The Ontario Building Code | Required Protection from Noise
5.9.1.2. Required Protection from Noise
(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), a dwelling unit shall be separated from every other space in a building in which noise may be generated by construction providing a sound transmission class rating not less than 50, measured in accordance with the standards referenced in Sentence 5.9.1.1.(1).
(2) Construction separating a dwelling unit from an elevator hoistway or a refuse chute shall have a sound transmission class rating not less than 55, measured in accordance with the standards referenced in Sentence 5.9.1.1.(1).
Section 5.10. Standards
5.10.1. Applicable Standards
In Plain Language
Except in specific cases, a dwelling unit must be separated from every other space in a building where noise could be objectionable, addressing acoustic privacy between residential units and neighbouring spaces.
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.