Learn about Building Code accessibility rules for newly constructed buildings and extensive renovations in Ontario.
The 2012 Building Code defines the accessibility requirements for most new construction and extensive renovations of buildings. These include requirements for:
The requirements apply to most new construction and extensive renovations in Ontario, and work together with the Design of Public Spaces standard.
Existing buildings are not affected unless an extensive renovation is planned.
Houses, including semi-detached houses, townhouses and duplexes are affected by smoke alarm requirements, but are not affected by most of the other accessibility requirements.
Most building types must have a barrier-free path of travel throughout. There are also requirements related to publicly used spaces, such as entrances, rooms and hallways, throughout buildings that include:
Most new building are required to provide barrier-free access between all floors, including:
Barrier-free floor access is also required for residential and office buildings over:
At least 15% of suites within a multi-unit residential building must be designed with basic accessibility features such as a barrier-free path of travel and doorway into the:
Suites with accessibility features must be distributed throughout the building and represent the types and sizes of suites available in the building. For example, if a building has 1 and 2 bedroom suites, accessibility features must be available for both types.
Visual fire alarms and smoke alarms equipped with a visual component are an important part of enhancing public life safety for all occupants of a building. Visual fire and smoke alarms must be on every floor and in every sleeping room of residential buildings. The visual component conforming to National Fire Protection Association standards.
Most buildings must have barrier-free washrooms in public areas. The washrooms must be situated on a barrier-free path of travel and meet Building Code requirements addressing:
Pools and spas provide important recreational and exercise opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Ontario’s Building Code requires barrier-free access to and around all public pools and some public spas.
Requirements for accessible seating in public assembly buildings include space for: