The 2024 edition of Ontario’s Building Code (O. Reg. 163/24) came into effect on
January 1, 2025. As of
April 1, 2025, all new permit applications are 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
As the transition period for permit applications under OBC 2012 has ended, when Practice Tips are updated to reflect the OBC 2024 requirements, the previous versions will be withdrawn.
Access the updated Practice Tips PT.19 and 36.2
The OAA’s
Practice Resource Committee (PRC) and OAA Council reviewed
Practice Tip PT.19, ANSI/ASHRAE/IES 90.1-2013–An Overview of the Energy Standard, and
Practice Tip PT.36.2, OBC SB-10 Energy Efficiency Requirements–Prescriptive Compliance, which have been updated.
The Practice Tips have been updated to reflect 2024 OBC requirements, and outdated references and resources have been removed or updated. Additional commentary has been provided to help clarify some of the technical requirements, and there has been minor restructuring to improve the flow of information.
Quick Reminders
Purchase and download the 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 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 issue 37 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.