The 2024 edition of Ontario’s Building Code (O. Reg. 163/24) came into effect on January 1, 2025, with a three-month transition period until March 31, 2025 for permit applications under the 2012 OBC for which the working drawings were substantially complete before 2025. As of April 1, 2025, all new permit applications will be reviewed using the 2024 OBC.
The new OBC references the 2020 National Building Code of Canada (NBC) for the harmonized parts of the code and the Ontario amendments document for the differences in the province. This change in legislation results in the need to update multiple OAA resources, including the updated OBC Data Matrices and PT.35 on Seismic Requirements.
End of the Transition Period
During the OBC transition period, two versions of certain Practice Tips were available on the OAA Website. Members are encouraged to get familiar with the revised resources and share with their staff as needed.
On May 1, 2025, the OAA withdrew the following outdated versions:
- PT.03 v4.3 (OBC 2012) Building Code Data Matrix;
- PT.08 v3.2 (OBC 2012) Participation in the Permit Process; and
- PT.35 v1.2 (OBC 2012) Importance Category and Seismic Restraint.
The current versions (OBC 2024) of these Practice Tips remain available on the OAA Website.
Access the updated Practice Tip PT.04 on Project Code Review
The OAA’s Practice Resource Committee and OAA Council reviewed Practice Tip PT.04, Building Code – Project Code Review, which has now undergone a name change and some updates.
The Practice Tip has been updated to expand on the suggested procedures and best practices when performing project code reviews.
The previously attached OAA Code Checklists have been withdrawn.
Other Practice Tips Updates: Withdrawing PT. 11
Following discussion at a Practice Resource Committee meeting earlier this year, Practice Tip PT.11 Definitions: “Design” v “Design” v “Design Activities” was withdrawn at the end of May 2025.
Quick Reminders
Purchase and download “2024 OBC Compendium and Amendment #1 & Other Updates” by visiting the Government of Ontario page. You can then familiarize yourself with the Engineers, Architects, and Building Officials (EABO) Transition Infographic, which illustrates how some Ontario municipalities may be addressing the transition between the 2012 OBC and the 2024 version, including submission for permit under the 2012 OBC after December 31, 2024. (Members are reminded to consult with authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) for any particularity to their own processes during the transition phase.)
For training and resources, members are encouraged to review Continuing Education opportunities on the OAA’s ConEd Opportunities portal, which includes the OAA Continuing Education Webinar Series. Other industry stakeholders may also be preparing webinars soon.
The OAA’s Practice Advisory Services (PAS) team continues to work on updating other practice resource documents related to the building code.
This article originally appeared in an issue of Practice Advisory—a newsletter developed by the OAA’s Practice Advisory Services team, which offers numerous resources for both members and the public.
The OAA does not provide legal, insurance, or accounting advice. Readers are advised to consult their own legal, accounting, or insurance representatives to obtain suitable professional advice in those regards.