The Ontario Building Code | Separation of Residential Suites

9.10.9.14. Separation of residential Suites

(1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3) and Article 9.10.21.2., suites in residential occupanciesshall be separated from adjacent rooms and suitesby a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min.

(2) Sleeping rooms in boarding, lodging or rooming houses where sleeping accommodation is provided for not more than 8 boarders or lodgers shall be separated from the remainder of the floor areaby a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 30 min where the sleeping rooms form part of the proprietor’s residence and do not contain cooking facilities.

(3) Dwelling units that contain 2 or more storeys including basements shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 h.

Note: On July 1, 2017, Sentence 9.10.9.14.(3) of Division B of the Regulation is amended by striking out "Dwelling units" at the beginning and substituting "Except as provided in Sentences (4) and (5), dwelling units". (See: O. Reg. 139/17, s. 103 (1))

Note: On July 1, 2017, Article 9.10.9.14. of Division B of the Regulation is amended by adding the following Sentences: (See: O. Reg. 139/17, s. 103 (2))

(4) Except as provided in Sentence (5), dwelling units in a house shall be separated from each other and common areas by a fire separationhaving a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min.

(5) Thefire-resistance rating of the fire separation required in Sentence (4) is permitted to be waived where the house is sprinklered.