Code Library › Volume 1 › Section 3.7 — Health Requirements
PART 3 — FIRE PROTECTION, OCCUPANT SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITYUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code

3.7.4.8.Plumbing Fixtures for Mercantile Occupancies

(1) Except as provided in this Article, the number of water closets required for employees in mercantile occupancies shall conform to Table 3.7.4.8. (2) Except as provided in Sentence (4), the number of water closets required for the public in mercantile occupancies shall be at least one fixture for each 300 males and one fixture for each 150 females, except that (a) water closets provided for employees are permitted to be counted as part of those required for the public when these water closets are made accessible to the public, and (b) where the total area of the mercantile occupancy, excluding basements, is not more than 600 m2, not more than one water closet for each sex need be provided. Table 3.7.4.8. Water Closets for Mercantile Occupancies Forming Part of Sentence 3.7.4.8.(1) Number of Persons Minimum Number of Water Closets of Each Sex for Each Sex up to 9 1 10 to 24 2 25 to 49 3 50 to 74 4 75 to 100 5 6 plus 1 for each additional increment of over 100 30 persons of each sex in excess of 100 (3) Not more than one water closet to serve both sexes need be provided in a Group E occupancy where (a) the occupant load is not more than nine persons, or (b) where the total area of the occupancy, excluding basements, is not more than 300 m2. (4) For a restaurant classified as mercantile occupancy, the number of water closets and lavatories required shall conform to Article 3.7.4.3.

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.