BACKGROUNDER

BACKGROUNDER

Sprinklers and On-Site Sewage Systems: Public Consultation

INTRODUCTION

The Building Code Act, 1992 is the legislative framework governing the construction, renovation and change of use of buildings. The Building Code is a regulation authorized by the Act, and sets out detailed administrative and technical requirements.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is currently undertaking a consultation to seek public input regarding the content and timing of a number of proposed changes to the Building Code. These changes would enhance the fire safety of Ontarians living in residential buildings. The changes would also further protect Ontario’s drinking water by improving the performance of existing on-site sewage systems (e.g. septic systems).

FIRE SPRINKLERS

Ontario’s Building Code is harmonized to a large degree with the model National Building Code of Canada (mNBC). However, Ontario’s Code is different from the mNBC in its approach to fire safety for large (higher than 3 storeys) residential buildings.
Where the mNBC mandates the installation of fire sprinklers in large residential buildings, Ontario’s Code places greater reliance on measures ranging from enhanced fire alarm and detection systems, standpipe systems, firefighters’ elevator protection, limitations on combustible materials, exit travel distance limitation and protection of exits and fire separations from smoke infiltration.

Since the mNBC was amended in 1995 to require fire sprinklers in large residential buildings, other provinces and territories have adopted this approach. Most jurisdictions in the United States also require sprinklers in higher residential buildings.

This consultation proposes that changes be made to the Building Code that would require multiple-unit residential buildings higher than 3 storeys to be sprinklered. Sprinkler requirements within the building would apply to residential suites, service areas, and common areas such as corridors.

The new requirements would also cover the residential portions of mixed-use buildings higher than 3 storeys. Since 1997, the Code has generally required fire sprinklers in other non-residential occupancies in high buildings.

This consultation is not proposing to require sprinklers in smaller residential buildings, including houses, or mandate the retrofit of existing buildings.

ON-SITE SEWAGE SYSTEMS

The Building Code also sets standards for the construction, expansion, alteration or repair of on-site sewage systems (e.g. septic systems) for houses and small buildings where the systems are contained on one lot and have a daily design sewage flow of not more than 10,000 litres per day.

Under the Building Code Act, 1992 and the Building Code, enforcement of the on-site sewage provisions of the Act and Code is carried out by principal authorities (municipalities, health units and conservation authorities, depending on location).

Proposed amendments to the Code would authorize the establishment of programs to enforce Building Code’s standards for the maintenance and operation of existing sewage systems, and require that these programs be enforced by principal authorities. In addition, principal authorities will be authorized to establish “discretionary” maintenance inspection programs for other areas as prescribed.

The Ministry is also seeking comments on proposed technical requirements regulating tertiary treatment unit disposal beds (“area beds”) that form part of certain on-site sewage systems.

For further information please contact James Douglas, Manager, Code Development, Legislative and Appeals, Building and Development Branch, at 416-585-7174.

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