PART 3 — FIRE PROTECTION, OCCUPANT SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITYUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code
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3.8.2.3.Washrooms Required to be Barrier-Free (See Note A-3.8.2.3.)
(1) A barrier-free path of travel shall be provided to barrier-free washrooms designed to accommodate persons with
disabilities in conformance with the requirements in Articles 3.8.3.8. to 3.8.3.12.
(2) The number of universal washrooms conforming to Article 3.8.3.12. provided in a building in which a washroom is
required by Subsection 3.7.4. shall conform to Table 3.8.2.3.-A. (See Note A-3.8.2.3.(2))
Table 3.8.2.3.-A
Minimum Number of Universal Washrooms per Building
Forming Part of Sentence 3.8.2.3.(2)
Minimum Number of
Number of Storeys in Building
Universal Washrooms per Building
1 to 3 1
4 to 6 2
3, plus 1 for each additional increment of
Over 6
3 storeys in excess of 6 storeys
(3) Where a washroom required by Subsection 3.7.4. is provided in a storey that is required by Article 3.8.2.1. to have a
barrier-free path of travel,
(a) the washroom shall conform to Articles 3.8.3.8. to 3.8.3.11., and
(b) the number of barrier-free water closet stalls or enclosures provided in the washroom shall conform to
Table 3.8.2.3.-B.
(See Note A-3.8.2.3.(3))
(4) Except as permitted in Sentence (5), where washrooms in excess of those required by Subsection 3.7.4. are provided
in a storey that is required by Article 3.8.2.1. to have a barrier-free path of travel, the additional washrooms shall be
designed to accommodate persons with disabilities in conformance with the requirements of
(a) Articles 3.8.3.8. to 3.8.3.11., or
(b) Article 3.8.3.12.
(5) Washrooms need not conform to Sentence (4) provided
(a) they are located within suites of residential occupancy,
(b) other barrier-free washrooms are provided on the same floor level within 45 m, or (See Note A-3.8.2.3.(5)(b))
(c) they are located in an individual suite that is
(i) used for a business and personal services occupancy, a mercantile occupancy or an industrial occupancy,
(ii) less than 300 m2 in area, and
(iii) completely separated from, and without access to, the remainder of the building.
Table 3.8.2.3.-B
Minimum Number of Water Closet Stalls or Enclosures Required to be Barrier-Free
Forming Part of Sentence 3.8.2.3.(3)
Minimum Number of Barrier-Free
Number of Water Closets
Water Closet Stalls or Enclosures
per Washroom
per Washroom
0, where a universal washroom is provided on
the same floor level within 45 m of the
washroom, or
1 to 3
1, where a universal washroom is not provided
on the same floor level within
45 m of the washroom
4 to 9 1
10 to 16 2
17 to 20 3
21 to 30 4
5, plus 1 for each additional increment of 10
Over 30 water closets per washroom in excess of 30
water closets per washroom
(6) Where a washroom required by Subsection 3.7.4. is provided in a storey that is not required by Article 3.8.2.1. to
have a barrier-free path of travel, the washroom shall
(a) conform to Article 3.8.3.9. and Sentences 3.8.3.10.(4) and 3.8.3.11.(5), and
(b) be provided with at least one ambulatory water closet stall or enclosure conforming to Sentence 3.8.3.8.(10).
(See Note A-3.8.2.3.(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.