Code Library › Volume 1 › Section 3.2 — Building Fire Safety
PART 3 — FIRE PROTECTION, OCCUPANT SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITYUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code

3.2.2.68.Group E, up to 3 Storeys

(1) A building classified as Group E is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided (a) it is not more than 3 storeys in building height, and (b) it has a building area not more than the value in Table 3.2.2.68. Table 3.2.2.68. Maximum Building Area, Group E, up to 3 Storeys Forming Part of Sentence 3.2.2.68.(1) Maximum Area, m2 No. of Storeys Facing 1 Street Facing 2 Streets Facing 3 Streets 1 1 500 1 500 1 500 2 1 200 1 500 1 500 3 800 1 000 1 500 (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) 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, (c) roof assemblies shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, except that in a building not more than 1 storey in building height, the fire-resistance rating is permitted to be waived provided the roof assembly is of noncombustible construction or is constructed as a fire-retardant-treated wood roof system conforming to Article 3.1.14.1., (d) loadbearing walls, columns and arches supporting an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating shall (i) have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, or (ii) be of noncombustible construction, and (e) loadbearing walls, columns and arches supporting a fire separation shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the fire separation.

This provision includes a table — formatting is preserved from the source; refer to the official code for the authoritative layout.

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Common questions about this part of the code

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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.