The Ontario Building Code | Loads on Exterior Areas
4.1.5.5. Loads on exterior Areas
(1) exterior areas accessible to vehicular traffic shall be designed for their intended use, including the weight of firefighting equipment, but not for less than the snow and rain loads prescribed in Subsection 4.1.6.
(2) Except as provided in Sentences (3) and (4), roofs shall be designed for the uniform live loads specified in Table 4.1.5.3., the concentrated live loads listed in Table 4.1.5.9., or the snow and rain loads prescribed in Subsection 4.1.6., whichever produces the most critical effects in the members concerned.
(3) exterior areas accessible to pedestrian traffic, but not vehicular traffic, shall be designed for their intended use, but not for less than the greater of,
(a) the live loadprescribed for assembly areas in Table 4.1.5.3., or
(b) the snow and rain loads prescribed in Subsection 4.1.6.
(4) Roof parking decks shall be designed for the uniformly distributed live loads specified in Table 4.1.5.3., the concentrated live loads listed in Table 4.1.5.9., or the roof snow load, whichever produces the most critical effect in the members concerned.
In Plain Language
Exterior areas accessible to vehicles, like driveways and parking areas, must be designed for their intended use including the weight of firefighting equipment, with a defined minimum load floor even for lighter anticipated uses.
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.