OBC DIVISION B · PART 9 — HOUSING AND SMALL BUILDINGSUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code

Section 9.35 — Garages and Carports

Full text of Section 9.35 (Garages and Carports) — Division B, Part 9 (Housing and Small Buildings) of the 2024 Ontario Building Code, with every article reproduced below.

9.35.1.Scope

9.35.1.1.Application permalink →

(1) This Section applies to garages and carports serving not more than one dwelling unit.

9.35.1.2.Construction Requirements permalink →

(1) The construction of a garage or carport shall conform to the requirements for other buildings in this Part except as provided in this Section.

9.35.2.General

9.35.2.1.Carport Considered to be Garage permalink →

(1) Where a roofed enclosure used for the storage or parking of motor vehicles has more than 60 percent of the total perimeter enclosed by walls, doors or windows, the enclosure shall be considered a garage.

9.35.2.2.Garage Floor permalink →

(1) Where an attached or built-in garage is provided, the garage floor shall be sloped to drain liquids to the outdoors.

9.35.3.Foundations

9.35.3.1.Foundation Required permalink →

(1) Except as permitted in this Subsection, foundations conforming to Sections 9.12. and 9.15. shall be provided for the support of carport and garage super-structures, including that portion beneath garage doors. (2) Detached garages of less than 55 m2 floor area and not more than 1 storey in height that are not of masonry or masonry veneer construction are permitted to be supported on (a) wood mud sills, or (b) a concrete floor slab having a minimum thickness of not less than 100 mm.

9.35.3.2.Protection from Damage Due to Soil Movement permalink →

(1) In clay-type soils subject to significant movement with a change in soil moisture content, the foundation depth of carports or garages connected to a dwelling unit directly or by a breezeway shall be approximately the same depth as the foundation of the main building. (2) Where slab-on-ground construction is used, a construction joint shall be provided between the main building slab and a slab serving an attached garage, breezeway or carport. (3) Except as provided in Section 9.12., foundations for attached unheated garages or carports shall be below frost level.

9.35.3.3.Drainage permalink →

(1) Detached garages of less than 55 m² floor area and not more than 1 storey in height that are not of masonry or masonry veneer construction need not conform with the foundation drainage requirements stated in Section 9.14. where the finished ground level is at or near the elevation of the garage’s floor and where the ground slopes away from the building.

9.35.3.4.Column Piers permalink →

(1) Piers for the support of carport columns shall extend not less than 150 mm above ground level. (2) Piers referred to in Sentence (1) shall project not less than 25 mm beyond the base of the column but in no case be less than 190 mm by 190 mm in size.

9.35.4.Walls and Columns

9.35.4.1.Interior Finish permalink →

(1) Interior finish need not be applied to garage and carport walls.

9.35.4.2.Columns permalink →

(1) Columns for garages and carports shall conform to Section 9.17., except that 89 mm by 89 mm wood columns may be used.

9.35.4.3.Anchorage permalink →

(1) Garage or carport walls and columns shall be anchored to the foundation to resist wind uplift in conformance with Subsection 9.23.6., except that where a garage is supported on the surface of the ground, ground anchors shall be provided to resist wind uplift.

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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.