PART 3 — FIRE PROTECTION, OCCUPANT SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITYUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code
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3.4.2.1.Minimum Number of Exits
(1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2) to (4), every floor area intended for occupancy shall be served by at least 2
exits.
(2) A floor area in a building not more than 2 storeys in building height, is permitted to be served by one exit provided
the total occupant load served by the exit is not more than 60, and
(a) in a floor area that is not sprinklered throughout, the floor area and the travel distance are not more than the values
in Table 3.4.2.1.-A, or
(b) in a floor area that is sprinklered throughout,
(i) the travel distance is not more than 25 m, and
(ii) the floor area is not more than the value in Table 3.4.2.1.-B.
Table 3.4.2.1.-A
Criteria for One Exit (Floor Area not Sprinklered Throughout)
Forming Part of Sentence 3.4.2.1.(2)
Occupancy of Floor Area Maximum Floor Area, m2 Maximum Travel Distance, m
Group A 150 15
Group C 100 15
Group D 200 25
Group E 150 15
Group F, Division 2 150 10
Group F, Division 3 200 15
Table 3.4.2.1.-B
Criteria for One Exit (Floor Area Sprinklered Throughout)
Forming Part of Sentence 3.4.2.1.(2)
Occupancy of Floor Area Maximum Floor Area, m2
Group A 200
Group B 100
Group C 150
Group D 300
Group E 200
Group F, Division 2 200
Group F, Division 3 300
(3) Except as permitted by Sentence (4), if Sentence (2) permits a single exit from a floor area classified as Group B or
Group C occupancy, the exit shall be an exterior doorway not more than 1.5 m above adjacent ground level.
(4) The requirements of Sentences (1) and (2) are permitted to be waived for dwelling units having access to exit
conforming to Sentences 3.3.4.4.(1) to (4) and (8).
(5) Exits are not required directly from rooftop enclosures that are provided with access to exits in conformance with
Sentences 3.3.1.3.(5) and (6).
This provision includes a table — formatting is preserved from the source; refer to the official code for the authoritative layout.
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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.