Notice: This site currently shows the 2012/2017 edition of the Ontario Building Code. The current legally effective code is the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24), in effect since January 1, 2025. Confirm current requirements at ontario.ca.

The Ontario Building Code | General

9.20.1.1. General

(1) Except as provided in Article 9.20.1.2., this Section applies to,

(a) unreinforced masonry and masonry veneer walls not in contact with the ground, where,

(i) the height of the walls constructed on the foundation walls does not exceed 11 m, and

(ii) the roof or floor assembly above the first storey is not of concrete construction, and

(b) flat insulating concrete form walls not in contact with the ground that,

(i) have a maximum floor to floor height of 3 m,

(ii) are erected in buildings not more than 2 storeys inbuilding height and containing only a single dwelling unit, and

Note: On July 1, 2017, Subclause 9.20.1.1.(1)(b)(ii) of Division B of the Regulation is revoked and the following substituted: (See: O. Reg. 139/17, s. 123)

(ii) are erected in houses not more than 2 storeys inbuilding height, and

(iii) are erected in locations where the seismic spectral response acceleration, Sa(0.2), is not greater than 0.4.

(2) For walls other than those described in Sentence (1), or where the masonry walls or insulating concrete form walls not in contact with the ground are designed for specified loads on the basis of ultimate and serviceability limit states, Subsection 4.3.2. shall apply.

In Plain Language

This article sets the general requirements for the unit masonry construction covered in this Section, forming the framework for the detailed masonry rules that follow.

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.