3.2.2.55.Group C, up to 3 Storeys, Sprinklered

(1) A building classified as Group C, other than a retirement home, is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided (a) except as permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.7.(1) and 3.2.2.18.(2), the building is sprinklered throughout, (b) it is not more than 3 storeys in building height, and (c) it has a building area not more than (i) 5 400 m2 if 1 storey in building height, (ii) 2 700 m2 if 2 storeys in building height, or (iii) 1 800 m2 if 3 storeys in building height. (2) The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and (a) except as permitted by Sentences (3) and (4), floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, (b) mezzanines shall have, if of combustible construction a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, and (c) 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 floors over basements, that are entirely contained within these dwelling units, shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min but need not be constructed as fire separations. (4) In a building in which there is no dwelling unit above another dwelling unit, the fire-resistance rating for floor assemblies entirely within the dwelling unit is waived.