The Ontario Building Code | Where Required

3.2.9.1. Where Required

(1) Except as provided in Sentences (4) to (7), a standpipe system shall be installed in every building that,

(a) is more than 3 storeys in building height,

(b) is more than 14 m high measured between grade and the ceiling of the top storey, or

(c) is not more than 14 m high measured between grade and the ceiling of the top storey but has a building areaexceeding the area shown in Table 3.2.9.1. for the applicable building height if the buildingis not sprinklered.

Table 3.2.9.1.
Building Limits without Standpipe Systems

Forming Part of Sentence 3.2.9.1.(1)

Item

Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

Column 4

Occupancy Classification

Building Area, m2

1 Storey

2 Storeys

3 Storeys

1.

A

2 500

2 000

1 500

2.

C

2 000

1 500

1 000

3.

D

4 000

3 000

2 000

4.

F, Division 2

2 000

1 500

1 000

5.

F, Division 3

3 000

2 000

1 000

(2) A standpipe system shall be installed in every basementof a building that requires a standpipe system above grade.

(3) A standpipe system shall be installed in every basementof a building that is regulated by Sentence 3.2.2.15.(2).

(4) A standpipe system is not required to be installed in the lowest storey in a building if this storey is a service room that has an area not more than 50 m2.

(5) A standpipe system is not required to be installed in a rooftop enclosure if this enclosure has an area not more than 50 m2.

(6) A standpipe system is not required to be installed in a storage garage conforming to Article 3.2.2.83. provided the building is not more than 15 m high.

(7) A standpipe system is not required to be installed in a dwelling unit that,

(a) extends not more than 3 storeys above adjacent ground level,

(b) is completely cut off from the remainder of the building so that there is no access to the remainder of the building, and

(c) has direct access to its interior by means of an exterior doorway located not more than 1 500 mm above or below adjacent finished ground level.