The Ontario Building Code | Group D, up to 3 Storeys, Sprinklered
3.2.2.54. Group D, up to 3 Storeys, Sprinklered
(1) A building classified as Group D is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided,
(a) except as permitted by Sentence 3.2.2.7.(1), the building is sprinklered,
(b) it is not more than 3 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than,
(i) 14 400 m2if 1 storey in building height,
(ii) 7 200 m2if 2 storeys in building height, or
(iii) 4 800 m2if 3 storeys in building height.
(2) The building referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible construction used singly or in combination, and,
(a) floor assemblies shall be fire separations and, if of combustible construction, shall have a fire-resistance ratingnot less than 45 min,
(b) mezzaninesshall have, if of combustible construction, a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, and
(c) loadbearingwalls, columns and arches supporting an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating shall,
(i) have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, or
(ii) be of noncombustible construction.
In Plain Language
This article sets one of the specific size-and-construction packages available for a Group D buildings building: up to 3 storeys, sprinklered, area capped at 4,800-14,400 m² depending on storey count, combustible or noncombustible construction. Designers can choose whichever of the several packages in this Subsection best fits the building being planned, trading height and area against construction type, sprinklering, and fire-resistance rating requirements.
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.