Code Library › Volume 1 › Section 9.4 — Structural Requirements
PART 9 — HOUSING AND SMALL BUILDINGSUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code

9.4.1.1.General (See Note A-9.4.1.1.)

(1) Subject to the application limitations defined elsewhere in this Part, structural members and their connections shall (a) conform to requirements provided elsewhere in this Part, (b) be designed according to good engineering practice such as provided in the CWC 2014, “Engineering Guide for Wood Frame Construction,” or (c) be designed according to Part 4 using the loads and deflection and vibration limits specified in, (i) this Part, or (ii) Part 4. (2) Where floor framing is designed in accordance with Clause (1)(b) or (c) and where supporting wall framing and fastenings, or footings, are designed according to Clause (1)(a), the maximum specified live load on the floor according to Table 4.1.5.3. shall not exceed 2.4 kPa. (3) Location-specific information for structural design, including snow and wind loads and seismic spectral response accelerations, shall be determined according to MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-1, “Climatic and Seismic Data.” (See Note A-9.4.1.1.(3))

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

Next →9.4.2.1. Application (See Note A-9.4.2.1. and 9.4.2.2.)

Common questions about this part of the code

When can you use Part 9 span tables instead of an engineer in Ontario?What design loads apply to houses under Part 9 in Ontario?What are the basic foundation design rules for houses in Ontario?

Understand this provision in seconds

BUILDAiD Assist explains any article of the building code in plain English — with exact citations, exceptions and related requirements.

Try BUILDAiD Beta

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.