The Ontario Building Code | Change in Major Occupancy
11.4.3.4. Change in Major Occupancy
(1) Where the performance level of an existing buildingis reduced under Clause 11.4.2.3.(1)(a), (b), (c), (d), (e) or (g), additional upgrading shall be required in conformance with Table 11.4.3.4.A. and so that the construction index of the buildingis increased to at least equal the hazard index of the new major occupancy that the building is to support.
(2) A building or part of the buildingsubject to a change of major occupancy shall conform to the requirements of Subsection 3.2.6., Sections 3.7., 3.11., 3.12., Sentences 6.2.2.1.(2), 6.2.3.9.(1) and 6.2.4.7.(10), Subsections 9.5.1. and 9.5.3. to 9.5.10., Section 9.7., Subsection 9.10.17., Sections 9.31. and 9.32., and Subsections 9.34.1. to 9.34.3. as they apply to the new major occupancy that the buildingor part of the building is to support.
(3) Where the performance level of an existing buildingis reduced under Sentence 11.4.2.3.(3), the buildingshall be evaluated, and the early warning and evacuation systems shall be upgraded, in conformance with the applicable requirements of Table 11.4.3.3.
(4) Where the performance level of an existing buildingis reduced under Sentence 11.4.2.3.(4), upgrading of the fire separations shall be required in conformance with the applicable requirements of Article 3.1.3.1. and Table 11.4.3.4.B.
(5) Where the performance level is reduced under Sentence 11.4.2.3.(5), the requirement for the building to be of noncombustible construction or to be constructed in accordance with Article 3.2.2.43A. or 3.2.2.50A. is satisfied if the building is sprinklered.
(6) Where the performance level is reduced under Sentence 11.4.2.3.(6), the storey subject to the change shall be sprinklered.
(7) Where the performance level of an existing buildingis reduced under Clause 11.4.2.3.(1)(f), the following requirements apply:
(a) the retirement home shall be sprinklered,
Note: On July 1, 2017, Clause 11.4.3.4.(7)(a) of Division B of the Regulation is amended by striking out "the retirement home" and substituting "the retirement home". (See: O. Reg. 139/17, s. 141 (1))
(b) a voice communication system conforming to Article 3.2.4.23. shall be provided in the building, if Clause 3.2.6.8.(1)(b) or (c), as applicable, requires that such a voice communication system be provided in the building, and
Note: On July 1, 2017, Clause 11.4.3.4.(7)(b) of Division B of the Regulation is revoked and the following substituted: (See: O. Reg. 139/17, s. 141 (2))
(b) a voice communication system conforming to Article 3.2.4.23. shall be provided in the building, and
(c) doors to suitesand sleeping rooms not within suites in the retirement home, other than doors leading directly to the exterior, shall be equipped with self-closing devices.
Note: On July 1, 2017, Clause 11.4.3.4.(7)(c) of Division B of the Regulation is amended by striking out "the retirement home" and substituting "the retirement home". (See: O. Reg. 139/17, s. 141 (3))
In Plain Language
Where a change in major occupancy reduces a building's performance level, additional upgrading is required per the referenced table so the building's construction index meets or exceeds the hazard index of its new occupancy, as set out in this article.
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.