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

How many barrier-free suites are required in hotels and apartment buildings in Ontario?

Since Ontario's 2015 amendments, at least 15 per cent of suites in new apartment buildings must incorporate barrier-free design provisions, and hotels and motels must provide a prescribed share of barrier-free guest suites, all located on a barrier-free path of travel.

Code reference
Residential barrier-free provisions require a minimum proportion of dwelling units in apartment-type buildings, 15 per cent under the 2015 amendments, to include barrier-free design features such as accessible entry, manoeuvring space and adaptable washrooms, served by a barrier-free path of travel. Hotels must similarly provide a prescribed number of barrier-free suites distributed among suite types, with accessible washrooms and connected common facilities.
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

For apartment developers, the 15 per cent requirement shapes unit mix and stacking early: qualifying units need wider doors, manoeuvring clearances and washrooms designed for accessibility or adaptation, and they must connect to the entrance, parking and amenities without steps. In hotels, distribute barrier-free suites across room categories rather than clustering them in the least marketable rooms, and consider roll-in showers in a share of them. Verify current percentages and technical details against the in-force OBC text, since these provisions have been amended over time.

Plain language

New apartment buildings in Ontario must design roughly one in seven units so a person with a disability can live there, with wider doors and workable washrooms. Hotels likewise must offer a set share of accessible guest rooms on step-free routes.

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.