Highlights of changes that takes effect

January 1, 2014
 2012 Building Code. O. Reg 332/12
Building and Development Branch
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and
Housing
This slide deck is intended as a brief overview
that highlights the changes included in the new
2012 Building Code
For definitive information concerning the
revised Building Code please consult O.Reg
332/12
On November 2, 2012, the 2012 Building Code
was filed as O. Reg.332/12
It can be found at e-Laws
The new Building Code will, for the most part, come into force on
January 1, 2014
Certain energy efficiency related provisions will come into force on
January 1, 2014, 2015, aand 2017
Certain changes related to on-site sewage will come into force
Decmeber 31, 2016

This timeline gives the industry time to learn about the new changes
and prepare for implementation
The 2012 Building Code changes provide a balanced package that:
Builds on heath and safety and environmental protection requirements
Helps the competitiveness of Ontario’s building sector through:
New and updated standards
Clarifying Building Code requirements
Allowing for the use of new products
Recognition of best practices
More flexible requirements
Maintaining Ontario’s harmonization with model National Building Code requirements in areas such
as structural design
Maintains Ontario’s leadership in energy and water conservation
Has potential for saving of operating costs over time for building owners (e.g.
through energy and water savings)
The 2012 Building Code contains enhancements to property
protection and health, including:
Removing window screens as an acceptable fall protection device
Window guards or controlled sashes will still be required under the Code
Reversing the average annual concertration of radon threshold in the building
Code to reflect the new national threshkold (from 250 Bq/m3 to 200 Bq/m3)
i.e., less radon is needed to trigger radon protection requirements
Changes affects only three areas in Ontario currently identified in the Code
Clarifying that sewage back-water valves are required in the residential
buildings connected to a public sewage system, if deemed necessary at a local
level
Protecting public water supplies from contamination from “medium hazard”
uses (e.g. multi-unit residential buildings, commercial buildings, hotels,
manufacturing plants) by requiring backflow preventers as premise isolation
devices
The 2012 Building Code contains specific requirement in order to
enhance fire protection of large and small buildings, including:
Requiring hard-wired smoke alarms with battery back-up in each sleeping
room for houses and large buildings(Part 3 and Part 9)
Requiring integrated sprinkler and fire alarm systems in multi-unit residential
buildings
Mandating sprinkler protection for all retirement homes
The 2012 Building Code expands the list of Building Code sub-
objectives and related functional statements to reference:
Limiting the extent to which construction strains infrastructure capacity (e.g,
electrical grid capacity)
Protecting atmospheric quality
Limiting green house gas emissions
Limiting the release of pollutants
Protecting water and soil quality
Large Buildings

The 2012 Building Code promotes energy conservation through

building design and construction by:
Requiring that large buildings for which building permits are applied, on or
after January 1, 2017 , meet an energy efficiency level that is 13% higher than
that required in 2012

Similar to the approach taken with energy requirements included

in the 2006 Code, MMAH intends to work with the building sector
to develop compliance alternatives
Houses

The 2012 Building Code promotes energy conservation through

building design and construction by:
Requiring that houses for which building permits are applied, on or after
January 1, 2017, meet an energy efficiency level that is 15% higher than that
required in 2012
Providing compliance alternatives on how to achieve that goal
Over the 5-year cycle, requiring a number of other energy-conserving
incremental changes
As with the approach taken with large buildings, MMAH intends
to work with the building sector to develop compliance
alternatives to achieve these future requirements
The 2012 Building Code promotes the conservation of
Ontario’s water by:
Requiring newly installed toilets in residential occupancies to be
high efficiency
Requiring newly installed urinals to be high efficiency
Requiring high-efficiency showerheads in residential occupancies
Opportunities for innovation are provided by:
Allowing for drainless composting toilets in areas with municipal
services
Expanding the end uses of rainwater and other non-potable water
Clarifying the design requirements of non-potable water systems
Specifically related to pipe sizing
The 2012 Building Code enhances harmonization with the model
National Building and Plumbing Codes, including:
Editorial changes and updates standard references, stemming from changes to
the model national codes
Clarifying technical requirements to ensure consistency and clarity in
enforcement
Allowing more flexible, performance-oriented methods design and installation
of some building elements

Amendments to the Building Code enhance consistency with the

Electrical Safety Code (no changes to Electrical Safety Code
required)
Meter mounting has been removed from the OBC
The 2012 Building Code:
Requires that copies of Minister’s Rulings authorizing the use
of innovative building materials be kept at the construction site
where a Ruling applies
Requires thermal protection for foam plastic insulation as a
condition for residential occupancy
Removes requirement for final site grading as a condition of
occupancy permit issuance for certain residential uses
Ontario’s Building Code has included requirements for barrier-
free design since 1975
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005(AODA)
called for the creation of standards to make Ontario accessible for
persons with disabilities by 2025
In July 2010, a Final Proposed Accessible Built Environment
Standard was submitted for government’s consideration
Public consultation on updated accessibility requirements in
Ontario’s Building Code concluded March 1, 2013
Feedback received is being considered by government to
determine what will become law and when
Expect changes to the 2012 code to accommodate built
environmental standards
At this time no new changes
Code Publication:
MMAH has published the 2012 Building Code
Hard copy “compendium” version available now at Publications Ontario
MMAH has conducted a survey to seek input of business needs for an e-version

Updated guidelines and Best Practices:

MMAH is reviewing current guidelines and best practices to determine which ones should
be updated to reflect the content of the next edition of the Code
Additional material on the 2012 Ontario Building Code will be available shortly
Studying 6 storey mid rise wood building to be introduced in the Code.
ARTICLE 1.4.1.2. DEFINED TERMS

2006 Ontario Building Code

Care occupancy (Group B, Division 3) means an occupancy in which
persons receive special or supervisory care because of cognitive or
physical limitations, but does not include a dwelling unit.

2012 Ontario Building Code

Care occupancy (Group B, Division 3) means an occupancy in which
special care is provided by a facility, directly through its staff or
indirectly through another provider, to residents of the facility,
(a) who require special care because of cognitive or physical
limitations, and
(b) who, as a result of those limitations, would be incapable of
evacuating the occupancy, if necessary, without the assistance of
another person
ARTICLE 1.4.1.2. DEFINED TERMS

2006 Ontario Building Code

Residential occupancy means the occupancy or use of a
building or part of a building by persons for whom sleeping
accommodation is provided but who are not harboured or
detained there to receive medical care or treatment or who
are not involuntarily detained there.

2012 Ontario Building Code

Residential occupancy means an occupancy in which
sleeping accommodation is provided to residents who are not
harboured for the purpose of receiving special care or
treatment and are not involuntarily detained.
SENTENCE 3.1.9.3.(7) PENETRATION BY WIRES,
CABLES AND OUTLET BOXES

2006 Ontario Building Code

(6) Outlet boxes that penetrate opposite sides of a wall
assembly shall be offset where necessary to maintain
the integrity of the fire separation.

2012 Ontario Building Code

(7) Unless provided with a fire stop in accordance with
CAN/ULC-S115, “Fire Tests of Firestop Systems”,
electrical outlet boxes on opposite sides of a vertical
fire separation required to have a fire-resistance rating
shall be,
(a) separated by a horizontal distance of not less than
600 mm, or
(b) installed in adjacent stud cavities
SUBSECTION 3.1.19. CLEARANCE TO ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS

2006 Ontario Building Code

(1) Where a building is to be constructed in proximity to existing above ground
electrical conductors of a voltage not less than 2.5 kV and not more than 46 kV,
(a) the building shall not be located beneath the conductors, and
(b) the horizontal clearance between the building and the maximum conductor swing shall be
not less than 3 m.
(2) Where a building is to be constructed in proximity to existing above ground
electrical conductors of a voltage more than 46 kV, the clearances between the building
and the conductors shall conform to the requirements of CAN/CSA-C22.3 No.1,
“Overhead Systems”.

2012 Ontario Building Code

(1) A building shall not be located beneath existing above ground electrical conductors.
(2) The horizontal clearance measured from the maximum conductor swing to the
building, including balconies, fire escapes, flat roofs or other accessible projections
beyond the face of the building, shall,
(a) be not less than 1 m, for electrical conductors carrying voltages 750 V or less, except
where necessary to connect to the electrical wiring of the building,
(b) be not less than 3 m, for electrical conductors carrying voltages greater than 750 V but
not exceeding 46 kV,
(c) be not less than 3.7 m, for electrical conductors carrying voltages greater than 46 kV
but not exceeding 69kV, or
SUBSECTION 3.1.19. (CONTINUED) CLEARANCE TO ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS

2006 Ontario Building Code

(1) Where a building is to be constructed in proximity to existing above ground
electrical conductors of a voltage not less than 2.5 kV and not more than 46 kV,
(a) the building shall not be located beneath the conductors, and
(b) the horizontal clearance between the building and the maximum conductor swing shall be
not less than 3 m.
(2) Where a building is to be constructed in proximity to existing above ground
electrical conductors of a voltage more than 46 kV, the clearances between the building
and the conductors shall conform to the requirements of CAN/CSA-C22.3 No.1,
“Overhead Systems”.

2012 Ontario Building Code

(d) conform to the requirements of CAN/CSA-C22.3 No.1, “Overhead Systems”, for
electrical conductors carrying voltages greater than 69kV.
(3) Where the swing of an above ground electrical conductor not owned or operated
by an electrical supply authority is not known, a swing of not less than 1.8 m shall be
used.
(4) Sentences (1) to (3) do not apply to a building containing electrical equipment and
electrical installations used exclusively in the generation, transformation or
transmission of electrical power or energy intended for sale or distribution to the public.
SUBSECTION 3.1.19. (CONTINUED) CLEARANCE TO
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTORS
ARTICLE 3.2.2.44. 3.2.2.46. AND 3.2.2.47 GROUP C OCCUPANCIES – NOT
SPRINKLERED

2006 Ontario Building Code

Sprinklers were not required regardless of the occupancy of the building.

2012 Ontario Building Code

A retirement home regulated under the Retirement Homes Act, 2010 shall be sprinklered.

"retirement home" means a residential complex or the part of a residential complex,

(a) that is occupied primarily by persons who are 65 years of age or older,
(b) that is occupied or intended to be occupied by at least the prescribed number of persons who
are not related to the operator of the home, and
(c) where the operator of the home makes at least two care services available, directly or
indirectly, to the residents, but does not include,
(d) premises or parts of premises that are governed by or funded under, (i) Repealed: 2010, c. 11,
s. 123 (1). (ii) Repealed: 2010, c. 11, s. 123 (2). (iii) the Homes for Special Care Act, (iv) Repealed:
2010, c. 11, s. 123 (1). (v) the Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2007, (vi) the Ministry of Community
and Social Services Act, (vii) Repealed: 2010, c. 11, s. 123 (1). (viii) the Private Hospitals Act,
(ix) the Public Hospitals Act, or (x) the Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of
Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008,
(e) premises at which emergency hostel services are provided under the Ontario Works Act, 1997,
or
(f) the other premises that are prescribed; ("maison de retraite")
ARTICLE 3.2.4.6. COMMISSIONING OF LIFE
SAFETY AND FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

2006 Ontario Building Code

Previous Code allowed testing of systems
independently of each other.

2012 Ontario Building Code

Where life safety and fire protection systems are
installed to comply with the provisions of this
Code or the Fire Code made under the Fire
Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, the
commissioning of these integrated systems must
be performed as a whole to ensure the proper
operation and inter-relationship between the
systems.
ARTICLE 3.2.4.22. SMOKE ALARMS

2006 Ontario Building Code

3.2.4.21.(3)
On any storey of a dwelling unit containing sleeping rooms, a
smoke alarm shall be installed in a location between the sleeping
rooms and the remainder of the storey, and if the sleeping rooms
are served by a hallway, the smoke alarm shall be located in the
hallway.

2012 Ontario Building Code

3.2.4.22.(3)
On any storey of a dwelling unit containing sleeping rooms, a
smoke alarm shall be installed in,
(a) each sleeping room, and
(b) a location between the sleeping rooms and the remainder of
the storey, and if the sleeping rooms are served by a hallway, the
smoke alarm shall be located in the hallway.
ARTICLE 3.2.4.22. SMOKE ALARMS

2006 Ontario Building Code

3.2.4.21.(5)
A smoke alarm shall be installed with permanent connections to
an electrical circuit and shall have no disconnect switches between
the overcurrent device and the smoke alarm.

2012 Ontario Building Code

3.2.4.22.(5)
Except as permitted by Sentence (6), smoke alarms required by
Sentence (1) shall,
(a) be installed with permanent connections to an electrical circuit,
(b) have no disconnect switch between the overcurrent device and
the smoke alarm, and
(c) in case the regular power supply to the smoke alarm is
interrupted, be provided with a battery as an alternative power
source that can continue to provide power to the smoke alarm for
a period of not less than seven days in the normal condition,
followed by 4 min of alarm.
ARTICLE 3.2.4.22. SMOKE ALARMS

(6) Suites of residential occupancy are permitted to be equipped with smoke detectors in
lieu of smoke alarms, provided the smoke detectors, (a) are capable of independently
sounding audible signals within the individual suites, (b) except as provided by
Sentence (7), are installed in conformance with CAN/ULC-S524, "Installation of Fire
Alarm Systems", and verified in conformance with CAN/ULC-S537, "Verification of Fire
Alarm Systems", and (c) form part of the fire alarm system.
(7) Smoke detectors permitted to be installed in lieu of smoke alarms as provided in
Sentence (6) are not required under Clause (6)(b) to sound an alarm throughout the rest
of the building, provided they sound localized alarms within individual suites and
otherwise meet the requirements of Clause (6)(b).
(10) Except as permitted by Sentence (11), a manually operated silencing device shall be
incorporated within the circuitry of a smoke alarm installed in a dwelling unit so that it
will silence the signal emitted by the smoke alarm for a period of not more than 10 min,
after which the smoke alarm will reset and again sound the alarm if the level of smoke in
the vicinity is sufficient to reactuate the smoke alarm.
(11) Suites of residential occupancy equipped with smoke detectors installed in
conformance with CAN/ULC-S524, "Installation of Fire Alarm Systems", as part of the
fire alarm system in lieu of smoke alarms as permitted by Sentence (6), need not
incorporate the manually operated silencing device required by Sentence (10).
(12) The sound patterns of smoke alarms shall, (a) meet the temporal patterns of alarm
signals, or (b) be a combination of temporal pattern and voice relay.
ARTICLE 3.2.5.13. AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER
SYSTEMS

2006 Ontario Building Code

New sentence – retirement home requirements did not
exist in 2006 code.

2012 Ontario Building Code

(8) The sprinkler system described in Sentence (3) shall
be provided with a minimum 20 min water supply
when installed in a retirement home regulated under
the Retirement Homes Act, 2010.
SUB-SECTION 3.3.6. DESIGN OF HAZARDOUS AREAS

2006 Ontario Building Code

Design of hazardous areas was not part of the 2006 Code.

2012 Ontario Building Code

3.3.6.1. Application
3.3.6.2. Storage of Explosives
3.3.6.3. Indoor Storage of Compressed Gases
3.3.6.4. Storage and Dispensing Rooms for
Flammable Liquids and Combustible Liquids
3.3.6.5. Tire Storage
3.3.6.6. Ammonium Nitrate Storage
3.3.6.7. Flooring Materials
3.3.6.8. Fire Separations in Process Plants
3.3.6.9. Basements and Pits
SUB-SECTION 3.4.5. EXIT SIGNS
2006 Ontario Building Code
2006 Code requirements for exit signs included the word
“EXIT” or “EXIT/SORTIE” and the sign had to be
illuminated.

2012 Ontario Building Code

New exit signs must consist of a green pictogram and white
graphic symbol and are now permitted to be
photoluminescent and self-luminous.
ARTICLE 7.1.5.3. WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

2006 Ontario Building Code

(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), every water distribution system shall be
connected,
(a) to a watermain that is part of a municipal drinking water system, or
(b) to a drinking water system, if a watermain described in Clause (a) is not
available.
(2) Storm sewage or greywater that is free of solids may be used for the flushing of
water closets, urinals or the priming of traps.
(3) Piping conveying the non-potable water described in Sentence (2) shall be
installed in conformance with Section 7.7.

2012 Ontario Building Code

(2) Storm sewage or greywater that is free of solids and treated to conform to
Article 7.7.4.1. is permitted to be used as a water supply for, (a) water closets, (b)
urinals, (c) sub-surface irrigation, or (d) the priming of traps.
(3) Rainwater that is free of solids and treated to conform to Article 7.7.4.1. is
permitted to be used as a water supply for,
(a) clothes washers, (b) laundry trays, (c) mop sinks,
(d) bedpan washers, (e) water closets, (f) urinals,
(g) hose bibbs, (h) sub-surface irrigation, or
(i) the priming of traps.
SECTION 9.7. WINDOWS, DOORS AND SKYLIGHTS

2006 Ontario Building Code

The 2006 Code had 7 sub-sections:
9.7.1. General
9.7.2. Window Standards
9.7.3. Glass
9.7.4. Caulking and Glazing
9.7.5. Protection of Windows in Public Areas
9.7.6. Resistance to Forced Entry
9.7.7. Skylights

2012 Ontario Building Code

This entire Section has been rewritten with requirements falling into the following
sub-sections:
9.7.1. General
9.7.2. Required Windows, Doors and Skylights
9.7.3. Performance of Windows, Doors and Skylights
9.7.4. Manufactured Windows, Doors and Skylights
9.7.5. Site-Built Windows, Doors and Skylights
9.7.6. Installation
SECTION 9.8. STAIRS, RAMPS, HANDRAILS AND GUARDS

2006 Ontario Building Code

9.8.1.2. Exit Stairs, Ramps and Landings
(1) Where a stair, ramp or landing forms part of an exit, the
appropriate requirements in Sections 9.9. and 9.10. shall also
apply.

2012 Ontario Building Code

9.8.1.2. Stairs, Ramps, Landings, Handrails and Guards in Garages
(1) Except as provided in Sentence 9.8.6.2. (3), stairs, ramps,
landings, handrails and guards in a garage that serves a single
dwelling unit shall conform to the requirements for stairs, ramps,
landings, handrails and guards within a dwelling unit.
SUB-SECTION 9.8.4. - STEP DIMENSIONS

2006 Ontario Building Code

9.8.4.1. Uniformity and Tolerances for Risers & Treads
(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), risers shall have uniform height in any one flight with a
maximum tolerance of, (a) 6 mm between adjacent treads or landings, and (b) 6 mm between the
tallest and shortest risers in a flight.
(2) Except for required exit stairs, where the top or bottom riser in a stair adjoins a sloping finished
walking surface such as a garage floor, driveway or sidewalk, the height of the riser across the stair
shall vary by not more than 1 in 12.
(3) Treads shall have uniform run and tread depth, with a maximum tolerance of, (a) 6 mm between
adjacent treads, and (b) 6 mm between the deepest and shallowest runs and treads in a flight.
(4) Where angled treads or winders are incorporated into a stair, the treads in all sets of angled treads
or winders within a flight shall turn in the same direction.
(5) Cross-slope of treads shall not exceed 1 in 100.

2012 Ontario Building Code

9.8.4.4. Uniformity and Tolerances for Risers & Treads
(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), risers shall be of uniform height in any one flight with a
maximum tolerance of, (a) 5 mm between adjacent treads or landings, and (b) 10 mm between the
tallest and shortest risers in a flight.
(2) Except for required exit stairs, where the top or bottom riser in a stair adjoins a sloping finished
walking surface such as a garage floor, driveway or sidewalk, the height of the riser across the stair
shall vary by not more than 1 in 12.
(3) Treads shall have uniform run with a maximum tolerance of, (a) 5 mm between adjacent treads,
and (b) 10 mm between the deepest and shallowest treads in a flight.
(4) Where angled treads or winders are incorporated into a stair, the treads in all sets of angled treads
or winders within a flight shall turn in the same direction.
(5) The slope of treads shall not exceed 1 in 50.
ARTICLE 9.8.7.4. HEIGHT OF HANDRAILS
2006 Ontario Building Code
(1) The height of handrails on stairs and ramps shall be measured vertically from
the top of the handrail to, (a) a line drawn through the leading edge of the stair
treads served by the handrail, or (b) the surface of the ramp, floor or landing
served by the handrail.
(2) Except as provided in Sentence (3), the height of handrails on stairs and ramps
shall be,
(a) not less than 800 mm, and
(b)not more than 965 mm.
(3) Where guards are required, handrails required on landings shall be not more
than 1070 mm in height.

2012 Ontario Building Code

(1) The height of handrails on stairs and ramps shall be measured vertically from
the top of the handrail to, (a) a straight line drawn tangent to the tread noosing of
the stair served by the handrail, or (b) the surface of the ramp, floor or landing
served by the handrail.
(2) Except as provided in Sentences (3) and (4), the height of handrails on stairs and
ramps shall be, (a) not less than 865 mm, and (b) not more than 965 mm.
(3) Where guards are required, handrails required on landings shall be not more
than 1 070 mm in height.
(4) Handrails installed in addition to required handrails need not comply with
Sentence (2).
SUB-SECTION 9.9.10. (9.9.11.3. IN 2012 CODE) SIGNAGE
(EXIT SIGNS IN 2012 CODE)
2006 Ontario Building Code
2006 Code requirements for exit signs included the word
“EXIT” or “EXIT/SORTIE” and the sign had to be
illuminated.

2012 Ontario Building Code

New exit signs must consist of a green pictogram and white
graphic symbol and are now permitted to be
photoluminescent and self-luminous.
ARTICLE 9.10.19.3. LOCATION OF SMOKE ALARMS

2006 Ontario Building Code

(1) Within dwelling units, sufficient smoke alarms shall be installed so that, (a) there is at
least one smoke alarm on each floor level, including basements, that is 900 mm or more
above or below an adjacent floor level, (b) each bedroom is protected by a smoke alarm
either inside the bedroom or, if outside, within 5 m, measured following corridors and
doorways, of the bedroom door, and (c) the distance, measured following corridors and
doorways, from any point on a floor level to a smoke alarm on the same level does not
exceed 15 m.
(2) Smoke alarms required in Article 9.10.19.1. and Sentence (1) shall be installed on or
near the ceiling.
(3) Smoke alarms required in Sentences (1) and (2) shall be audible within the bedrooms
when the intervening doors are closed.
(4) Smoke alarms required in Sentences (1) and (2) shall be installed in conformance with
the manufacturers instructions.

2012 Ontario Building Code

(1) Within dwelling units, sufficient smoke alarms shall be installed so that, (a) there is at
least one smoke alarm installed on each storey, including basements, and (b) on any
storey of a dwelling unit containing sleeping rooms, a smoke alarm is installed,
(i) in each sleeping room, and
(ii) in a location between the sleeping rooms and the remainder of the storey, and if the
sleeping rooms are served by a hallway, the smoke alarm shall be located in the hallway.
(2) A smoke alarm required in Sentence (1) shall be installed in conformance with
CAN/ULC-S553, “Installation of Smoke Alarms”.
(3) Smoke alarms required in Article 9.10.19.1. and Sentence (1) shall be installed on or
near the ceiling.
ARTICLE 9.10.19.4. POWER SUPPLY

2006 Ontario Building Code

(1) Except as permitted in Sentence (2), smoke alarms shall be installed by
permanent connections to an electrical circuit and shall have no
disconnect switch between the overcurrent circuit device and the smoke
alarm.
(2) Where the building is not supplied with electrical power, smoke
alarms are permitted to be battery operated.

2012 Ontario Building Code

(1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), smoke alarms required in
Sentence 9.10.19.1.(1) shall,
(a) be installed with permanent connections to an electrical circuit,
(b) have no disconnect switch between the overcurrent device and the
smoke alarm, and
(c) in case the regular power supply to the smoke alarm is interrupted, be
provided with a battery as an alternative power source that can continue
to provide power to the smoke alarm for a period of not less than 7 days
in the normal condition, followed by 4 min of alarm.
(2) Where the building is not supplied with electrical power, smoke
alarms are permitted to be battery operated.
ARTICLE 9.15.4.2. FOUNDATION WALL THICKNESS AND REQUIRED LATERAL
SUPPORT

2006 Ontario Building Code

(1) Except as required in Sentence (2), the thickness of foundation walls made of
unreinforced concrete block or solid concrete and subject to lateral earth pressure shall
conform to Table 9.15.4.2.A. for walls not exceeding 2.5 m in unsupported height.
(4) Where average stable soils are encountered and wind loads on the exposed portion of
the foundation are no greater than 0.70 kPa, the thickness and reinforcing of foundation
walls made of reinforced concrete block and subject to lateral earth pressure shall
conform to Table 9.15.4.2.B. and Sentences (5) to (10).

2012 Ontario Building Code

(1) Except as required in Sentence (2), the thickness of foundation walls made of
unreinforced concrete block or solid concrete and subject to lateral earth pressure shall
conform to Table 9.15.4.2.A. for walls not exceeding 3.0 m in unsupported height.
(4) The thickness and reinforcing of foundation walls made of reinforced concrete block
and subject to lateral earth pressure shall conform to Table 9.15.4.2.B. and Sentences (5)
to (8) where,
(a) the walls are laterally supported at the top,
(b) average stable soils are encountered, and
(c) wind loads on the exposed portion of the foundation are no greater than 0.70 kPa.
ARTICLE 9.25.4.3. INSTALLATION OF VAPOUR BARRIERS

2006 Ontario Building Code

(1) Vapour barriers shall be installed to protect the entire surfaces
of thermally insulated wall, ceiling and floor assemblies.
(2) Vapour barriers shall be installed sufficiently close to the warm
side of insulation to prevent condensation at design conditions.

2012 Ontario Building Code

(1) Products installed to function as the vapour barrier shall
protect the warm side of wall, ceiling and floor assemblies.
(2) Where different products are used for the vapour barrier and
the insulation, the vapour barrier shall be installed sufficiently
close to the warm side of the insulation to prevent condensation at
design conditions.
(3) Where the same product is used for the vapour barrier and the
insulation, the product shall be installed sufficiently close to the
warm side of the assembly to prevent condensation at design
conditions.
ARTICLE 9.31.4.1. REQUIRED FIXTURES

2006 Ontario Building Code

(1) In a dwelling unit with a water distribution system, a
kitchen sink, lavatory, bathtub or shower stall and water
closet shall be provided.

2012 Ontario Building Code

(1) A dwelling unit with a water distribution system shall
contain,
(a) a kitchen sink,
(b) a lavatory,
(c) a bathtub or shower stall, and
(d) a water closet or a drainless composting toilet.
SENTENCE 9.40.1.1.(1) ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CHANGE OF USE

2006 Ontario Building Code

(a) a change of the major occupancy of all or part of a building that is designated with a
“Y” in Table 1.3.1.4. of Division C,
(b) a suite of a Group C major occupancy is converted into more than one suite of a
Group C major occupancy,
(c) a farm building or part of a farm building is changed to a major occupancy,
(d) a building or part of a building is changed to a post-disaster building, or
(e) the use of a building or part of a building is changed and the previous major
occupancy of the building or part of the building cannot be determined.

2012 Ontario Building Code

(a) a change of the major occupancy of all or part of a building that is designated with a
“Y” in Table 1.3.1.4. of Division C,
(b) a suite of a Group C major occupancy is converted into more than one suite of a
Group C major occupancy,
(c) a farm building or part of a farm building is changed to a major occupancy,
(d) a building or part of a building is changed to a post-disaster building,
(e) a building or part of a building is changed to a retirement home regulated under the
Retirement Homes Act, 2010, or
(f) the use of a building or part of a building is changed and the previous major
occupancy of the building or part of the building cannot be determined.
SECTION 1.2. DIVISION C DESIGN AND GENERAL
REVIEW

2006 Ontario Building Code

2006 required design and review by an Architect or a
Professional Engineer or both.

2012 Ontario Building Code

The 2012 Code has replaced design by an Architect or
Professional Engineer with “a suitably qualified and
experienced person”. This is not a defined term in the code.
The requirements for general review have been rewritten so
that any building, shelf and rack storage system, sprinkler
protected glazed wall, sign, tent, or foundation constructed
below the level of footings of an adjacent building or
buildings listed in Table 1.2.2.1. must be reviewed by an
Architect or Professional Engineer.
ARTICLE 1.3.3.4. DIVISION C OCCUPANCY PERMIT –
CERTAIN BUILDINGS OF RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCY

2006 Ontario Building Code

Site grading with respect to the building must be
substantially complete prior to issuance of an occupancy
permit.

2012 Ontario Building Code

2012 code has removed this requirement.
SUB-CLAUSE 1.3.3.4.(4)(f)(iv) DIVISION C OCCUPANCY PERMIT
– CERTAIN BUILDINGS OF RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCY

2006 Ontario Building Code

Protection of foamed plastics was not required for occupancy in
the 2006 code.

2012 Ontario Building Code

(f) the following building components and systems are complete
and operational for the dwelling unit to be occupied:
(i) required exits, floor access and egress systems, handrails,
guards, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire
separations, including, but not limited to, fire stopping,
(ii) required exhaust fume barriers and self-closing devices on
doors between an attached or built-in garage and the dwelling
unit,
(iii) water supply, sewage disposal, lighting and heating systems,
and
(iv) protection of foamed plastics required by Article 9.10.17.10. of
Division B,
END OF SESSION
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