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OBC DIVISION B · PART 3 · SECTION 3.10 — SELF-SERVICE STORAGE BUILDINGS

What Ontario Building Code rules apply to self-service storage buildings?

OBC Division B, Section 3.10 sets tailored fire safety, construction, fire separation, exiting and travel distance rules for self-service storage buildings, which are typically classified as Group F industrial occupancies with individually rented storage spaces.

Code reference
Section 3.10 applies specifically to buildings used for self-service storage, where individual storage spaces are rented to the public. It modifies the general Part 3 requirements with provisions covering permitted construction, fire separations, means of egress, travel distance and fire protection suited to this low-occupant-load use.
OBC Division B, Section 3.10 (Self-Service Storage Buildings)

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

What this means in practice

Self-service storage facilities do not fit neatly into standard occupancy rules because occupant loads are very low but combustible contents are unpredictable. Section 3.10 gives designers a purpose-built framework instead of forcing awkward interpretations of general industrial requirements. Common pitfalls include ignoring corridor and travel distance limits in long buildings with many small compartments, and assuming interior compartment partitions count as fire separations. Confirm the building's Group F classification early, since it drives spatial separation and fire protection decisions.

Plain language

Ontario has a dedicated set of code rules just for self-storage buildings, the kind with rows of rented lockers. The rules cover how the building is built, how it is divided up for fire safety, and how people get out.

Related questions

What fire separations are required in a self-storage building in Ontario?How many exits does a self-storage building need in Ontario, and what are the travel distance limits?Do self-storage buildings need sprinklers under the Ontario Building Code?

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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.