The Ontario Building Code | Multiple Major Occupancies
3.2.2.6. Multiple Major Occupancies
(1) Except as permitted by Articles 3.2.2.7. and 3.2.2.8. and Sentences 3.2.2.43A.(5) and 3.2.2.50A.(4), in a buildingcontaining more than one major occupancy, the requirements of this Subsection for the most restricted major occupancy contained shall apply to the whole building.
Note: On July 1, 2017, Article 3.2.2.6. of Division B of the Regulation is amended by adding the following Sentence: (See: O. Reg. 139/17, s. 15)
(2) For the purposes of Sentence (1), a retirement home is deemed to be a separate major occupancy.
In Plain Language
Where a building contains more than one major occupancy, the requirements for the single most restrictive occupancy present generally apply to the whole building, with specific exceptions carved out elsewhere and a 2017 amendment treating retirement homes as their own separate major occupancy.
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.