The Ontario Building Code | Combustible Elements in Partitions
3.1.5.13. Combustible Elements in Partitions
(1) Except as permitted by Sentence (2), solid lumber partitions not less than 38 mm thick and wood framing in partitions located in a fire compartment not more than 600 m2 in area are permitted to be used in a building required to be of noncombustible construction in a floor area that is not sprinklered provided the partitions,
(a) are not required fire separations, and
(b) are not located in a care, care and treatment or detention occupancy.
Note: On July 1, 2017, Clause 3.1.5.13.(1)(b) of Division B of the Regulation is amended by adding "or in a retirement home" at the end. (See: O. Reg. 139/17, s. 10 (1))
(2) Partitionsinstalled in a building of noncombustible construction are permitted to contain wood framing provided,
Note: On July 1, 2017, Sentence 3.1.5.13.(2) of Division B of the Regulation is amended by adding "required to be" after "in a building" in the portion before Clause (a). (See: O. Reg. 139/17, s. 10 (2))
(a) the buildingis not more than 3 storeys in building height,
(b) the partitionsare not located in a care,care and treatment or detention occupancy, and
Note: On July 1, 2017, Clause 3.1.5.13.(2)(b) of Division B of the Regulation is amended by adding "or in a retirement home" after "detention occupancy". (See: O. Reg. 139/17, s. 10 (3))
(c) the partitionsare not installed as enclosures for exits or vertical service spaces.
(3) Solid lumber partitions not less than 38 mm thick and partitions that contain wood framing are permitted to be used in a building required to be of noncombustible construction provided,
(a) the floor area containing the partitions is sprinklered, and
(b) the partitionsare not,
(i) located in a care, care and treatment or detention occupancy,
Note: On July 1, 2017, Subclause 3.1.5.13.(3)(b)(i) of Division B of the Regulation is amended by adding "or in aretirement home" at the end. (See: O. Reg. 139/17, s. 10 (4))
(ii) installed as enclosures for exits or vertical service spaces, or
(iii) used to satisfy the requirements of Clause 3.2.8.1.(1)(a).