The Ontario Building Code | Obstructions by Doors
9.9.6.1. Obstructions by doors
(1) Except as provided in Sentence (4), swinging doors in their swing shall conform to Sentences (2) and (3),
(a) at exit doors,
(b) at doors that open into or are located within a public corridor, and
(c) at doors that open into or are located within another facility that provides access to exit from a suite.
(2) When fully open, doors described in Sentence (1) shall not decrease the required exit width by more than,
(a) 100 mm in exitcorridors, and
(b) 50 mm for other exit facilities.
(3) The swing of doors described in Sentence (1) shall not reduce the width of the path of travel to less than,
(a) the required exitwidth in exit corridors and passageways, and
(b) 750 mm on exitstairs or landings.
(4) doors serving a single dwelling unit need not comply with Sentences (2) and (3).
Note: On July 1, 2017, Sentence 9.9.6.1.(4) of Division B of the Regulation is amended by striking out "single dwelling unit" and substituting "houseor an individual dwelling unit". (See: O. Reg. 139/17, s. 94)
In Plain Language
Doors can't obstruct a means of egress when open, as set out in this article, since a door swinging into a narrow corridor or stair could block the escape path at the worst possible time.
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.