The Ontario Building Code | Group E, up to 2 Storeys, Sprinklered
3.2.2.62. Group E, up to 2 Storeys, Sprinklered
(1) A building classified as Group E is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided,
(a) except as permitted by Sentence 3.2.2.7.(1), the building is sprinklered,
(b) it is not more than 2 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than,
(i) 3 000 m2if 1 storey in building height, or
(ii) 1 800 m2if 2 storeys in building height.
(2) The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and,
(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, and
(b) loadbearingwalls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.
In Plain Language
This article sets one of the specific size-and-construction packages available for a Group E buildings building: up to 2 storeys, sprinklered, area capped at 1,800-3,000 m², combustible or noncombustible construction, with 45-minute floor assemblies. 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.