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

How many exits does a self-storage building need in Ontario, and what are the travel distance limits?

Self-storage buildings need exits arranged so travel distance from any storage compartment stays within the limits in Section 3.10 and the general Part 3 egress rules. Long corridor runs typically require exits at each end, with dead-end corridors restricted.

Code reference
Section 3.10, read with the Part 3 means-of-egress provisions, requires self-service storage buildings to have exits located so occupants can reach an exit within the permitted travel distance for the building's occupancy and sprinkler status, with corridor dead ends limited and exit doors swinging in the direction of travel where required.
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

The typical failure mode in self-storage design is very long single-loaded corridors serving dozens of compartments with an exit at only one end. Travel distance is measured along the actual path through the corridor, not point to point, so long buildings usually need intermediate or end exits. Sprinklering the building generally allows longer travel distances. Multi-storey facilities add stair and elevator lobby considerations. Check hardware too: exit doors must be openable without keys or special knowledge from the egress side.

Plain language

If a fire starts, anyone inside a storage building must be able to walk to an exit door within a set distance. Long hallways of lockers usually need doors at both ends so nobody gets trapped down a dead-end corridor.

Related questions

What Ontario Building Code rules apply to self-service storage buildings?What fire separations are required in a self-storage building in Ontario?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.