OBC DIVISION B · PART 9 — HOUSING AND SMALL BUILDINGSUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code
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Section 9.37 — Cottages
Full text of Section 9.37 (Cottages) — Division B, Part 9 (Housing and Small Buildings) of the 2024 Ontario Building Code, with every article reproduced below.
9.37.1.Scope
9.37.1.1.Application permalink →
(1) This Section applies to buildings of residential occupancy used or intended to be used as seasonal recreational
buildings.
(2) The buildings described in Sentence (1) shall comply with all the requirements of this Part, except where they are
specifically exempted in this Section.
9.37.2.General
9.37.2.1.Exclusions permalink →
(1) Except as provided in Subsection 9.10.15. and Articles 9.37.2.4. and 9.37.3.1., buildings used or intended to be used
as seasonal recreational buildings need not comply with Sections 9.5. to 9.7. and 9.9. to 9.11.
(2) Flooring need not comply with Section 9.30., but tight-fitting floors shall be provided to support the live and dead
loads.
(3) Except as provided in Sentence (4), thermal insulation, vapour barrier, air barrier construction, interior finishes,
plumbing, heating, mechanical ventilation, air-conditioning and electrical facilities, need not be provided, but where any
of these are provided, they shall comply with the requirements of this Part.
(4) Where heating and air-conditioning are provided, Article 9.33.3.1. need not be complied with.
9.37.2.2.Foundations permalink →
(1) Continuous perimeter foundation walls are not required, but when they are provided, they shall comply with the
requirements of this Part.
(2) Where unit masonry columns are used, the height of such columns shall not exceed,
(a) in the case of hollow masonry units, 4 times the least dimension of the units,
(b) in the case of solid masonry units or hollow units with voids filled with concrete, 10 times the least dimension of the
column, or
(c) where the column is reinforced with at least four 13 mm diam bars and filled with concrete, 18 times the least
dimension of the column.
(3) Columns in excess of the height limitations of Clauses (2)(a) to (c) shall be designed in accordance with Part 4.
9.37.2.3.Waterproofing and Dampproofing permalink →
(1) Where foundations below ground level and concrete floors on ground are used, they shall comply with Section 9.13.
9.37.2.4.Smoke Alarms permalink →
(1) Every dwelling unit within the scope of this Section shall be provided with a smoke alarm in accordance with
Subsection 9.10.19.
9.37.3.Tourist Accommodation
9.37.3.1.Buildings for Seasonal Tourist Accommodation or for Rent permalink →
(1) Where buildings are used or intended to be used for seasonal tourist accommodation or for rent, they shall comply
with Sections 9.5. to 9.8. in addition to the requirements of this Section.
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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.