Code Library › Volume 1 › Section 3.1 — General
PART 3 — FIRE PROTECTION, OCCUPANT SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITYUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code

3.1.5.16.Combustible Elements in Partitions

(1) Except as permitted by Sentence (2), solid lumber partitions not less than 38 mm thick and wood framing in partitions located in a fire compartment not more than 600 m2 in area are permitted to be used in a building required to be of noncombustible construction in a floor area that is not sprinklered provided the partitions (a) are not required fire separations, and (b) are not located in a care, care and treatment or detention occupancy or in a retirement home. (2) Partitions installed in a building of noncombustible construction are permitted to contain wood framing provided (a) the building is not more than 3 storeys in building height, (b) the partitions are not located in a care, care and treatment or detention occupancy or in a retirement home, and (c) the partitions are not installed as enclosures for exits or vertical service spaces. (3) Solid lumber partitions not less than 38 mm thick and partitions that contain wood framing are permitted to be used in a building required to be of noncombustible construction provided (a) the floor area containing the partitions is sprinklered throughout, and (b) the partitions are not (i) located in a care, care and treatment or detention occupancy or in a retirement home, (ii) installed as enclosures for exits or vertical service spaces, or (iii) used to satisfy the requirements of Clause 3.2.8.1.(1)(a).
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Code text is reproduced for reference from the Ontario Building Code (O. Reg. 163/24, 2024 Building Code Compendium). This page is provided for general information and is not an official copy. Always verify requirements against the official Ontario Building Code and confirm with your local building department.