The Ontario Building Code | Group A, Division 2, 1 Storey
3.2.2.28. Group A, Division 2, 1 Storey
(1) A building classified as Group A, Division 2 is permitted to be of combustible constructionor noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, provided,
(a) it is not more than 1 storey in building height, and
(b) except as permitted by Sentence (2), it has a building area not more than,
(i) 400 m2 if facing one street,
(ii) 500 m2 if facing two streets, or
(iii) 600 m2 if facing three streets.
(2) In a building referred to in Sentence (1) without a basement, the building area limits of Sentence (1) are permitted to be doubled provided a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h is used to separate the buildinginto fire compartments, each one of which does not exceed the area limits of Clause (1)(b).
In Plain Language
This article sets one of the specific size-and-construction packages available for a Group A, Division 2 buildings building: 1 storey with area capped at 400-600 m² depending on street frontage (doubled without a basement behind a 1-hour separation), combustible or noncombustible construction. Designers can choose whichever of the several packages in this Subsection best fits the building being planned, trading height and area against construction type, sprinklering, and fire-resistance rating requirements.
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.