The Ontario Building Code | Change of Use and Compensating Construction
3.17.2.1. Change of Use and Compensating Construction
(1) Where proposed construction will result in a change of use described in Subclauses 3.17.1.1.(1)(a)(i) to (iv) and (vi), additional construction shall be required in order that the building or part of a building subject to the change of use conforms to the requirements of Subsection 3.2.6. and Sections 3.7., 3.11. and 3.12. as they apply to the new major occupancy that the building or part of a buildingis to support.
(2) For the purposes of this Article, existing buildingsshall be classified as to their construction and occupancy as provided for in Sentence 11.2.1.1.(1).
In Plain Language
Where a change of use falls within the categories triggering this Section, additional construction is required so the building (or the affected part of it) meets an appropriate compensating level of fire and life safety performance.
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.