part 11 Renovation Part 11 provides for flexibility in meeting life safety requirements when renovating existing buildings, with or without changes in major occupancies of the buildings or parts of the buildings. This flexibility allows, subject to certain conditions, the use of alternate methods of compliance to requirements contained in Parts 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, or 12, for all existing buildings or any major occupancies. Part 12 Resource Conservation Part 12 regulates the mandatory and enabling energy efficiency requirements, and insulation in residential and non- residential buildings. iv Volume 1  2012 Building Code Compendium Division C Administrative Provisions Part 1 General Part 1 contains several administrative provisions relating to matters such as professional design requirements, permits and inspections, and building permit fees. Part 2 Alternative Solutions, Disputes, Rulings and Interpretations Part 2 contains administrative provisions related to the Building Code Commission, the Building Materials Evaluation Commission, Minister’s Rulings, Minister’s Interpretations, and documentation of alternative solutions. Part 3 Qualifications Part 3 contains qualification requirements for chief building officials, inspectors, registered code agencies, designers and on-site sewage installers. Part 4 Transition, Revocation and Commencement Part 4 contains the transition rules from the outgoing 2006 Building Code to the 2012 Building Code. It also contains the revocation of the outgoing 2006 Building Code and the commencement date of the 2012 Building Code. Appendix A Explanatory Information Appendix A contains additional non-regulatory explanatory information to assist Code users in understanding the intent of the requirements contained in Divisions A, B and C. Appendix B Imperial Conversion Appendix B contains Imperial conversion factors for metric values used in the Code. It is not a regulatory section of the 2012 Building Code. Supplementary Standards Supplementary Standards with the SA prefix are referenced by Division A of the Building Code. They include the Attribution Tables which relate objectives and functional statements of Division A to acceptable solutions of Division B. Supplementary Standards with the SB prefix are referenced by Division B of the Building Code. They include MMAH SB-1, “Climatic and Seismic Data”, MMAH SB-2, “Fire Performance Ratings” and others. Supplementary Standards with the SC prefix are referenced by Division C of the Building Code. They include administrative provisions (e.g., MMAH SC-1, “Code of Conduct for Registered Code Agencies”). Volume 1 v  2012 Building Code Compendium Additional Information Metric Conversion For the most part, the official units of measurement in the Code are based on the metric system. However, imperial equivalent values which appear in brackets in Part 9 are included for convenience only. Furthermore, Part 7 has been converted to SI units where it is feasible, except for pipe sizes which are expressed in inches. These are nominal dimensions by which pipe is known in the trade and the exact dimension may vary with different pipe materials. Numbering System A decimal numbering system has been used to identify particular requirements. The first number indicates the Part of the Code, the second, the Section in the Part, the third, the Subsection and the fourth, the Article in the Subsection. An Article may be further broken down into Sentences (indicated by numbers in brackets), and the Sentence further divided into Clauses and Subclauses. These are illustrated as follows: 3 Part 3.6. Section 3.6.2. Subsection 3.6.2.3. Article 3.6.2.3.(1) Sentence 3.6.2.3.(1)(f) Clause 3.6.2.3.(1)(f)(i) Subclause 3.6.2.3.(1)(f)(i)(A) Sub-subclause 3.6.2.3.(1)1. Paragraph 3.6.2.3.(1)1.i. Sub-paragraph vi Volume 1  2012 Building Code Compendium Highlights of Major Changes in 2012 Code Resource Conservation This edition of the Building Code promotes resource conservation through building design and construction by: Expanding the use of treated rainwater, greywater and non-potable water including permitting storm sewage or greywater to be used as a water supply for flushing of water closets or urinals, subsurface irrigation and priming of traps. Permitting treated rainwater to be used as a water supply for clothes washers, laundry trays, mop sinks, bedpan washers, flushing of water closets and urinals, hose bibbs, subsurface irrigation and priming of traps. Requiring newly installed water closets in Group C occupancies to be 4.8 L per flush (LPF) or less. Where a 4.1/6.0 LPF dual flush water closet is installed, it is deemed to meet this requirement. Requiring newly installed urinals to meet 1.9 litres per flush requirements in all occupancies. Requiring high efficiency shower heads (7.6 litres per minute) in residential occupancies. Permitting the installation of drainless composting toilets in all areas, including those with municipal services. Requiring that large buildings for which building permits are applied, on or after January 1, 2017, meet either: an energy efficiency level that is 13% higher than levels required in 2012 and up until December 31, 2016, or conformance to Division 1 and Division 3 or 5 of MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-10 “Energy Efficiency Requirements”. (These new provisions also address requirements for carbon dioxide equivalents and peak electric demand.) Requiring that houses for which building permits are applied, on or after January 1, 2017, meet either: an energy efficiency level that is 15% higher than the level required in 2012 and up until December 31, 2016, or conformance to Chapters 1 and 3 of MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-12 “Energy Efficiency for Housing” that sets out alternate compliance paths for meeting a performance level that is equal to a rating of 80 or more when evaluated in accordance with NRCan, “EnerGuide for New Houses”. This edition of the Code also implements other incremental energy-conserving changes including requirements to provide programmable thermostats, and to equip all gas-fired furnaces installed in “Part 9" dwellings with electronically commutated motors. Fire Safety New definitions for ‘fire stop’ and ‘fire block’ are added. Permit smoke detectors that sound a localized in-suite alarm to be installed in dwelling units of multi-unit residential buildings. Require a smoke alarm in all sleeping rooms within dwelling units. Require a hard-wired smoke alarms to have a 7-day battery-back-up power supply to ensure continued protection during extended power outages. Require exits signs to use the ISO standard symbol using the green “running man” with an arrow sign. This replaces the traditional exit sign requirements such as “EXIT” and “EXIT/SORTIE” in red lettering on a contrasting background. Environmental Separation/Building Envelope Changes include the following: Earthquake loads need not be considered in the design of building envelope components for buildings other than post- disaster buildings. Require building components to be selected based on exposure and climactic conditions. Require seismic effects to be considered in the design for environmental separations in post-disaster buildings. Prescriptive requirements for shakes and shingles have been deleted. Reference to the AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440, “NAFS - North American Fenestration Standard/Specification for Windows, Doors, and Skylights”. This replaces the previous CAN/CSA-A440.0, “Windows” standard. New provisions related to the performance of fenestration have been added. Volume 1 vii  2012 Building Code Compendium Harmonization with the Electrical Code Certain provisions addressing electrical installations are relocated and harmonized between the Ontario Electrical Safety Code and the Building Code. Electrical provisions such as the mounting of electrical meters, location of consumer electrical services and underground installation of consumer electrical services have been deleted from Subsection 9.34.4. of Division B. Radon Protection The annual average concentration of radon 222 within buildings is reduced to 200 Bq/m 3 from 250 Bq/m3, in accordance with Health Canada Guidelines, in areas where radon is known to exist. Part 3, Division B - Fire Protection and Occupant Safety Relocation of certain provisions to the Building Code from the Fire Code, including those regulating fixed building elements such as ventilation systems, access to egress routes and fire separations. Adding new requirements to limit the distance between adjacent unprotected openings on the same face of a building having a limiting distance of less than 2 metres. Part 4, Division B - Structural Design Changes to Part 4 include: Clarification of load combination requirements. Experimental methods for design for the dynamic effects of wind, including modification factors and corresponding system restrictions for Cold-Formed Steel Structures, Inelastic deflections in steel roof deck and timber diaphragms, Clarification of requirements for ductile connections Adding requirements for consideration of slope stability. Part 6, Division B - Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Changes made to Part 6 include: Addition of a new Subsection 6.2.13., “Ventilation for Laboratories”, to address ventilation in laboratories and to reference NFPA 91, “Exhaust Systems for Air Conveying of Vapors, Gases, Mists and Noncombustible Particulate Solids”. Limitations on the permitted exposure levels for carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide in repair garages. Permission to provide battery operated carbon monoxide alarms in buildings not supplied with electrical power. viii Volume 1  2012 Building Code Compendium Part 7, Division B - Plumbing Changes made to Part 7 include: Permission to connect overflows from rainwater storage tanks to a storm drainage system, using a backwater valve or an air gap. Requirement to mark non-potable water piping in accordance with the CAN/CSA-B128.1 standard. Requirement for grease interceptors to conform to the CAN/CSA-B481.1 or CAN/CSA-B481.2 standards. Requirement for linings and coatings in hot water tanks to be certified to the NSF 61 standard. Requirement for drinking water treatment systems to be certified to the CAN/CSA-B483.1 standard. Harmonization of requirements for scupper drains and emergency overflows, where roofs are used for rainwater storage, with the model National Plumbing Code. Further harmonization of drainage and venting requirements with the model National Plumbing Code. Backflow preventer requirements are reorganized and include a new Article 7.6.2.6. on premise isolation. Revisions to Tables for determining hydraulic load in the sizing of water distribution piping. Part 8, Division B - Sewage Systems Changes made to Part 8 include: Certification of advanced treatment units to the CAN/BNQ-3680-600 standard will be recognized, instead of a listing in MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-5, effective January 1, 2014. MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-5 will no longer be referenced and all advanced treatment units will require certification to the CAN/BNQ-3680-600 standard, effective December 31, 2016. Introduction of new types of dispersal beds (Type A and B) for final polishing of effluent from advanced treatment units. Introduction of new Tables for loading rates based on soil morphology Reference to Chapter 3 of the USDA, “Soil Survey Manual” to assist in classifying soils. Part 9, Division B - Housing and Small Buildings New reference to five “Use Categories” for pressure-treated wood, in accordance with the CAN/CSA-O 80.1, “Specification of Treated Wood” standard. Rationalization of spacing for framing to represent the actual spacing used in the field to accommodate panels manufactured in imperial dimensions. Reorganization of Sections 9.5. “Design of Areas, Spaces and Doorways”, 9.6. “Glass” and 9.7. “Windows, Doors and Skylights” to harmonize with the model National Building Code. Clarification of the provision for guards to not facilitate climbing. Clarification of the requirements for the installation of ceramic tiles. New prescriptive design tables for solid concrete, unreinforced concrete block and reinforced concrete block foundation wall heights from 2.5 m to 3 m with corresponding limitations on backfill heights. Revised access hatch dimensions to an attic or roof space where the space contains a fuel-fired appliance. Revised steel lintel metric sizes in Tables 9.20.5.2.A and 9.20.5.2.B to reflect sizes of North American steel angle products manufactured in imperial dimensions. Openings in flat insulating concrete form walls are not permitted within 1.2 m of interior and exterior corners of exterior loadbearing walls. Requirement for intermediate fasteners spaced not more than 150 mm apart where roof sheathing is attached to framing members spaced more than 406 mm o.c. Deletion of asbestos-cement shingle and sheet cladding, as these products are no longer manufactured. Requirement for a water distribution system where a drinking water system is available. Requirement that heating and cooling equipment for residential buildings be sized according to heating and cooling load calculations in accordance with CAN/CSA-F280-M, “Determining the Required Capacity of Residential Space Heating and Cooling Appliances”. Requirement that carbon monoxide detectors be mechanically fixed on or near the ceiling or in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended mounting height. Volume 1 ix  2012 Building Code Compendium Deletion of requirement for substantial completion of site grading as a condition for the occupancy of certain residential buildings. Part 1, Division C - Design and General Review Revisions to Section 1.2. to recognize that professional design requirements related to the design of buildings are regulated by the Professional Engineers Act and the Architects Act. Clarification that certain foundations, sprinkler protected glazed wall assemblies, shelf and rack storage systems, tent framing and sign structures are required to be designed by a suitably qualified and experienced person. New Table 1.2.2.1.(4) "General Review" to clarify that the construction of certain buildings shall be reviewed by an architect, professional engineer or both. New Sentences 1.2.2.1.(4) to (9) require general review by an Architect or a Professional Engineer of certain foundations, sprinkler protected glazed wall assemblies, shelf and rack storage systems, tent framing and sign structures. x Volume 1  2012 Building Code Compendium Code Amendment History The first Ontario Building Code was issued in 1975. The 1975 and subsequent editions of the Building Code have been issued as follows: Building Code Edition Date Filed Effective Date O. Reg. 925/75 (1975 Building Code) November 24, 1975 December 31, 1975 O. Reg. 583/83 (1983 Building Code) September 15, 1983 November 30, 1983 O. Reg. 419/86 (1986 Building Code) July 18, 1986 October 20, 1986 O. Reg. 413/90 (1990 Building Code) July 30, 1990 October 1, 1990 O. Reg. 403/97 (1997 Building Code) November 3, 1997 April 6, 1998 O. Reg. 350/06 (2006 Building Code) June 28, 2006 December 31, 2006 O. Reg. 332/12 (2012 Building Code) November 2, 2012 January 1, 2014 The following Table lists the amendments to the 2012 Building Code made since the filing of O. Reg. 332/12. Regulatory Amendments to the 2012 Building Code – Ontario Regulation 332/12 Amendment Date Filed Effective Date Nature of Amendment O. Reg. 151/13 May 9, 2013 January 1, 2014 Sprinklering of retirement homes January 1, 2014 O. Reg. 360/13 December 20, 2013 Fees January 1, 2015 Housekeeping changes, fireplace emission limits January 1, 2014 O. Reg. 361/13 December 20, 2013 Revise Supplementary Standard SA-1 January 1, 2015 EIFS O. Reg. 368/13 December 27, 2013 January 1, 2015 Accessibility Midrise wood construction, accessibility, housekeeping changes O. Reg. 191/14 September 23, 2014 January 1, 2015 Revise Supplementary Standards SA-1, SB-1, SB-2, SB-3, SB-12 Retirement homes, 2 unit houses July 1, 2017 Revise Supplementary Standard SA-1 O. Reg. 139/17 May 17, 2017 Electric vehicle charging, pipe sizing, sewage systems January 1, 2018 Revise Supplementary Standard SA-1 O. Reg. 462/17 December 7, 2017 January 1, 2018 Applicable law O. Reg. 563/17 December 19, 2017 January 1, 2018 Electric vehicle charging Volume 1 xi  2012 Building Code Compendium Regulatory Amendments to the 2012 Building Code – Ontario Regulation 332/12 (Cont’d) Amendment Date Filed Effective Date Nature of Amendment O. Reg. 79/88 March 6, 2018 April 3, 2018 Applicable law O. Reg. 388/18 July 20, 2018 July 20, 2018 Occupancy requirements - Lower Don Area O. Reg. 87/19 May 2, 2019 July 1, 2019 Cannabis extraction operation May 2, 2019 Electric vehicle charging, leaching chambers O. Reg. 88/19 May 2, 2019 January 1, 2020 Harmonization with 2015 mNBC and 2015 mNPC changes January 1, 2022 Stairs, ramps, handrails and guards O. Reg. 209/20 May 11, 2020 May 11, 2020 Delivery of building code services, construction restrictions O. Reg. 511/20 September 18, 2020 September 18, 2020 Applicable law - community benefits charges O. Reg. 762/20 December 16, 2020 December 16, 2020 Applicable law, housekeeping changes O. Reg. 867/21 December 20, 2021 January 1, 2022 Applicable law, tiny homes, remote inspections O. Reg. 217/22 March 16, 2022 July 1, 2022 Truss and lightweight construction information O. Reg. 434/22 April 26, 2022 April 26, 2022 Temporary health or residential facilities measures April 29, 2022 Sheds Encapsulated mass timber construction, factory-built buildings, O. Reg. 451/22 April 29, 2022 July 1, 2022 qualifications for intern inspectors November 1, 2022 Occupancy permit for super tall buildings The following Table lists Minister’s Rulings that have been made to adopt amendments to codes, formulae, standards, guidelines or procedures referenced in the 2012 Building Code. Minister’s Rulings to adopt amendments to codes, formulae, standards, guidelines or procedures referenced in the 2012 Building Code Ruling Number Date of Ruling Effective Date Nature of Amendment Revise Table 1.3.1.2. of Division B MR-13-S-24 September 1, 2013 January 1, 2014 Revise Supplementary Standards SA-1, SB-5 and SB-12 Revise Table 1.3.1.2. of Division B MR-16-S-25 July 7, 2016 July 7, 2016 Revise Supplementary Standard SB-5 Revise Table 1.3.1.2. of Division B MR-16-S-26 July 7, 2016 July 7, 2016 Revise Supplementary Standard SB-12 Revise Table 1.3.1.2. of Division B MR-16-S-27 December 22, 2016 January 1, 2017 Revise Supplementary Standard SB-10 Revise Table 1.3.1.2. of Division B MR-17-S-28 December 29, 2017 January 1, 2018 Revise Supplementary Standard SA-1 xii to xvi Volume 1  2012 Building Code Compendium Building Code Act, 1992 S.O. 1992, Chapter 23 as amended by: S.O. 1997 c. 24, s. 224 except s. 224(17) in force June 17, 1998 S.O. 1997 c. 30, Schedule B, s. 1-20 in force April 6, 1998 S.O. 1999 c. 12, Schedule M, s. 1-11 in force December 22, 1999 S.O. 2000 c. 5, s. 7 in force January 1, 2001 S.O. 2000 c. 26, Schedule K, s. 1 in force December 6, 2000 S.O. 2002 c. 9, s. 5, 6(1), (2), 16, 24, 25, 27, 31(1), 34, 40(1), 41(1), 43, 51(6), (9), (11)-(15), 53(3), 54, 55 in force September 1, 2003 S.O. 2002 c. 9, s. 1-4, 6(3), 7-15, 17-19, 20(1), (2), 21-23, 26, 28-30, 31(2), 32, 33, 35-39, 40(2), (3), 41(2), 42, 44-50, 51(1), (2), (4), (5), (7), (8), (10), 52, 53(1), (2) in force July 1, 2005 S.O. 2002 c. 17, Schedule C, s. 1-6 in force July 1, 2005 S.O. 2002 c. 17, Schedule F, Table in force January 1, 2003 S.O. 2005 c. 33, s. 1 in force December 15, 2005 S.O. 2006 c. 19, Schedule O, s. 1 in force June 22, 2006 S.O. 2006 c. 21, Schedule F, s. 104, 136(1) in force July 25, 2007 S.O. 2006 c. 22, s. 112 in force July 3, 2007 S.O. 2006 c. 32, Schedule C, s. 3 in force January 1, 2007 S.O. 2006 c. 33, Schedule Z.3, s. 4 in force January 1, 2009 S.O. 2006 c. 35, Schedule C, s. 8 in force August 20, 2007 S.O. 2009 c. 12, Schedule J in force May 14, 2009 S.O. 2009 c. 33, Schedule 6, s. 43 in force June 1, 2011 S.O. 2009 c. 33, Schedule 21, s. 2(1) in force December 15, 2009 S.O. 2009 c. 33, Schedule 21, s. 2(4), (7), (8) and (9) in force July 1, 2010 S.O. 2009 c. 33, Schedule 21, s. 2(2), (3), (5) and (6) in force January 1, 2011 S.O. 2010 c. 19, Schedule 2, s. 1, s. 2(1), (2) in force April 1, 2011 S.O. 2014 c. 7, Schedule 3, s. 1 in force July 23, 2014 S.O. 2015 c. 28, Schedule 1, s. 147 in force January 1, 2018 S.O. 2017 c. 10, Schedule 4, s. 1 in force May 30, 2017 S.O. 2017 c. 33, Sched 1, s. 88(1) and (2) in force February 1, 2021 S.O. 2017 c. 34, Sched. 2, s. 1, 2(1)-(3), 3, 4(1), (2), 5, 6(1), (2), 7, 8(1), (2), 9, 10, 11, 12(1)-(3), 13(1)- (3), 14, 15, 16(1), (2), 17(1), (2), 18 (1), 20, 21(1)-(3), 22, 24(1), (5), (6), 25(1), (2) in force December 14, 2017 S.O. 2019 c. 14, Sched. 14, s. 1-3 in force December 10, 2019 S.O. 2020 c. 16, Sched. 1 TBD S.O. 2020 c. 18, Sched. 1, s. 1-3 in force July 21, 2020 Building Code Act BCA Page 1  2012 Building Code Compendium Page 2 BCA Building Code Act  2012 Building Code Compendium CONTENTS Interpretation Unsafe Buildings 1 Definitions 15.9 Inspection of Unsafe Buildings 1.1 Role of Various Persons 15.10 Emergency Order Where Immediate Danger Enforcement Authorities Maintenance Inspection Programs 2 Administration 15.10.1 Maintenance Inspections 3 Enforcement by Municipalities 3.1 Enforcement, Boards of Health Building Condition Evaluation Programs 4 Provincial Enforcement 15.10.2 Application 4.1 Enforcement by Registered Code Agency 15.10.3 Inspection of Buildings Subject to Program Appointed by a Principal Authority 15.10.4 Request for Information re Buildings Subject to 4.2 Enforcement by Registered Code Agency Program Appointed by an Applicant 15.10.5 Complaints Policy re Program 5 Agreements re Enforcement 15.10.6 Record of Complaints re Program 6 Agreement re Review of Plans 6.1 Agreement re Plumbing Qualifications 6.2 Agreement re Sewage Systems 7 By-Laws, Resolutions, Regulations 15.11 Qualifications for Various Positions 7.1 Code of Conduct 15.12 Qualifications re Sewage Systems 15.13 Duty to Have Insurance Construction and Demolition Powers and Duties of Registered Code Agencies 8 Building Permits 9 Reserved 15.14 Notice to Chief Building Official 10 Change of Use 15.15 Functions of Registered Code Agencies 10.1 Prohibition re Sewage Systems 15.16 Scope of Agency’s Powers 10.2 Notice of Readiness for Inspection 15.17 Persons Acting on Behalf of an Agency 11 Occupancy or Use After Completion 15.18 Duties re Certificates and Orders 12 Inspection of Buildings and Building Sites 15.19 Expiry of an Agency’s Appointment 13 Order Not to Cover 15.20 Termination of an Agency’s Appointment 14 Stop Work Order 15.21 Order to Suspend Construction 15.22 Conflict Between Appointment and Act, etc. Property Standards General Powers of Inspection and Enforcement 15 Reserved 15.1 Municipal Property Standards 15.23 Duty to Carry Identification 15.2 Inspection of Property Without Warrant 16 Entry to Dwellings 15.3 Appeal of Order 17 Reserved 15.4 Power of Municipality if Order Not Complied 17.1 Recovery of Expenditures for Repairs, etc. With 18 Powers of Inspector 15.4.1 Administrative Penalties 18.1 Reserved 15.4.2 Debt 19 Obstruction of Inspector, etc. 15.5 Certificate of Compliance 20 Obstruction or Removal of Order 15.6 Property Standards Committee 21 Warrant for Entry and Search 15.7 Emergency Order re Dangerous Non-Conformity With Standards 15.8 Inspection Powers of Officer Building Code Act BCA Page 3  2012 Building Code Compendium Dispute Resolution, Reviews and Appeals 22 Review of Inspector’s Order 23 Building Code Commission 24 Dispute Resolution 25 Appeal to Court 26 Further Appeal 27 Service Authorizations and Rulings 28 Building Materials Evaluation Commission 28.1 Binding Interpretations by the Minister 29 Rulings by Minister 30 Inquiry General 31 Immunity from Action 32 Reserved 32.1 Reserved 33 Reserved 34 Regulations 34.1 Building Code Conservation Advisory Council 35 Municipal By-Laws 35.1 Status of Conservation Authority Regulations 36 Offences 37 Proof of Directions, Orders, etc. 38 Restraining Order 38.1 Suspension of Licence Page 4 BCA Building Code Act  2012 Building Code Compendium Interpretation “code of conduct” means a code of conduct described in section 7.1; (“code de conduite”) Definitions “construct” means to do anything in the erection, 1(1) In this Act, installation, extension or material alteration or repair of a building and includes the installation of a building unit “building” means, fabricated or moved from elsewhere and “construction” has (a) a structure occupying an area greater than ten a corresponding meaning; (“construire”, “construction”, square metres consisting of a wall, roof and floor “travaux de construction”) or any of them or a structural system serving the function thereof including all plumbing, works, “demolish” means to do anything in the removal of a fixtures and service systems appurtenant thereto, building or any material part thereof and “demolition” has a (b) a structure occupying an area of ten square metres corresponding meaning; (“démolir”, “démolition”, “travaux or less that contains plumbing, including the de démolition”) plumbing appurtenant thereto, (c) plumbing not located in a structure, “director” means the person appointed as director under (c.1) a sewage system, or section 2; (“directeur”) (d) structures designated in the building code; (“bâtiment”) “final certificate” means a certificate prescribed under the building code or approved by the Minister as a final “building code” means regulations made under section 34; certificate; (“certificat définitif”) (“code du bâtiment”) “inspector” means an inspector appointed under section 3, “building condition evaluation” means an evaluation 3.1, 4, 6.1 or 6.2; (“inspecteur”) conducted under a building condition evaluation program; (“évaluation de l’état du bâtiment”) “maintenance inspection” means an inspection conducted under a maintenance inspection program; (“inspection “building condition evaluation program” means a program d’entretien”) established under subsection 34(2.3); (“programme d’évaluation de l’état des bâtiments”) “maintenance inspection program” means a program established under clause 7(1)(b.1) or subsection 34(2.2); “building owner” means, in respect of a building, (“programme d’inspections d’entretien”) (a) the registered owner of the land on which the building is located or, if the building is owned “Minister” means the Minister of Municipal Affairs and separately from the land on which the building is Housing; (“ministre”) located, the owner of the building, unless the person is a person prescribed in the building code, “municipality” means a local municipality; (b) the person that is responsible for maintaining the (“municipalité”) building or part of the building subject to a building condition evaluation program, unless the “officer” means a property standards officer who has been person is a person prescribed in the building code, assigned the responsibility of administering and enforcing and by-laws passed under section 15.1; (“agent”) (c) such other persons as may be prescribed; (“propriétaire du bâtiment”) “planning board” means a planning board established under section 9 or 10 of the Planning Act; (“conseil “change certificate” means a certificate prescribed under d’aménagement”) the building code or approved by the Minister as a change certificate; (“certificat de modification”) “plans review certificate” means a certificate prescribed under the building code or approved by the Minister as a “chief building official” means a chief building official plans review certificate; (“certificat d’examen des plans”) appointed or constituted under section 3 or 4; (“chef du service du bâtiment”) “plumbing” means a drainage system, a venting system and a water system or parts thereof; (“installation de plomberie”) Building Code Act BCA Page 5  2012 Building Code Compendium “principal authority” means, Role of Various Persons (a) the Crown, 1.1(1) It is the role of every person who causes a building (b) the council of a municipality, to be constructed, (c) an upper-tier municipality that has entered into an (a) to cause the building to be constructed in agreement under subsection 3(5), 6.1(1) or 6.2(1), accordance with this Act and the building code (d) a board of health that has been prescribed for the and with any permit issued under this Act for the purposes of subsection 3.1(1) or has entered into building; an agreement under subsection 6.1(2) or (3) or (b) to ensure that construction does not proceed unless 6.2(2), any permit required under this Act has been issued (e) a planning board that has been prescribed for the by the chief building official; and purposes of subsection 3.1(1), or (c) to ensure that construction is carried out only by (f) a conservation authority that has been prescribed persons with the qualifications and insurance, if for the purposes of subsection 3.1(1) or has any, required by this Act and the building code. entered into an agreement under subsection 6.2(2); 2002, c. 9, s. 3. (“autorité principale”) Role of Designers “registered code agency” means a person that has the (2) It is the role of a designer, qualifications and meets the requirements described in (a) if the designer’s designs are to be submitted in subsection 15.11(4); (“organisme inscrit d’exécution du support of an application for a permit under this code”) Act, to provide designs which are in accordance “regulations” means regulations made under this Act. with this Act and the building code and to provide (“règlements”) 1992, c. 23, s. 1(1); 1997, c. 24, documentation that is sufficiently detailed to s. 224(1, 2); 1997, c. 30, Sched. B, s. 1; 1999, c. 12, permit the design to be assessed for compliance Sched. M, s. 1; 2002, c. 9, s. 2(1-3); 2002, c. 17, Sched. C, with this Act and the building code and to allow a s. 1(1); 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table; 2006, c. 19, Sched. O, builder to carry out the work in accordance with s. 1(1); 2006, c. 21, Sched. F, s. 104(1-3); 2006, c. 22, the design, this Act and the building code; s. 112(1); 2017, c. 34, Sched. 2, s. 1. (b) to perform the role described in clause (a) in respect of only those matters for which the designer has the qualifications, if any, required by Interpretation this Act and the building code; and (1.1) Except as provided in subsection (1.2), a reference to (c) if the building code requires that all or part of the “this Act” in any provision of this Act shall be deemed to design or construction of a building be under be a reference to this Act excluding sections 15.1 to 15.8. general review, to perform the general review in 1997, c. 24, s. 224(3). respect of only those matters for which the designer has the qualifications, if any, required by Same this Act and the building code. 2002, c. 9, s. 3. (1.2) A reference to “this Act” in subsection 1(1) and sections 2, 16, 19, 20, 21, 27, 31, 36 and 37 includes a Role of Builders reference to sections 15.1 to 15.8. 1997, c. 24, s. 224(3). (3) It is the role of a builder, (a) to ensure that construction does not proceed unless Chief Building Official any permit required under this Act has been issued (1.3) A reference to the “chief building official” in this by the chief building official; Act, other than in subsections 1(1), 3(2), (3) and (6) and (b) to construct the building in accordance with the section 4, includes an inspector who has the same powers permit; and duties as the chief building official, (c) to use appropriate building techniques to achieve (a) in relation to sewage systems by virtue of compliance with this Act and the building code; subsections 3.1(3) or 6.2(4); and and (b) in relation to plumbing by virtue of subsection (d) when site conditions affect compliance with the 6.1(5). 2002, c. 9, s. 2(4). building code, to notify the designer and an inspector or the registered code agency, as Exclusion appropriate. 2002, c. 9, s. 3. (2) This Act does not apply to structures used directly in the extraction of ore from a mine. 1992, c. 23, s. 1(2). Page 6 BCA Building Code Act  2012 Building Code Compendium Role of Manufacturers, etc. (c) to exercise powers and perform the other duties (4) It is the role of manufacturers, suppliers and retailers of assigned to him or her under this Act and the products that are intended for use in Ontario in the building code; and construction of a building for a purpose that is regulated by (d) to exercise powers and perform duties in an this Act or the building code to ensure that the products independent manner and in accordance with the comply with the standards established under this Act and standards established by the applicable code of the building code. 2002, c. 9, s. 3. conduct. 2002, c. 9, s. 3; 2017, c. 34, Sched. 2, s. 2(2). Role of Building Owners (4.1) It is the role of a building owner, Role of Inspectors (a) to ensure that the building or part of the building is (7) It is the role of an inspector, maintained, repaired and evaluated in accordance (a) to exercise powers and perform duties under this with this Act and the building code; and Act and the building code in connection with (b) to ensure documents, records and other reviewing plans, inspecting construction, information about the building are kept and conducting maintenance inspections and issuing provided in accordance with this Act and the orders in accordance with this Act and the building code. 2017, c. 34, Sched. 2, s. 2(1). building code; (b) to exercise powers and perform duties in respect Role of Persons Conducting Building of only those matters for which he or she has the qualifications required by this Act and the Condition Evaluations building code; and (4.2) It is the role of a person who conducts a building (c) to exercise powers and perform duties in an condition evaluation, independent manner and in accordance with the (a) to carry out the responsibilities of that person standards established by the applicable code of under a building condition evaluation program in conduct. 2002, c. 9, s. 3; 2006, c. 22, s. 112(2); accordance with this Act and the building code; 2017, c. 34, Sched. 2, s. 2(3). and (b) to perform the role described in clause (a) in Limitation respect of only those matters for which the person has the qualifications, if any, required by this Act (8) Nothing in this section relieves any person from the and the building code. 2017, c. 34, Sched. 2, duty to comply with any part of this Act or the building s. 2(1). code or affects the rights or duties of a person not mentioned in this section in respect of the construction of a building. 2002, c. 9, s. 3; 2006, c. 19, Sched. O, s. 1(2). Role of Registered Code Agencies (5) It is the role of a registered code agency, (a) to exercise powers and perform duties under this Enforcement Authorities Act and the building code in connection with reviewing plans, issuing certificates, inspecting Administration construction and performing other functions in 2(1) The Minister is responsible for the administration of accordance with this Act and the building code; this Act. 1992, c. 23, s. 2(1). and (b) to carry out the duties of a registered code agency Director under this Act and the building code in respect of (2) There shall be a director of the Building and only those matters for which the registered code Development Branch of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs agency is qualified under this Act and the building and Housing who is appointed by the Lieutenant Governor code. 2002, c. 9, s. 3. in Council for the purposes of this Act. 2002, c. 9, s. 5. Role of Chief Building Officials Acting Director (6) It is the role of a chief building official, (3) The director may designate in writing a public servant (a) to establish operational policies for the employed under Part III of the Public Service of Ontario enforcement of this Act and the building code Act, 2006 who works in the Ministry of Municipal Affairs within the applicable jurisdiction; and Housing to exercise the powers and perform the duties (b) to co-ordinate and oversee the enforcement of this of the director in his or her absence or if he or she is unable Act and the building code within the applicable to act. 2009, c. 33, Sched. 21, s. 2(1). jurisdiction; Building Code Act BCA Page 7  2012 Building Code Compendium Delegation (7) REPEALED: 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table. (4) The director may delegate in writing any of his or her powers or duties to one or more public servants employed Certificate under Part III of the Public Service of Ontario Act, 2006 (8) The clerk of the municipality or upper-tier municipality who work in the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and shall issue a certificate of appointment bearing the clerk’s Housing, and may impose conditions or restrictions with signature or a facsimile of it to the chief building official respect to the delegation. 2009, c. 33, Sched. 21, s. 2(1). and each inspector appointed by the municipality or upper- tier municipality. 1992, c. 23, s. 3(8); 2002, c. 17, Enforcement by Municipalities Sched. F, Table. 3(1) The council of each municipality is responsible for the enforcement of this Act in the municipality, except where Records otherwise provided by this Act. 2002, c. 9, s. 6(1). (9) Every municipality and every upper-tier municipality that has jurisdiction for the enforcement of this Act shall Chief Building Official, Inspectors retain such records as may be prescribed by regulation for (2) The council of each municipality shall appoint a chief the prescribed period of time. 2002, c. 9, s. 6(3); 2002, building official and such inspectors as are necessary for c. 17, Sched. C, s. 2(1). the enforcement of this Act in the areas in which the municipality has jurisdiction. 1992, c. 23, s. 3(2). Enforcement, Boards of Health 3.1(1) A board of health, a planning board or a (2.1) REPEALED: 2002, c. 9, s. 6(2). conservation authority prescribed in the building code is responsible for the enforcement of the provisions of this Joint Enforcement Act and the building code related to sewage systems in the (3) The councils of two or more municipalities may enter municipalities and territory without municipal organization into an agreement, prescribed in the building code. 1997, c. 30, Sched. B, s. 3; (a) providing for the joint enforcement of this Act 1999, c. 12, Sched. M, s. 2(1). within their respective municipalities; (b) providing for the sharing of costs incurred in the Inspectors enforcement of this Act within their respective (2) The board of health, planning board or conservation municipalities; and authority shall appoint such sewage system inspectors as (c) providing for the appointment of a chief building are necessary for the enforcement of this Act in the areas in official and inspectors. 1992, c. 23, s. 3(3). which the board of health, planning board or conservation authority has jurisdiction under subsection (1). 1997, c. 30, Joint Jurisdiction Sched. B, s. 3; 1999, c. 12, Sched. M, s. 2(2). (4) If an agreement under subsection (3) is in effect, the municipalities have joint jurisdiction in the area comprising Powers the municipalities. 1992, c. 23, s. 3(4). (3) A sewage system inspector appointed under this section in an area of jurisdiction or, if there is more than Enforcement by Upper-Tier one inspector in the area of jurisdiction, the inspector (5) The council of an upper-tier municipality and of one or designated by the board of health, planning board or more municipalities in the upper-tier municipality may conservation authority has the same powers and duties in enter into an agreement for the enforcement by the upper- relation to sewage systems as does the chief building tier municipality of this Act in the municipalities and for official in respect of buildings. 1997, c. 30, Sched. B, s. 3; charging the municipalities the whole or part of the cost. 1999, c. 12, Sched. M, s. 2(3). 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table. Jurisdiction Power of Upper-Tier (4) A board of health, planning board or conservation (6) If an agreement under subsection (5) is in effect, the authority prescribed for the purposes of subsection (1) has upper-tier municipality has jurisdiction for the enforcement jurisdiction for the enforcement of this Act in the of this Act in the municipalities that are parties to the prescribed municipalities and territory without municipal agreement and shall appoint a chief building official and organization. 1997, c. 30, Sched. B, s. 3; 1999, c. 12, such inspectors as are necessary for that purpose. 2002, Sched. M, s. 2(4). c. 17, Sched. F, Table. Page 8 BCA Building Code Act  2012 Building Code Compendium Responsibility Certificate (5) If sewage system inspectors have been appointed under (6) The Deputy Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing this section, the chief building official and inspectors shall issue a certificate of appointment bearing his or her appointed under section 3 or 4 shall not exercise their signature or a facsimile of it to the director and each powers under this Act in respect of sewage systems. 1997, inspector appointed under subsection (4). 1992, c. 23, c. 30, Sched. B, s. 3. s. 4(6); 1997, c. 24, s. 224(5). Certificate Enforcement by Registered Code Agency (6) The medical officer of health or the secretary-treasurer Appointed by a Principal Authority of a planning board or conservation authority shall issue a 4.1(1) Subject to this Act and the building code, a principal certificate of appointment bearing his or her signature, or a authority may enter into agreements with registered code facsimile of it, to each sewage system inspector appointed agencies authorizing the agency to perform the functions by the board of health, planning board or conservation specified in the agreement in respect of the construction of authority. 1997, c. 30, Sched. B, s. 3; 1999, c. 12, any building or class of building specified in the agreement. Sched. M, s. 2(5). 2002, c. 9, s. 8. Records Appointment (7) Every board of health, planning board and conservation (2) After entering into the agreement with the registered authority prescribed for the purposes of subsection (1) shall code agency, the principal authority may appoint the retain such records as may be prescribed by regulation for agency to perform specified functions in respect of the the prescribed period of time. 2002, c. 9, s. 7. construction of a building or class of buildings. 2002, c. 9, s. 8. Provincial Enforcement 4(1) Subject to section 3.1, Ontario is responsible for the Delegation of Power to Appoint enforcement of this Act in a territory without municipal organization. 1992, c. 23, s. 4(1); 1997, c. 30, Sched. B, (3) The principal authority may delegate, in writing, to the chief building official the authority to make appointments s. 4. described in subsection (2), and may impose conditions or restrictions with respect to the delegation. 2002, c. 9, s. 8; Agreements 2020, c. 18, Sched. 1, s. 1. (2) The council of a municipality and the Crown in right of Ontario represented by the Minister may enter into an Same agreement providing for the enforcement of this Act in the (4) Unless otherwise provided in the building code, an municipality by Ontario subject to such payment in respect appointment of a registered code agency may authorize the of costs as is set out in the agreement. 1992, c. 23, s. 4(2). agency to perform all of the applicable functions described in section 15.15, Idem (a) before a permit is issued under section 8; (3) If an agreement under subsection (2) is in effect, (b) after a permit is issued under section 8; or Ontario has jurisdiction for the enforcement of this Act in (c) both before and after a permit is issued under the municipality. 1992, c. 23, s. 4(3). section 8. 2002, c. 9, s. 8. Inspectors Conflicts (4) Inspectors necessary for the enforcement of this Act in (5) A registered code agency shall not accept an the areas in which Ontario has jurisdiction shall be appointment in the circumstances set out in the building appointed under Part III of the Public Service of Ontario code or if it would have a conflict of interest as determined Act, 2006. 1992, c. 23, s. 4(4); 2006, c. 35, Sched. C, in accordance with the building code. 2002, c. 9, s. 8. s. 8(1). Effect of Appointment Chief Building Official (6) A registered code agency shall perform the functions (5) The director is the chief building official for the areas specified in the appointment for the construction of a in which Ontario has jurisdiction. 1992, c. 23, s. 4(5). specified building or class of buildings and subject to the restrictions set out in this Act and the building code, and shall do so in the manner and subject to the restrictions, if any, set out in the building code. 2002, c. 9, s. 8. Building Code Act BCA Page 9  2012 Building Code Compendium Same Same (7) The duty of the registered code agency to perform (7) The duty of the registered code agency to perform those functions begins when the appointment is made and those functions begins when the appointment is made and ends when the appointment expires as described in section ends when the appointment expires as described in section 15.19 or is terminated in accordance with section 15.20. 15.19 or is terminated in accordance with section 15.20. 2002, c. 9, s. 8. 2002, c. 9, s. 8. Notice to the Director Replacement Agency (8) A principal authority that appoints a registered code (8) A person who has appointed a registered code agency agency shall give the director such information as may be under subsection (2) in respect of the construction of a prescribed by regulation. 2002, c. 9, s. 8. building cannot replace the agency after it has begun to perform any function in respect of the construction unless Enforcement by Registered Code Agency the appointment of that agency has expired as described in Appointed by an Applicant section 15.19 or has been terminated in accordance with section 15.20. 2002, c. 9, s. 8. 4.2(1) This section applies only if a principal authority authorizes it, by regulation, by-law or resolution, as the case may be, to apply within the jurisdiction of the Notice to Director principal authority. 2002, c. 9, s. 8. (9) The person who appoints a registered code agency under this section shall give the director such information Appointment as may be prescribed by regulation. 2002, c. 9, s. 8. (2) Subject to this Act and the building code, a prescribed person who is entitled to apply for a permit under section 8 Notice to Chief Building Official of this Act may appoint a registered code agency to (10) The person who appoints a registered code agency perform all of the functions described in section 15.15 in under this section shall give the chief building official such respect of the construction of a building. 2002, c. 9, s. 8. information as may be prescribed by regulation. 2002, c. 9, s. 8. Exception (3) Subsection (2) does not apply, Agreements re Enforcement (a) if a registered code agency has been appointed by 5(1) The council of a municipality and the Crown in right a principal authority to perform any function in of Ontario represented by the Minister may enter into an respect of the construction; or agreement providing for the enforcement of this Act by the (b) if an inspector has begun to perform any function municipality in such part of the territory without municipal in respect of the construction. 2002, c. 9, s. 8. organization and subject to such payment in respect of costs as is set out in the agreement. 1992, c. 23, s. 5(1); Manner of Appointment 2017, c. 34, Sched. 2, s. 3. (4) The appointment must be made in writing in the prescribed manner and is subject to the prescribed Area of Municipal Jurisdiction conditions and restrictions. 2002, c. 9, s. 8. (2) The municipality has jurisdiction for the enforcement of this Act in the area designated in the agreement. 1992, Conflicts c. 23, s. 5(2). (5) A registered code agency shall not accept an appointment in the circumstances set out in the building Application code or if it would have a conflict of interest as determined (3) An agreement under this section may apply to the in accordance with the building code. 2002, c. 9, s. 8. enforcement of all or any part of this Act or the building code. 1997, c. 30, Sched. B, s. 5. Effect of Appointment (6) A registered code agency shall perform its functions for Agreement re Review of Plans the specified building subject to the restrictions set out in 6(1) Two or more principal authorities may enter into an this Act and the building code and shall do so in the manner agreement providing for, and subject to the restrictions, if any, set out in the building (a) the review by a principal authority for compliance code. 2002, c. 9, s. 8. with the building code of plans and specifications for the construction of a building within its area of jurisdiction; Page 10 BCA Building Code Act  2012 Building Code Compendium (b) an expedited review by another principal authority Powers for compliance with the building code of plans and (5) A plumbing inspector appointed under this section or, specifications for the construction of substantially if there is more than one inspector in the area of similar buildings; jurisdiction, the senior plumbing inspector has the same (c) the allocation of responsibility for reviews for powers and duties in relation to plumbing as does the chief compliance with the building code of plans and building official in respect of buildings other than the specifications for the construction of buildings; issuance of conditional permits. 2002, c. 9, s. 10. (d) the resolution of disagreements about whether plans and specifications comply with the building Responsibility code; (6) If plumbing inspectors have been appointed under this (e) indemnification; and section, the chief building official and inspectors appointed (f) such other matters as may be necessary to give under section 3 or 4 shall not exercise their powers under effect to the agreement. 2002, c. 9, s. 9. this Act in respect of plumbing. 2002, c. 9, s. 10. Delegation Application (2) A principal authority may delegate to the chief building (7) Subsections 3(8) and (9) and section 7 apply with official the authority to make such decisions under an necessary modifications to the council of an upper-tier agreement as may be necessary for its implementation. municipality or a board of health that has assumed 2002, c. 9, s. 9. responsibility for plumbing under this section. 2002, c. 9, s. 10; 2002, c. 17, Sched. C, s. 3(4). Agreement re Plumbing 6.1(1) Despite any other provision of this Act, the council Transition, Plumbing of an upper-tier municipality and of one or more (8) If, on July 1, 1993, an upper-tier municipality was municipalities in the upper-tier municipality may enter into carrying out plumbing inspections under the Ontario Water an agreement for the enforcement by the upper-tier Resources Act in the municipalities that formed part of the municipality of the provisions of this Act and the building upper-tier municipality, the upper-tier municipality shall code related to plumbing in the municipalities and for enforce the provisions of this Act and the building code charging the municipalities the whole or part of the cost. related to plumbing in all of the municipalities forming part 2002, c. 17, Sched. C, s. 3(1). of the upper-tier municipality until the council of the upper- tier municipality by by-law determines otherwise, Delegation to Health Unit whereupon section 3 applies. 2002, c. 17, Sched. C, s. 3(5). (2) If an agreement under subsection (1) is in effect, the council of an upper-tier municipality may by agreement Same delegate its powers under subsection (1) to a board of (9) Subsections (4) to (7) apply with necessary health having jurisdiction in the municipalities that are modifications to an upper-tier municipality that has parties to the agreement. 2002, c. 9, s. 10; 2002, c. 17, assumed responsibility for plumbing under subsection (8). Sched. C, s. 3(2). 2002, c. 9, s. 10; 2002, c. 17, Sched. C, s. 3(6). Delegation by Municipality Interpretation (3) A municipality that is not a party to an agreement (10) For the purpose of subsection (8), an upper-tier under subsection (1) may enter into an agreement with the municipality that has been deemed to be a county by any board of health having jurisdiction in the municipality for general or special Act for the purposes of section 76 of the the enforcement of the provisions of this Act and the Ontario Water Resources Act, as it read on June 30, 1993, building code relating to plumbing. 2002, c. 9, s. 10. shall be deemed to be an upper-tier municipality that was carrying out plumbing inspections under the Ontario Water Plumbing Inspectors Resources Act in the municipalities that formed part of the (4) The council of an upper-tier municipality or the board upper-tier municipality for municipal purposes on July 1, of health may appoint plumbing inspectors for the purpose 1993. 2002, c. 17, Sched. C, s. 3(7). of this section. 2002, c. 9, s. 10; 2002, c. 17, Sched. C, s. 3(3). Agreement re Sewage Systems 6.2(1) Despite any other provision of this Act, the council of an upper-tier municipality and of one or more municipalities in the upper-tier municipality may enter into an agreement for the enforcement by the upper-tier Building Code Act BCA Page 11  2012 Building Code Compendium municipality of the provisions of this Act and the building the Province of Ontario, respectively, has jurisdiction for code related to sewage systems in the municipalities and the enforcement of this Act, for charging the municipalities the whole or part of the (a) prescribing classes of permits under this Act, cost. 2002, c. 17, Sched. C, s. 3(8). including permits in respect of any stage of construction or demolition; Delegation (b) providing for applications for permits and (2) A municipality that is not a party to an agreement requiring the applications to be accompanied by under subsection (1) may enter into an agreement with a such plans, specifications, documents and other board of health or a conservation authority having information as is prescribed; jurisdiction in the municipality for the enforcement of the (b.1) subject to the regulations made under subsection provisions of this Act and the building code related to 34(2.1), establishing and governing a program to sewage systems. 2002, c. 9, s. 10. enforce standards prescribed under clause 34(2)(b), in addition to any programs established under subsection 34(2.2); Inspectors (b.2) subject to the regulations made under subsection (3) The council of an upper-tier municipality, board of 34(2.2), governing a program established under health or conservation authority may appoint sewage subsection 34(2.2); system inspectors for the purposes of this section. 2002, (c) requiring the payment of fees and prescribing the c. 9, s. 10; 2002, c. 17, Sched. C, s. 3(9). amounts of the fees, (i) on application for and on issuance of Powers permits, (4) A sewage system inspector appointed under this (ii) for maintenance inspections, section in an area of jurisdiction or, if there is more than (iii) for providing documentation, records or one inspector in the area of jurisdiction, the inspector other information under section 15.10.4, designated by the council of an upper-tier municipality, and b