The Ontario Building Code | Uses Not Stipulated
4.1.5.2. Uses Not Stipulated
(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), where the use of an area of floor or roof is not provided for in Article 4.1.5.3., the specified live loadsdue to the use and occupancy of the area shall be determined from an analysis of the loads resulting from the weight of,
(a) the probable assembly of persons,
(b) the probable accumulation of equipment and furnishings, and
(c) the probable storage of materials.
(2) For buildings in the Low Importance Category as described in Table 4.1.2.1.B., a factor of 0.8 may be applied to the live load.
In Plain Language
Where a floor or roof area's use isn't specifically listed in the Code's live-load table, the designer must use live load values based on anticipated use and occupancy, extrapolating from the closest comparable listed use.
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.