Notice: This site currently shows the 2012/2017 edition of the Ontario Building Code. The current legally effective code is the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24), in effect since January 1, 2025. Confirm current requirements at ontario.ca.

The Ontario Building Code | Mezzanine Means of Egress

9.9.8.6. Mezzanine Means of Egress

(1) Except as provided by Sentences (2) and (3), the space above a mezzanineshall be served by at least two means of egressleading to exits accessible at the mezzanine level on the same basis as floor areas.

(2) Onemeans of egress from a mezzanineis permitted, where,

(a) the mezzanineis not required to terminate at a vertical fire separation, as permitted by Sentence 9.10.12.1.(2),

(b) the occupant load of the mezzanine is not more than 60,

(c) the area of the mezzanine does not exceed the area limits of Clause 9.9.7.4.(1)(a), and

(d) the distance limits of Clause 9.9.7.4.(1)(b) measured along the path of travel, are not exceeded from any point on the mezzanine to,

(i) an egress door serving the space that the mezzanine overlooks if the space is served by a single egress door, or

(ii) an egress stairway leading to an access to exit in the space below if that space is required to be served by two or more egress doorway ="http://thehandyforce.com/doors/" title ="Toronto Door installer">doorways in conformance with Sentence 9.9.7.4.(1).

(3) One of the means of egress from a mezzaninethat is not required to terminate at a fire separation as permitted by Sentence 9.10.12.1.(2) and that exceeds the limits of Sentence (2), is permitted to lead through the room in which the mezzanine is located provided all other means of egress from that mezzanine lead to exits accessible at the mezzaninelevel.

(4) Except as provided in Sentence (2), the maximum travel distance from any point on a mezzanine to the nearest exit shall be not more than,

(a) 40 m in a business and personal services occupancy,

(b) 45 m in a floor area that is sprinklered provided it does not contain a high hazard industrial occupancy, or

(c) 30 m in any floor area not referred to in Clause (a) or (b).

9.9.9. Egress from Dwelling Units

In Plain Language

Mezzanines have their own means of egress requirements set out in this article, addressing how occupants get down from this partial upper level to a proper exit.

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.