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OBC DIVISION B · PART 3 · SECTION 3.8 — BARRIER-FREE DESIGN

What are the accessible parking requirements for buildings in Ontario?

Where parking is provided, barrier-free spaces must be located close to a barrier-free entrance and connected to it by an accessible route, with firm level surfaces, adequate width and marked access aisles. Counts and Type A/Type B dimensions are also driven by AODA and municipal zoning.

Code reference
The barrier-free provisions require designated accessible parking where parking serves a building, positioned near a barrier-free entrance and linked to it by a barrier-free path of travel, with spaces that are wider than standard stalls, level, and identified by signage. Additional numeric ratios and van-accessible Type A and standard Type B space dimensions arise from the AODA Design of Public Spaces Standard and local zoning by-laws.
OBC Division B, Subsection 3.8.2.

Paraphrased for clarity — open this provision in the BUILDAiD Library for the exact wording.

What this means in practice

Accessible parking is a classic multi-regulation overlap: satisfy the OBC, the AODA Design of Public Spaces Standard (commonly Type A spaces around 3 400 mm wide and Type B around 2 400 mm with a 1 500 mm access aisle) and the municipal zoning by-law, applying the most demanding of the three. Locate the spaces on the shortest practical accessible route, avoid routes that cross drive aisles unprotected, and provide curb ramps and compliant signage including permit-parking enforcement signage under the Highway Traffic Act framework.

Plain language

If a building has parking, some spots must be reserved for people with disabilities: extra wide, on flat pavement, clearly signed, and as close as possible to a step-free entrance. Ontario accessibility law and local zoning set exactly how many.

Related questions

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?

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This page is provided for general information. Building code requirements depend on your specific project, occupancy and municipality, and code editions change. Always verify requirements against the current Ontario Building Code and confirm with your local building department.