The Ontario Building Code | Canopy Protection for Vertically Separated Openings
3.2.3.17. Canopy Protection for Vertically Separated openings="http://thehandyforce.com/windows/" title ="Window installer in Toronto">openings
(1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and (3), if a storey classified as a Group E or Group F, Division 1 or 2 major occupancy is required to be separated from the storey above by a fire separation,
(a) every opening in the exterior wall of the lower storey that is located vertically below an opening in the storey above shall be separated from the storey above by a canopy projecting not less than 1 m from the face of the building at the intervening floor level, and
(b) the canopyrequired by Clause (a) shall have a fire-resistance ratingnot less than that required for the floor assembly but need not be more than 1 h, except as required elsewhere in this Subsection.
(2) Except as permitted by Sentence (3), the canopyrequired by Sentence (1) is permitted to be omitted if the exterior wall of the upper storey is recessed not less than 1 m behind the exterior wall containing the opening in the lower storey.
(3) The requirements of Sentences (1) and (2) are permitted to be waived if sprinklers are installed in,
(a) the lower storeyreferred to in Clause (1)(a), and
(b) the storeyimmediately above the lower storey.
In Plain Language
This clause addresses how attached or adjoining carports and similar open-sided structures factor into a building's spatial separation calculations, since these structures can affect the exposing building face even though they're not fully enclosed.
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.