Code Library › Volume 1 › Section 3.8 — Barrier-Free Design (See Note 3.8.)
PART 3 — FIRE PROTECTION, OCCUPANT SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITYUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code

3.8.2.4.Hotels

(1) Except as permitted in Sentence (2), at least 10% of the suites of a hotel shall (a) have a barrier-free path of travel extending to (i) the inside of each room, and (ii) a balcony where required by Sentence 3.3.1.7.(2), and (b) be distributed among storeys that are required by Article 3.8.2.1. to have a barrier-free path of travel, having regard to the height of the suite above grade. (See Note A-3.8.2.4.(1)) (2) Not more than 20 suites need comply with Sentence (1). (3) A suite having a barrier-free path of travel required by Sentence (1) shall have a bathroom that (a) conforms to Clauses 3.8.3.12.(1)(a) to (h) and (j), (b) has an unobstructed area at least 1 200 mm in diameter extending the full height of the room, except that a door is permitted to open on the inside if it does not reduce the unobstructed area, and (c) has a bathtub or shower that conforms to Article 3.8.3.13. (4) Except as required by Sentence 3.8.3.3.(17) for power door operator controls, controls for the operation of building services or safety devices, including electrical switches, thermostats and intercom switches, intended to be operated by the occupant and located within a suite having a barrier-free path of travel required by Sentence (1) shall conform to Sentence 3.8.1.5.(1). (5) An entrance door to a suite having a barrier-free path of travel required by Sentence (1) shall have (a) a power door operator conforming to Article 3.8.3.3., and (b) a door viewer located at a height no higher than 1 100 mm above the finished floor. (6) Where a door is provided between a suite having a barrier-free path of travel required by Sentence (1) and an adjoining suite, the door shall conform to Sentences 3.8.3.3.(1) and (3). (7) Where an emergency power supply is supplied by a generator, it shall supply at least one emergency power receptacle in at least one of the suites having a barrier-free path of travel required by Sentence (1). (See Note A- 3.8.2.4.(7)) (8) The emergency power receptacle described in Sentence (7) shall be identified with a legible sign having the words EMERGENCY POWER OUTLET permanently mounted on the wall beside the receptacle.
← Previous3.8.2.3. Washrooms Required to be Barrier-Free (See Note Next →3.8.3.1. Accessibility Signs (See Note A-3.8.3.1.)

Common questions about this part of the code

When does a building need to be barrier-free (accessible) in Ontario?Which buildings are exempt from barrier-free design requirements in Ontario?How wide must a barrier-free path of travel be in Ontario?How many barrier-free entrances does a building need in Ontario?

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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.