Announced on April 10, Ontario has released a new Building Code, which the Province says will reduce regulatory burdens for the construction industry and make it easier to build housing while still promoting high standards of performance and public health and safety in new and renovated buildings. There are significant changes to its structure, and a transition period is now in effect.

The OAA is actively assessing the impact this will have on the profession, as well as key practice resources and information the Association provides.

The 2024 Building Code is intended to streamline processes for the building sector and increase harmonization with the National Construction Codes, eliminating more than 1,730 technical variations between the provincial and national requirements. It was developed in consultation with various partners—the OAA submitted thoughts, as did groups representing building officials, fire prevention officials, engineers, builders, and the construction industry.

Information about the release came in CodeNews (issue 354), an email subscription that provides updates on the code, as well as minister’s rulings, amendments to the Building Code Act, decisions from the Building Code Commission, and authorizations from the Building Materials Evaluation Commission. While some of the currently available information about the 2024 code, including transition timelines, is summarized below, the OAA strongly advises all its members register for this email publication.

2024 Building Code Format

The structure of the new Ontario Building Code regulation is changing dramatically. It is only one page long, referencing the 2020 National Building Code for the harmonized parts of the Code and the 2024 Ontario Amendment document for the differences in the province.

Production of the Compendium in digital and print versions is underway, with CodeNews subscribers notified first when they are available. (The OAA will also update its members.)

Timing, Transition, and Training

The 2024 Building Code comes into effect on January 1, 2025, with a three-month transition period until March 31 for applications for which the working drawings were substantially complete before 2025. Simply put, as of April 1, 2025 all permit applications must use the 2024 Ontario Building Code.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is developing a comprehensive training approach to help the industry understand the new requirements in the 2024 Ontario Building Code and to help build capacity in the sector in adequate time. Further details will be provided. The OAA is currently working with industry partners through Engineers, Architects & Building Officials (EABO) to develop education and training that would include the key users of the Code in one setting in an effort to have a common understanding of the changes, implementation, and transition rules. A session is also being offered at the OAA Conference in Niagara Falls in May.

2024 Ontario Building Code Highlights

The OAA will continue to review the new requirements and changes, but CodeNews has summarized some major changes:

- Ontario's two-unit house provisions have harmonized with the National Building Code's (NBC’s) requirements for secondary suites, except for latter’s limitations around minimum suite sizes—Ontario will maintain its flexibility in this regard to support the government's housing objectives and minimize costs;

- Ontario has harmonized with the NBC’s requirements for Large Farm Buildings by introducing a new Part to Division B of the Building Code—the goal is to close a regulatory gap and be responsive to modern farm practices while providing safety for farm buildings consistent with other buildings;

- Ontario has harmonized with the NBC on mitigating the effects of radon—new houses require a rough-in for a subfloor depressurization system if subsequently required (changes will include corresponding revisions to reference Supplementary Standard SB-9 and a new Appendix Note to clarify buildings occupied for a few hours a day may not be required to follow suit);

- Ontario has harmonized its provisions for fire protection systems (standpipe, fire alarms and fire sprinklers) with the NBC; and

- Ontario has updated its standard for prefabricated septic tanks and sewage holding tanks, which will include a safety screen below cleanout covers. Ontario has also made changes related to Type A Dispersal Beds to distinguish materials used for the ‘mantle.’

Other Changes to Environmental Assessment Act and Conservation Authorities Act

On April 15, another CodeNews (355) was issued, reminding of two other changes made to the list of applicable law in Ontario's Building Code.

On February 22, 2024, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing filed Ontario Regulation 73/24 that amended Ontario's Building Code (Ontario Regulation 332/12) to address changes made to the Environmental Assessment Act. Ontario updated applicable law to apply requirements only to designated projects identified in regulation or projects set out in approved Class Environmental Assessments. These changes came into effect upon the filing of the regulation.

In addition, on March 28, 2024, the Ministry filed Ontario Regulation 158/24 that amended Ontario's Building Code to address changes regarding how permits are issued under the Conservation Authorities Act. The Province updated applicable law to include permits issued by a conservation authority and by the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry under recent changes to the Conservation Authorities Act. These related changes to the Building Code came into effect on April 1, and includes a transition provision to address permits issued under previous Conservation Authorities Act regulations.

Moving Forward

In addition to the above, the OAA’s Practice Advisory Services will be focusing on updating the OAA’s Code Data Matrix, as well as other practice resource documents.