PART 3 — FIRE PROTECTION, OCCUPANT SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITYUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code
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3.2.1.2.Storage Garage Considered as a Separate Building
(1) A basement used primarily as a storage garage is permitted to be considered as a separate building for the purposes
of Subsection 3.2.2. and Sentences 3.2.5.12.(2) and (3), provided the floor and roof assemblies above the basement and
the exterior walls of the basement above the adjoining ground level are constructed as fire separations of noncombustible
construction having a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h and protected in conformance with Clause 3.1.10.2.(4)(a),
except as permitted by Sentence (2). (See Notes A-3.1.10.2.(4) and A-3.2.5.12.(2))
(2) The exterior wall of a basement that is required to be a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating in accordance
with Sentence (1) is permitted to be penetrated by openings that are not protected by closures provided
(a) the storage garage is sprinklered throughout,
(b) every opening in the exterior wall is separated from storeys above the opening by a projection of the floor or roof
assembly above the basement, extending not less than
(i) 1 m beyond the exterior face of the storage garage if the upper storeys are required to be of noncombustible
construction, or
(ii) 2 m beyond the exterior face of the storage garage if the upper storeys are permitted to be of combustible
construction or encapsulated mass timber construction, or
(c) the exterior walls of any storeys located above the floor or roof assembly referred to in Sentence (1) are recessed
behind the outer edge of the assembly by not less than
(i) 1 m if the upper storeys are required to be of noncombustible construction, or
(ii) 2 m if the upper storeys are permitted to be of combustible construction or encapsulated mass timber
construction.
(3) The floor or roof assembly projection referred to in Clause (2)(b) shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h
and shall have no openings within the projection.
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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.