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

Where are power door operators required in Ontario buildings?

Ontario's 2015 amendments significantly expanded power door operator requirements: they are generally required at barrier-free entrance doors of most public, institutional, commercial and larger residential buildings, and at doors serving universal washrooms, so people can pass through without pushing or pulling.

Code reference
Doors along a barrier-free path of travel must be operable with limited force, and at barrier-free entrances of most building types beyond small and low-occupancy exceptions, a power door operator is required so the door opens automatically or at the push of a control. Universal washroom doors also require power operation, and controls must be located within reach on an accessible approach.
OBC Division B, Subsection 3.8.3.

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

What this means in practice

Budget operators at the principal and other barrier-free entrances early, including both leaves of vestibule pairs, and coordinate actuator button placement so a user is not trapped between doors while one closes. Sliding automatic doors satisfy the intent at busy entrances and often work better than swing operators. Frequent deficiencies include buttons mounted behind the door swing, missing operators on interior vestibule doors, and operators fighting closers or electrified locking hardware without proper sequencing.

Plain language

Most new public buildings in Ontario need push-button or automatic doors at their accessible entrances, and on universal washrooms, so someone using a wheelchair, cane or stroller does not have to wrestle a heavy door open.

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.