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OBC DIVISION B · PART 3 · SECTION 3.7 — HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

When is a universal washroom required in an Ontario building?

Ontario's 2015 accessibility amendments broadly require at least one universal washroom, a self-contained single-user barrier-free washroom, in most new buildings where washrooms are required, with limited exemptions for very small buildings. Design details are governed by Article 3.8.3.12.

Code reference
The plumbing facility provisions, as amended in 2015, require universal washrooms in conjunction with required washrooms in most new buildings, located on a barrier-free path of travel, with exemptions tied to small building size and certain occupancies. Each universal washroom must comply with the barrier-free design requirements for universal toilet rooms in Section 3.8.
OBC Division B, Subsection 3.7.4.

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

What this means in practice

Plan the universal washroom as premium floor area: it needs generous clear floor space, a power door operator, and a location on the barrier-free path, so it cannot be squeezed into leftover space near the service core late in design. In multi-storey public buildings, check whether more than one is needed based on where washrooms are distributed. Universal washrooms also serve families and caregivers, and many owners voluntarily exceed the minimum, sometimes adding adult change tables.

Plain language

Most new Ontario buildings that need washrooms also need at least one universal washroom: a private, roomy, wheelchair-friendly washroom that anyone can use, including parents with kids and people with attendants. Only quite small buildings are excused.

Related questions

How many washroom fixtures does a building need under the Ontario Building Code?Are drinking fountains required by the Ontario Building Code?What are the medical gas piping requirements in 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.