The Ontario Building Code | Construction of Exposing Building Face of Houses

9.10.15.5. Construction of Exposing building Face of houses

(1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (4) and (6), each exposing building face and any exterior wall located above an exposing building face that encloses an attic or roof space shall be constructed in conformance with Subsection 9.10.8.,

(a) for the exposing building face as a whole, or

(b) for any number of separate portions of the exposing building face.

(2) Sentence (1) does not apply where,

(a) the limiting distance is not less than 1.2 m,

(b) the limiting distance is less than 1.2 m but not less than 0.6 m, provided that the exposing building face has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min, or

(c) the limiting distance is less than 0.6 m, provided that the exposing building face has a fire-resistance ratingof not less than 45 min and is clad with noncombustiblematerial.

(3) Where the limiting distance is less than 0.6 m, cladding on the exposing building face and on exterior walls located above the exposing building face that enclose an attic or roof spaces need not be noncombustible, provided the cladding,

(a) conforms to Subsection 9.27.12.,

(b) is installed without furring members over not less than 12.7 mm thick gypsum sheathing or over masonry,

(c) has a flame-spread rating not more than 25 when tested in accordance with Sentence 3.1.12.1.(2), and

(d) is not more than 2 mm in thickness exclusive of fasteners, joints and local reinforcements.

(4) The requirements for fire-resistance rating, type of construction and type of cladding need not apply to the exposing building faces of a dwelling unit and a detached garage or accessory building that face each other, where,

(a) the detached garage or accessory building serves a single dwelling unit,

(b) the detached garage or accessory building is located on the same property as that dwelling unit, and

(c) the dwelling unit served by the detached garage or accessory buildingis the only major occupancy on the property.

Note: On July 1, 2017, Sentence 9.10.15.5.(4) of Division B of the Regulation is revoked and the following substituted: (See: O. Reg. 139/17, s. 114 (1))

(4) The requirements for fire-resistance rating, type of construction and type of cladding need not apply to the exposing building facesof a house and a detached garage or accessory building that face each other, where,

(a) the detached garage or accessory building serves the house or an individual dwelling unit in the house,

(b) the detached garage or accessory building is located on the same property as the house, and

(c) the houseis the only major occupancy on the property.

(5) Except for buildings containing 1 or 2 dwelling units only, combustible projections on the exterior of a wall that are more than 1 000 mm above ground level, such as balconies, platforms, canopies, eave projections and stairs, and that could expose an adjacent building to fire spread, shall not be permitted within,

Note: On July 1, 2017, Sentence 9.10.15.5.(5) of Division B of the Regulation is amended by striking out "Except for buildings containing 1 or 2 dwelling units only" in the portion before Clause (a) and substituting "Except for houses". (See: O. Reg. 139/17, s. 114 (2))

(a) 1.2 m of a property line or the centre line of a public way, or

(b) 2.4 m of a combustibleprojection on another building on the same property.

(6) Heavy timber and steel columns need not conform to the requirements of Sentence (1) provided the limiting distance is not less than 3 m.

9.10.16. Fire Blocks