The Ontario Building Code | Determination of Requirement for a Fire Alarm System

3.2.4.1. Determination of Requirement for a Fire Alarm System

(1) Reserved

(2) Except as permitted by Sentences (3) to (5) and Sentence 3.2.4.2.(4), a fire alarm system shall be installed in a buildingthat contains,

(a) a contained use area,

(b) an impeded egress zone,

(c) more than 3 storeys, including storeys below the first storey,

(d) a total occupant load more than 300, other than in open air seating areas,

(e) an occupant load more than 150 above or below the first storey, other than in open air seating areas,

(f) a school, college or child care facility, with an occupant load more than 40,

(g) a licensed beverage establishment or a restaurant, with an occupant load more than 150,

(h) a medium hazard industrial occupancy or a low hazard industrial occupancy with an occupant loadmore than 75 above or below the first storey,

(i) a residential occupancy with sleeping accommodation for more than 10 persons,

(j) a high hazard industrial occupancy with an occupant loadmore than 25,

(k) an occupant load more than 300 below an open air seating area,

(l) an interconnected floor space required to conform to Articles 3.2.8.3. to 3.2.8.11,

(m) a care and treatment occupancy for more than 10 persons receiving care or treatment, or

(n) a care occupancy for more than 10 persons receiving care.

(3) If each dwelling unit has direct access to an exterior exit facility leading to ground level, a fire alarm system is not required in an apartment building,

(a) in which not more than four dwelling units share a common means of egress, or

(b) that is not more than 3 storeys in building height.

(4) A fire alarm system is not required in a hotel3 storeys or less in building height provided each suite has direct access to an exterior exit facility leading to ground level.

(5) A fire alarm system is not required in a storage garage conforming to Article 3.2.2.83. provided there are no other occupancies in the building.