PART 3 — FIRE PROTECTION, OCCUPANT SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITYUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code
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3.2.2.51.Group C, up to 6 Storeys, Sprinklered, Combustible Construction
(1) A building classified as Group C, other than a retirement home, is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided
(a) it is sprinklered throughout,
(b) it is not more than 6 storeys in building height,
(c) it has a height of not more than 18 m, measured between the floor of the first storey and the uppermost floor level
that does not serve a rooftop enclosure for elevator machinery, a stairway or a service room used only for service to
the building, and
(d) it has a building area of not more than
(i) 9 000 m2 if 1 storey in building height,
(ii) 4 500 m2 if 2 storeys in building height,
(iii) 3 000 m2 if 3 storeys in building height,
(iv) 2 250 m2 if 4 storeys in building height,
(v) 1 800 m2 if 5 storeys in building height, or
(vi) 1 500 m2 if 6 storeys in building height.
(2) Buildings referred to in Sentence (1) are permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction
used singly or in combination, and
(a) except as permitted by Sentence (3), floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less
than 1 h,
(b) roof assemblies shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(c) except as provided by Sentence (4), where the roof assembly has a height greater than 25 m measured from the floor
of the first storey to the highest point of the roof assembly, the roof assembly shall be constructed of noncombustible
construction, or fire-retardant-treated wood conforming to Article 3.1.4.5.,
(d) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(e) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the
supported assembly.
(3) In a building that contains dwelling units that have more than one storey, subject to the requirements of Sentence
3.3.4.2.(3), the floor assemblies, including those over basements, which are entirely contained within these dwelling units,
shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h but need not be constructed as fire separations.
(4) Where buildings conforming to Sentence (2) include non-contiguous roof assemblies at different elevations, the roof
assemblies are permitted to be evaluated separately to determine which ones are required to be constructed in accordance
with Clause (2)(c).
(5) Group A, Division 2 major occupancies, Group E major occupancies and storage garages located in a building or
part thereof within the scope of this Article are permitted to be constructed in accordance with this Article, provided
(a) the Group A, Division 2 major occupancy and Group E major occupancy are located below the third storey, and
(b) the storage garage is located below the fourth storey. (See also Article 4.4.2.1.)
(See Note A-3.2.2.51.(5) and 3.2.2.60.(4))
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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.