The Ontario Building Code | Application
3.8.1.1. application
(1) The requirements of this Section apply to all buildingsexcept,
(a) houses, including semi-detached houses, duplexes, triplexes, town houses, row houses and boarding or rooming houses with fewer than 8 boarders or roomers,
Note: On July 1, 2017, Clause 3.8.1.1.(1)(a) of Division B of the Regulation is revoked and the following substituted: (See: O. Reg. 139/17, s. 46)
(a) houses, triplexes and boarding or rooming houses with fewer than 8 boarders or roomers,
(b) buildingsof Group F, Division 1 major occupancy,
(c) buildingsthat are not intended to be occupied on a daily or full time basis, including automatic telephone exchanges, pumphouses and substations, and
(d) camps for housing of workers.
In Plain Language
Section 3.8 (Barrier-Free Design) applies to virtually all buildings, with a narrow exception for houses, semi-detached houses, duplexes, triplexes, townhouses, rowhouses, and small boarding or rooming houses under a set occupant threshold.
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.