Share Your Thoughts This Month

 
The OAA is aware of three code consultations seeking feedback during the month of March.

Winter Consultation for Harmonization
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) has opened public consultations on proposed changes to the Ontario Building Code to harmonize it with the 2020 National Construction Codes. The suggested changes, which include replacing SB10 and SB12 with the energy efficiency requirements of the 2020 National Code, are posted on the Environmental Registry of Ontario for comment. Opportunities for discussion during and after the posting are also available by contacting buildingcode.consultation@ontario.ca. The OAA, through its Sub-Committee on Building Codes & Regulation (SCOBCAR), will be making its own recommendations, but members are also encouraged to share their thoughts by March 13.

Interim Amendments to the 2012 Ontario Building Code
There are proposed interim amendments to the 2012 Ontario Building Code related to housing supply and firefighter safety, due by March 14. MMAH is seeking input on proposals related to:

• phased occupancy of super-tall buildings;
• factory-built, modular construction of multi-unit residential and other buildings; and
• a notification program for truss and lightweight construction.

More information can be found at this Government of Ontario webpage.

Proposed Interim Change to Exempt Sheds from Code
Finally, there is a proposed interim change to exempt sheds from Building Code requirements. MMAH has posted a Regulatory Registry Notice to propose a code change that would generally exempt a person who constructs or assembles a shed that is up to 15 m2 from needing to obtain a building permit and to comply with the Building Code. The deadline to share thoughts is March 12.