The Ontario Building Code | Obstructions in Public Corridors
9.9.5.3. Obstructions in Public corridors
(1) Except as permitted in Sentence (2), obstructions located within 1 980 mm of the floor shall not project horizontally more than 100 mm into exitpassageways, corridors used by the public or public corridors in a manner that would create a hazard for persons with no or low vision travelling adjacent to walls.
(2) The horizontal projection of an obstruction in Sentence (1) is permitted to exceed 100 mm where the obstruction extends to less than 680 mm above the floor.
In Plain Language
Public corridors can't contain the kinds of obstructions described in this article, since a corridor serving as a shared escape route needs to remain clear for everyone using it.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.