OBC Small Buildings cheat sheet

The building code applies to the design, construction, alteration, and demolition of buildings, and to plumbing, heating, and electrical systems.

A building permit is required before constructing, altering, or demolishing a building, unless the work is exempt under the code.

The most restrictive requirement governs when two or more code provisions conflict.

The owner is responsible for ensuring that the building and its systems comply with the code.

Equivalent alternative solutions may be accepted if they provide the same level of performance as the code.

The code does not apply retroactively to existing buildings unless a change of use or major alteration occurs.

Local amendments may modify the code; the stricter requirement applies where there is a conflict.

The code is intended to safeguard health, safety, and welfare, and to protect property from fire and structural failure.

The 'authority having jurisdiction' (AHJ) is the official responsible for enforcing the code.

A 'building' is any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.

The 'floor area' is the area within the exterior walls of a building, measured to the inside surface of the walls.

The 'building height' is the vertical distance from grade to the highest point of the roof surface.

The 'occupant load' is the total number of persons for which the means of egress must be designed.

A 'permit' is an official document authorizing construction or alteration work.

A 'variance' is a grant of relief from a specific code requirement, subject to conditions.

The code official may inspect buildings at any reasonable time to verify compliance.

Buildings are classified by occupancy group based on the use or intended use of the building.

Major occupancy groups include Assembly (A), Business (B), Educational (E), Factory (F), High Hazard (H), Institutional (I), Mercantile (M), Residential (R), Storage (S), and Utility (U).

A building with multiple occupancies must comply with the most restrictive occupancy requirements unless separated by fire separations.

The occupancy classification determines the type of construction, fire protection, and means of egress requirements.

A change of use may require the building to comply with the requirements for the new occupancy.

Mixed occupancies must be separated by fire separations with a fire-resistance rating based on the occupancies involved.

The classification of a building is based on the occupancy and the building height and area limitations.

Accessory occupancies are ancillary to the main occupancy and do not change the overall building classification.

Construction types are classified by the fire-resistance rating of structural elements, from Type I (most restrictive) to Type V (least restrictive).

Type I and II construction require noncombustible materials for structural elements.

Type III construction permits combustible materials in interior elements but requires noncombustible exterior walls.

Type IV construction uses heavy timber structural elements with a specified minimum dimension.

Type V construction permits combustible materials for all structural elements.

The required type of construction depends on the occupancy group and the building's height and area.

Fire-resistance ratings for structural elements are expressed in hours (e.g., 1-hour, 2-hour).

The building's area and height may be increased with the installation of automatic sprinkler systems.

Fire separations are required between different occupancies and between a building and an attached garage.

Fire-resistance ratings for fire separations are determined by the occupancy and the building's construction type.

Automatic sprinkler systems may be required based on the occupancy, building height, or area.

Smoke alarms are required in dwelling units and sleeping rooms.

Fire extinguishers must be provided in accordance with the code and maintained in working condition.

Standpipe and hose systems may be required in buildings based on height and occupancy.

Fire alarm systems must be installed and maintained to provide warning to occupants.

Fire protection systems must be inspected and tested periodically to ensure they remain functional.

The occupant load is calculated using the floor area divided by the occupant load factor for the occupancy.

The occupant load determines the required number and width of exits.

Life safety systems include fire alarms, sprinklers, smoke control, and emergency lighting.

Emergency lighting must be provided in means of egress and other specified areas.

Exit signs must be illuminated and clearly visible from any point in the means of egress.

Smoke control systems may be required in large or high-hazard occupancies.

The fire safety plan must be prepared and maintained for the building.

Life safety systems must be tested and maintained in accordance with the code and standards.

The means of egress comprises the exit access, the exit, and the exit discharge.

Every building must have at least one exit, and more exits are required based on occupant load and building height.

The minimum width of an exit is determined by the occupant load served.

Exit doors must swing in the direction of egress travel when serving an occupant load of 60 or more.

Exit doors must be equipped with panic hardware in assembly occupancies with an occupant load of 100 or more.

The travel distance to an exit must not exceed the maximum allowed for the occupancy.

Exit signs and emergency lighting are required in the means of egress.

The means of egress must be continuously maintained free of obstructions.

Buildings and structural elements must be designed to support all applicable loads, including dead, live, snow, wind, and earthquake loads.

Dead loads are the weight of the building materials and fixed equipment.

Live loads are the weight of occupants, furniture, and movable equipment.

Snow loads are determined from the ground snow load for the location, adjusted for roof exposure and thermal factors.

Wind loads are determined from the basic wind speed for the location, adjusted for exposure and height.

Earthquake loads are determined from the seismic hazard for the location and the building's seismic design category.

The structural design must consider load combinations as specified in the code.

The foundation must be designed to support the building loads and transmit them to the ground safely.

Every dwelling unit must have a kitchen sink, a lavatory, a bathtub or shower, and a water closet.

Plumbing fixtures must be connected to an approved water supply and sanitary drainage system.

Each dwelling unit must have a means of ventilation, either natural or mechanical.

Heating systems must be capable of maintaining a minimum indoor temperature.

Natural light and ventilation are required for habitable rooms, unless mechanical systems are provided.

Sanitary facilities must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.

Garbage and refuse must be stored in approved containers and removed regularly.

Building services such as electrical, plumbing, and heating must be installed in accordance with the applicable codes.

Accessible buildings must provide an accessible route from the exterior to the building entrance and throughout the building.

Accessible parking spaces must be provided and identified with the International Symbol of Access.

Ramps must have a maximum slope of 1:12 and landings at the top and bottom.

Accessible doors must have a minimum clear width of 32 inches (815 mm).

Accessible toilets must have a minimum clear floor space and grab bars installed.

Accessible lavatories must have a minimum clear floor space and knee clearance.

Accessible signage must include raised characters and Braille.

Accessible elevators must be provided in buildings with multiple stories, subject to specific exemptions.

The building envelope must be designed to resist heat loss and gain in accordance with the energy code.

Insulation levels for walls, roofs, and floors are determined by the climate zone.

Windows and doors must have a maximum U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient.

Air leakage must be controlled by sealing penetrations and joints in the building envelope.

Environmental separation includes protection against moisture, soil gases, and sound transmission.

Vapour barriers must be installed on the warm side of the insulation to prevent condensation.

The building must be designed to prevent the accumulation of radon gas, where applicable.

Sound transmission between dwelling units must be controlled by separating assemblies.

Part 9 applies to small buildings with a building area not exceeding 600 m² (6,460 ft²) and not more than three storeys in building height.

Part 9 buildings must also comply with the general requirements of Part 1 and other applicable Parts.

The foundation must extend below the frost line or be designed to prevent frost heave.

Footings must be at least 150 mm (6 in.) thick and extend at least 100 mm (4 in.) beyond the foundation wall.

Wood frame construction requires the use of approved fasteners and connectors.

Roof and floor joists must be sized in accordance with the spans and loads specified in the code.

Fire stopping must be provided at concealed spaces and penetrations in fire separations.

The building envelope must be designed to control the movement of heat, air, and moisture.