The End of the World?
An Update on the Ontario Building Code
•Update on SB12 changes.
•The new 2012 Ontario Building Code
•What's in,
•What's not!
•What OHBA is doing for it’s Membership.
•And what Ontario Builders need to get ready for.
Presentation to Hamilton-Halton Home Builders’ Association
4/25/13
1
SB 12 Update:
SB12 is the Energy Requirements for Part 9 housing.
•
It came into effect January 1st, 2012.
•
SB12 refers to the Supplementary Guidelines, not the
date of implementation. The date is a coincidence.
•
SB12 was revised in the spring of 2013.
•
The revisions came into effect on March 15th, 2013, the
same date it was signed by the Director.
4/25/13
2
SB 12 Update:
Supplementary Standard SB-12 to the 2006 Building Code
– Energy Efficiency for Housing – has been amended to:
•
Clarify that the R-value referenced in the SB-12 Tables for
insulated concrete forms refers to the entire assembly;
•
Clarify that, for factory built modular homes manufactured
before 2012, the SB-12 requirements do not apply;
•
Enable the use of drain water heat recovery units in
conjunction with the compliance packages available in the
prescriptive Tables;
•
Include other editorial changes, clarifications and new
appendix notes.
4/25/13
3
SB 12 Update:
1.1.1. Energy Efficiency Compliance
1.1.1.1. Energy Efficiency
(1)Same.
(2) The energy efficiency of existing buildings shall comply with
a)Part 10 of Division B of the Building Code with respect to
change of use, or
b)Part 11 of Division B of the Building Code for renovation.
(This is a clarification for renovators. Except as noted later,
SB12 has little impact on Renovations).
4/25/13
4
SB 12 Update:
1.1.1.2. Compliance Options
(1) Same.
(2) Factory built modular homes manufactured before January
1, 2012 in accordance with the Building Code as it read on
December 31, 2011 shall be deemed to be in compliance with
Sentence (1). (This is a clarification for previously constructed
modular homes).
4/25/13
5
SB 12 Update:
Notes to Table 2.1.1.2.A:
1)
2)
3)
Except for notes (3) and (4), the values listed are minimum RSI-Values for the thermal insulation component only. RSIValues are expressed in (m²·K)/W.
Same.
Same.
4) Compliance package L applies only to a building with ICF
basement walls. Alternatively, any other compliance package
except compliance package K, is permitted to be used for a
building with ICF basement walls. The thermal resistance
value of an ICF wall is the total thermal resistance of the
entire wall assembly. (Was “The thermal insulation value of
an ICF wall is the sum of the insulation value on both sides of
the walls.”)
•
4/25/13
This is a clarification for ICF insulation values.
6
SB 12 Update:
Notes to Table 2.1.1.2.A:
5)
6)
7)
Same.
Same.
Same.
8) Only the hot water heating equipment shall meet the minimum
AFUE or EF specified in the Table or shall be of the
condensing type. (Was “Combined space heating and
domestic hot water heating equipment shall have minimum
energy efficiency ratings specified or shall be of the
condensing type.”)
•
Clarifies thermal requirements of water heater when
used as the household heating source.
•
Applies to Package M.
4/25/13
7
SB 12 Update:
2.1.1.2. Energy Efficiency for Zone 1 Buildings (Continued):
(5) Where the thermal performance of above grade walls,
windows or basement walls is reduced by applying
Sentences (6) through (11), only the thermal performance
of one of those building components is permitted to be
reduced.
•This is a clarification as there were some designers /
builders who were trying to apply multiple reductions. The
original intent was to permit one reduction.
4/25/13
8
SB 12 Update:
Drain Water Heat Recovery (DWHR) has been added as a
compliance option.
(10) Where a DWHR unit conforming to Article 2.1.1.11. is provided in
addition to the requirements of a compliance package selected from
Tables 2.1.1.2.A to 2.1.1.2.C.
a)the thermal insulation value in exposed above grade walls is
permitted to be not less than RSI 3.52 (R20) where it is required to be
RSI 3.87 (R22),
b)the thermal insulation value in exposed above grade walls is
permitted to be not less than RSI 3.52 (R20) where it is required to be
RSI 4.23 (R24), provided that the drain water heat recovery unit has a
minimum efficiency of not less than 46%,
4/25/13
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(10) Continued:
SB 12 Update:
c) the thermal insulation value in basement walls is permitted
to be not less than RSI 2.11 where it is required to be RSI
3.52,
d) the overall coefficient of heat transfer of glazing is
permitted to be not greater than 1.8 W/m2AK where it is
required to be 1.6 W/m2AK, or not greater than 1.6
W/m2AK where it is required to be 1.4 W/m2AK,
e) the minimum efficiency of an HRV is permitted to be not
less than 55% where it is required to be 75% or less, or
f) the minimum efficiency of a furnace is permitted to be not
less than 90% where it is required to be 94%.
4/25/13
10
SB 12 Update:
(11) Where an HRV is only required for the purpose of
meeting the energy efficiency requirements of a compliance
package included in Table 2.1.1.2.A, the HRV may be
omitted provided that a DWHR unit with a minimum efficiency
of not less than 62% is installed in conformance with Article
2.1.1.11.
• Editorial Comment. As homes are required to be built with a
greater tightness, Mechanical Ventilation will be of ever
increasing importance. Indoor air quality and warranty issues
may occur if inadequate ventilation is provided.
4/25/13
11
SB 12 Update:
Requirements for the use of DWHR Unit as a compliance
alternative.
2.1.1.11. Drain Water Heat Recovery
1)Where a DWHR unit is installed to meet the requirements of
this Subsection, the unit and its installation shall conform to
Sentences (2) to (5).
2)DWHR units shall conform to CSA B55.2,“Drain Water Heat
Recovery Units”.
3)The minimum efficiency of a DWHR unit shall be
determined in conformance with CSA B55.1, “Test Method
for Measuring Efficiency and Pressure Loss of Drain Water
Heat Recovery Units”.
4/25/13
12
SB 12 Update:
2.1.1.11. Drain Water Heat Recovery (Continued)
4) A DWHR unit shall be installed
a) to receive drain water from all showers or at least two showers where
there are two or more showers in a dwelling unit, (See Appendix A.)
b) in an upright position that does not diverge more than 5 degrees from
the vertical,
c) in a position such that the cold water inlet connection is at the bottom of
the unit,
d) downstream of a water softener where a water softener is installed, and
e) in a conditioned space or on the warm side of the dewpoint of the wall
assembly.
5) Except as required in Clauses 2.1.1.2.(10)(b) and 2.1.1.3.(8)(a), (b) and (d),
and Sentence 2.1.1.2.(11), the minimum efficiency of the DWHR unit shall be
not less than 36% when it is tested in accordance with Sentence (3).
4/25/13
13
SB 12 Update:
A-2.1.1.11.(4)(a) Drain Water Heat Recovery Units for Showers.
• For the purpose of the prescriptive trade off provisions in Subsection
2.1.1., the term “all showers” includes the case where there is only
one shower in a dwelling unit.
• If there is only one shower it is required to be connected to a DWHR
unit.
• Where there are two or more showers, drain water from at least two
showers are required to be connected to a single DWHR unit or to
two individual DWHR units.
• This Appendix Note has been added to clarify how many showers shall be
connected to DWHR Unit(s).
4/25/13
14
SB 12 Update:
A-2.1.1.1.(7), (8) and (10) Fenestration to Wall.
When the fenestration to wall ratio is calculated, all fenestration areas
and the entire peripheral wall above grade is included.
• Peripheral wall areas include floor rim board areas and all above
grade wall areas.
• It is essentially the sum of the above grade walls that separate
conditioned spaces from unconditioned spaces, and adjacent units.
• For attached garages, the walls that are common with the house and
the garage are also included in the wall area calculations.
• For attached homes, the above grade portions of the walls that are
common to other conditioned units are also included in the wall area.
• This clarifies what wall areas are included in the total wall area.
4/25/13
15
SB 12 Update:
A-2.1.1.1.(7), (8) and (10) Fenestration to Wall Ratio
(Continued).
• The fenestration area is based on the rough structural opening
provided for windows, skylights, sliding glass doors, and for
glazed portions in doors.
• For A–Frame structures with steeply inclined roofs that also act as
walls, the roof portion that serves as the interior wall area can be
considered as the wall area in calculating the fenestration to wall
ratio.
• This has been added for clarification of how window area is
to be calculated.
4/25/13
16
SB 12 Update:
A-2.1.1.2.(6)(a), (8)(a), (9)(a) RSI Reduction of Above Grade Walls in
Conjunction with Upgrading U-Value of Glazing - Zone 1.
• Where the above grade wall insulation is permitted to be reduced to
RSI 3.52, one of the required compensating measures is to upgrade
the window U-Value in accordance with Clauses 2.1.1.1.(8)(a) to (c).
• This upgrade is independent of the glazing upgrade that may be
required due to a fenestration ratio that is higher than 17%.
• In cases where the above grade insulation is reduced to RSI
3.52 and compensated for with a fenestration upgrade, and the
building has more than 17% fenestration, the glazing would be
required to be upgraded a second time.
• This clarification has been added to ensure the overall performance
of the home is maintained. (Similar clause added for Zone 2).
4/25/13
17
SB 12 Update:
A-2.1.1.6.(5) and (6) Slab Insulation.
• Except where specifically required in a compliance package, the entire
surface of the slab is only required to be insulated when the entire concrete
slab is completely within 600 mm (24 in) of the exterior ground level.
• A typical example would be a slab on ground construction without a
basement.
• If a slab is partially at the exterior ground level (i.e. a walkout basement) or
partially within 600 mm of the exterior surface, then only those parts are
required to be insulated with perimeter insulation.
• Where a slab of a house is completely or partially within 600 mm of the
exterior ground level, either the entire surface of the slab or the perimeter of
the slab is required to be insulated but not at both locations.
• This has been added for clarification.
4/25/13
18
The New 2012 O.B.C.
New 2012 Building Code
• Comes into effect January 1st, 2014.
• OHBA is working with MMAH and OBOA to develop a
joint training program for both OHBA and OBOA
members.
• BCIN Qualified Persons required to re-qualify on new
code items within 18 months of notification.
19
The New 2012 O.B.C.
What didn’t happen!
• 10 Minute Emergency Response time was not harmonized
from the National Code. (Huge savings on land costs).
• Soffit protection is not being adjusted for fire protection
requirements.
• Solar Ready is not being included.
• There were no changes made in relation to barrier-free
(accessibility) design for Part 9 at this time.
20
The New 2012 O.B.C.
General Code Items:
• One smoke alarm per bedroom plus one per floor. Must be hard
wired and have an alternate power source that can power the
smoke alarm for 7 days, followed by 4 min. of alarm.
• Change to the sentence (9.8.8.6.) describing Guards Designed
Not to Facilitate Climbing
• Roof sheathing with supports > than 406 mm will require edge
fasteners at every 150 mm 9.23.3.5. (5).
• Change in concrete wall height (basements)
21
The New 2012 O.B.C.
Energy What’s in for 2014!
• Programmable Thermostats.
• Correct Sizing of HVAC Equipment.
• Continuous Air Barrier Requirements
•
(This came into effect January 1st, 2012).
• Fully sealed ducting sealing on the Supply Side.
22
The New 2012 O.B.C.
Water What’s in for 2014!
• Hot Water Pipe Insulation.
• Shorter Runs for Hot Water Lines. (MMAH indicated this
appears in an appendix note as a best practice).
• Toilets flow will reduce down to 4.8L or 3L/6L Dual Flush.
• Shower heads will reduce to 7.6L/min.
• Changes to Septic Systems. Stay Tuned.
23
The New 2012 O.B.C.
January 1, 2015:
Beyond 2014!
• Furnace Equipped with Direct Current (DC or ECM)
motor.
• Natural Gas (or propane) ready kitchen and laundry
rooms are permitted instead of electrical.
January 1, 2017:
• Part 9 Energy Benchmark goes up by 15% from the
January 1st, 2012 SB12 levels.
• Part 3 Large Buildings goes up by 13% from the current
SB10 levels.
24
2012 Ontario Building Code
The Following Presentation is excerpted from
the MMAH presentation of the 2012 Ontario
Building Code at the Builder Forum in
February, 2013.
25
Outline:
• 2012 Building Code – Policy Content
• 2012 Building Code Implementation / Qualification / Training
• Glass in Balcony Guards
• Accessibility
• 2012 Energy Changes
• Minister’s Rulings
• Private Members’ Bills
• Revocation of Provincial Maintenance Standards
• Building Code Research
26
Next Edition of the Building Code:
(Status)
On November 2, 2012, the 2012 Building Code was filed
as O.Reg. 332/12
• It can be found at:
www.elaws.gov.on.ca/html/source/regs/english/2012/elaws_s
rc_regs_r12332_e.htm
• Requirements begin to take effect on January 1, 2014
• This timeline allows for a transition period providing time for
the industry to learn about the new changes and prepare
prior to implementation
27
Next Edition of the Building Code:
The 2012 Building Code changes provide a balanced
package that:
• Builds on health and safety and environmental protection
requirements
• Has general support from stakeholders
• Maintains Ontario’s leadership in energy and water
conservation
• Has a moderate impact on costs of construction
• Has some potential for operating cost savings over time
(energy and water)
• Is consistent with regulatory modernization principles
28
Next Edition of the Building Code:
(Continued)
The 2012 Building Code changes provide a balanced
package that:
• Helps the competitiveness of Ontario’s building sector through:
• New and updated standards
• Clarifying Building Code requirements
• Allowing for the use of new products
• Recognition of best practices
• More flexible requirements
• Maintaining Ontario’s harmonization with model National
Building Code requirements in areas such as structural
design
29
Concrete Walls
• Concrete walls will now be permitted to be poured up to 3.0 m
(9’-10”) of maximum height (Table 9.15.4.2.A). This change in height is
an increase from 2.5 m (8’-2”);
• Old Code (From Ministry website)
9.15.4.2. Foundation Wall Thickness and Required Lateral Support
(1) Except as required in Sentence (2), the thickness of foundation walls made of
unreinforced concrete block or solid concrete and subject to lateral earth pressure
shall conform to Table 9.15.4.2.A. for walls not exceeding 2.5 m in unsupported height.
• 2012 Code (From Ministry website)
9.15.4.2. Foundation Wall Thickness and Required Lateral Support
(1) Except as required in Sentence (2), the thickness of foundation walls made of
unreinforced concrete block or solid concrete and subject to lateral earth pressure
shall conform to Table 9.15.4.2.A. for walls not exceeding 3.0 m in unsupported height.
30
Property Protection and Health
• Remove window screens as an acceptable fall protection
device as they are not deemed adequate as a mechanism to
prevent falling of vulnerable occupants, especially children
• Window guards or controlled sashes would still be required
under the Code
• Clarify that sewage back-water valves are required in
residential buildings connected to a public sewage system, if
deemed necessary at a local level
• Protecting public water supplies from contamination from
“medium hazard” uses (e.g. multi-unit residential buildings,
commercial buildings, hotels, manufacturing plants) by
requiring backflow preventers
31
Property Protection and Health
(Continued)
• Changes to the sentence (9.8.8.6.) describing ‘Guards
Designed Not to Facilitate Climbing’ shall be designed so that
no member, attachment or opening located between 140 mm
and 900 mm above the floor or walking surface protected by
the guard will facilitate climbing. There was previously no
dimensions.
• Revise the average annual concentration of radon in the
Building Code to reflect the new national threshold (from 250
Bq/m3 to 200 Bq/m3)
• i.e., less radon is needed to trigger radon protection
requirements
• Change affects only three areas currently identified in the Code
32
Radon / Soil Gas Control
Proposed Rough In For Radon Venting did not move forward. (No
national mapping program for Radon).
• Proper Radon testing:
– Should be up to 3 months for more accurate reading.
– 48 hour test is not accurate enough.
• If excessive Radon is found,
– Simple, affordable repair detail is available. (Install a pipe under the basement
slab & mechanically ventilate out of the home’s conditioned space).
• Radon is not the only soil gas that is a concern.
– Continuous Air Barrier is now a requirement including basements to manage
soil gases.
4/25/13
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AIR SEALED SUMP PIT
Or, You could do this!
4/25/13
37
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38
Sewage Back Water Valves
Municipal liability is the driver here.
•Many municipalities now requiring backwater valves to limit
their liability in case of a storm event, even if there is limited
evidence that this is an issue.
– Municipality decision to determine the need for backwater
valves in any area or the entire municipality.
– Most municipalities that are requiring backwater valves are
requiring them throughout.
– For example; St. Thomas is updating their bi-laws to require
backwater valves for new construction. The most recent
incident occurred as a result of municipal sub-contractor
cleaning the sewer line.
4/25/13
39
Sewage Back Water Valves
This is the unit from Mainline, which is recognized by the CHBA
4/25/13
40
Fire Safety:
The 2012 Building Code contains specific requirements in
order to enhance fire protection of large and small
buildings, including:
• Requiring hard-wired smoke alarms with battery back-up in
each sleeping room for houses and large buildings (Part 3
and Part 9)
• Requiring integrated sprinkler and fire alarm systems in
multi-unit residential buildings
41
Fire Safety
Smoke detectors vs. sprinkler systems
• Smoke detectors and sprinkler systems save relatively same
number of occupants.
• Smoke detectors are far more cost effective.
• Best recommended practice is for a dedicated CO/smoke
detector in every bedroom.
• This was a recommendation by OHBA for the new code.
• University of Fraser Valley (Len Garis) Fire Study......
4/25/13
42
Source:
Adjunct Professor Len Garis
University of the Fraser Valley / Fire Chief City of Surrey , BC
43
L
Fire Safety
•
Smoke Detectors:
• Ionization detectors are the most common type, but do not
quickly detect smouldering fires
• Photo electric detectors appear to be much more responsive to
detecting smouldering fires.
• Best is having both types or a dual detector.
•
Children are susceptible to sleeping through a fire alarm (they
sleep differently than adults) // Children appear to respond better
to alarm with recorded parent voice but these are not
mainstream.
•
Excellent episode on Dateline. (Rossen: Some smoke
detectors may not go off in time)
4/25/13
44
Fire Safety:
The 2012 Building Code does not include:
• Reference to the National Fire Protection Association
Standard 1710 (Limiting Distance), related to calculation of
fire department response times
• New provisions for fire protection of soffits to protect
buildings built close to the property line
45
Fire Safety Changes in NBC!
Proposed Changes affecting Building Design and Cost
• OHBA actively met with the Ministry including with Minister Wynne
about our concerns with Part 9.10.
• Two main areas of Concern:
– Overhangs to be protected within the 4 ft side yard.
– 10 minute fire emergency response time.
• Proposed changes could have added from $10K to $100K in additional
lot costs due to the need for wider side yards.
• Alternative would be more fire stations. Municipalities were also
against this proposal as the cost of staffing new fire stations would fall
upon taxpayers.
• Minister Wynne “Ontario will not harmonize with the National Code
unless it makes sense for Ontario”. Neither proposal was included in
the OBC.
4/25/13
46
Fire Safety Changes in NBC!
Fire Code Alert From CHBA, May 19, 2011:
•The CHBA alert recommended that provincial HBA’s contact
their respective provincial governments to try to defer
implementation of the new fire code requirements pending a
national review.
•The National Code Working Group is now meeting to correct
what was added with 9.10 to the 2010 National Building Code
as the implementation in Alberta is causing chaos.
NOTE: OHBA has been active on this file since Fall of 2010.
4/25/13
47
Code Objectives
The 2012 Building Code expands the list of Building
Code sub-objectives and related functional
statements to reference:
• Limiting the extent to which construction strains
infrastructure capacity (e.g. electrical grid capacity)
• Protecting atmospheric quality
• Limiting green house gas emissions
• Limiting the release of pollutants
• Protecting water and soil quality
48
Energy Conservation Requirements
Houses
• The 2012 Building Code promotes energy conservation through
building design and construction by:
• Requiring that houses for which building permits are applied on or
after January 1, 2017 meet an energy efficiency level that is 15%
higher than that required in 2012;
• Providing compliance alternatives on how to achieve that goal and;
• Over the 5 year Code cycle, require a number of other energy
conserving incremental changes (e.g. January 1, 2015 - ECM
motors, programmable thermostats)
• As with the approach taken with large buildings, MMAH intends to
work with the building sector to achieve these future requirements
49
Improvements to HVAC Systems
OHBA advocated for furnaces to have DC (ECM)
Motors.
• Tighter homes combined with furnace oversizing will result
in short cycling (warm main floor and cold extremities).
• This will become an increasing area of warranty complaints.
• A DC motor will allow the furnace fan to run on a more
continuous basis, reducing the effect of short cycling.
4/25/13
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Energy Efficiency for Small Buildings
Small Buildings
• The 2012 Building Code does not include requirements for
solar conduits
• This issue can be revisited when structural requirements
are clarified
• Tables outlining these requirements are under
development at the national code centre
51
52
Water Conservation
The 2012 Building Code promotes the conservation of
Ontario’s water through building design by:
• Requiring newly installed urinals to be high efficiency (1.9
litres/flush),
• Requiring newly installed toilets in residential buildings
with a connection to a public sewer to be high efficiency
(4.8 litres/flush or 3/6 litres dual-flush), and
• Requiring high efficiency showerheads (7.6 litres/minute)
in residential occupancies
53
Water Conservation
Opportunities for innovation are provided by
• Allowing for drainless composting toilets in areas with
municipal services
• Expanding the end uses of rainwater and other nonpotable water,
• Clarifying the design requirements of non-potable water
systems,
54
Water Conservation
• Municipal Governments are dealing with increased costs for
water treatment, both for potable water supply and sewage
treatment.
4/25/13
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Water Conservation
• Water treatment in many municipalities has become
their largest electricity expense.
• The need to reduce usage is becoming a critical
budgetary issue even for communities with abundant
access to water.
• The additional demand for water treatment will also add
to the long term need for more electrical generation
capacity.
4/25/13
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Water Conservation
• The last election proved that NIMBYISM is alive and well.
Nobody “wants” one of these in their back yard.
4/25/13
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Water Conservation
• Changes reflect the need to manage these costs. Two
examples:
– Low Flow Showerheads (From 9.5 to 7.6L/min.)
– Toilets (From 6 to 4.8L/ flush).
4/25/13
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On-Site Sewage Systems
The 2012 Building Code
• Adopts the new CAN-BNQ 3680-600 national standard for
wastewater residential treatment technologies, as proposed in
public consultation
• Testing would be conducted at uncontrolled temperatures
or at temperatures not exceeding 11° Celsius, to reflect
Ontario climatic conditions
• Adopts a number of changes, including several suggested by
Ontario Code users, updating technical, maintenance, and
monitoring requirements
60
On-Site Sewage Systems (cont.)
• Establishes standards for dispersal beds in the Building
Code, including:
•
•
•
Two types of dispersal beds
Prescriptive as well as performance requirements
This would require additional training on designing and
installing systems to a performance-based standard for the
on-site sewage industry
The 2012 Building Code also:
• Signals future intent to address nutrient reduction in at-risk
areas
• No Building Code changes were introduced at this time
• MMAH will continue to work with Ministry of the Environment on
potential approaches to nutrient reduction
61
Harmonization and Consistency
The 2012 Building Code enhances harmonization with the
model National Building and Plumbing Codes, including
• Editorial changes and updated standard references,
stemming from changes to the model national codes
• Clarifying technical requirements to ensure consistency and
clarity in enforcement
• Allowing more flexible, performance-oriented methods,
design and installation of some building elements
• Amends the Building Code to enhance consistency with the
• Electrical Safety Code (no changes to Electrical Safety
Code required)
62
Harmonization and Consistency (cont.)
The 2012 Building Code does not include:
• Changes related to care occupancies that were included in
recent model National Building Code
•
Ontario’s Code has contained similar requirements since
the 1990s but the drafting differs from the national
approach
63
Administrative Changes
The 2012 Building Code:
• Requires copies of Minister’s Rulings authorizing the use of
innovative building materials to be kept at the construction
site where a Ruling applies
•
Currently applies to BMEC authorizations
• Requires thermal protection for foam plastic insulation as a
condition for residential occupancy
•
•
Currently, the Code allows for occupancy while foam plastic
insulation is exposed (e.g., in a basement). This presents a
health and fire safety concern.
Code change requires the foam plastic insulation to be
covered (e.g., by drywall) in advance of occupancy
• Removes requirement for final site grading as a condition of
occupancy permit issuance
64
Administrative Changes (cont.)
The 2012 Building Code does not:
• Require a permit for the demolition of farm houses
• Require municipal inspectors to complete a written inspection
report at each stage of inspection
65
Knowledge Maintenance
The 2012 Building Code simplifies the re-qualification requirements for
practitioners currently qualified under the Building Code:
• Successful completion of a knowledge maintenance re-assessment
replaces the need to fully re-qualify by taking new entrant examinations.
Key aspects:
•
•
•
•
•
Director of the Building and Development Branch to determine qualification
categories where knowledge maintenance is to be required
Fee will apply to complete the on-line re-qualification exam
Re-qualification exam questions will be randomized
A non-mandatory online course will be offered for each area of re-qualification
Applicants have 18 months to complete qualification courses following
notification by the Director
• Ministry is exploring options for design, maintenance and delivery of the
online course
• New entrants would still have to pass standard Ministry qualification exams
66
Mid-Rise Wood Construction
The 2012 Building Code does not include changes to
permit wood framed buildings 4 storeys or more
• MMAH is participating in research being undertaken by the
National Research Council (NRC) through staff resources
and financial contribution
• The NRC has proposed research on mid-rise and other
wood based construction to support proposed changes to
the 2015 edition of the model National Building Code
• Decisions on potential future Building Code changes will be
made on the basis of this information
67
68
69
Implementation of the Next Edition
MMAH is developing implementation strategies, including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Updating materials
Updating of Building Code examinations
Implementation of any new knowledge maintenance
requirements
Building Code compendium publication
Updated guidelines and best practices
Review of the delivery of qualification and registration
services
70
Code Publication
MMAH is developing plans for the publication of the 2012
Building Code:
• Hard copy “compendium” version
• Potential development of an electronic version of the next
edition
• MMAH has released a survey to seek input of business
needs for an eversion, and will be arranging meetings with
stakeholders
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Updated Guidelines and Best Practices
•
MMAH is reviewing current guidelines and best practices to
determine which ones should be updated to reflect the
content of the next edition of the Code
•
Interest has been expressed by stakeholders in developing
electronic versions of certain products (Example: Code and
Construction Guide of Housing)
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Glass Panels in Balcony Guards
In the summer of 2011, concerns were raised about
spontaneous failures of glass balcony guards, generally
in multi-residential buildings
• MMAH established an “Expert Advisory Panel on Glass
Panels in Balcony Guards” to provide recommendations on
whether and how to amend the Building Code to address the
issue of breakage of glass panels in balcony guards
• The Panel put forward seven recommendations to the
Ministry and the government has since adopted all
recommendations
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Glass Panels in Balcony Guards (cont.)
Ontario Regulation 159/12 was filed on June 20, 2012 and
came into force on July 1, 2012
• The amendment incorporates, by reference, new MMAH
Supplementary Standard SB-13, “Glass in Guards”
• The amendments include:
•
•
Requiring the use of heat-strengthened laminated glass when
glass is close to or beyond the edge of a balcony
Permit the use of heat-soaked tempered glass where glass
balcony guards are inset a certain distance from the edge of
the balcony
• These requirements apply to new construction only
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Accessibility
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005
(AODA) called for the creation of accessibility
standards to make Ontario accessible for persons with
disabilities by 2025
•
•
•
Ontario’s Building Code has included requirements for
barrier-free design since 1975
In July 2010, a Final Proposed Accessible Built
Environment Standard was submitted for government’s
consideration
These recommendations were not included in 2010-2011
consultations on the Next Edition of the Building Code
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Accessibility (cont.)
• MMAH is currently developing proposed policy direction for
including new accessibility standards in the Building Code
• Public consultation on potential Building Code changes, as
well as Technical Advisory Committee reviews, will be
conducted prior to amending the Building Code
•
Public consultation has commenced
•
MMAH has engaged LMCBO, OBOA, AMO and Toronto to
provide input/advice on the proposed Code changes for
consultation. OHBA is also participating.
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Accessibility is on the Horizon:
•
OHBA was contacted by the Branch Director Brenda Lewis regarding
participation on the Barrier-Free Design Technical Advisory Committee
to be held this spring.
•
For the moment Accessibility requirement changes to OBC are on hold.
•
Changes to be consulted on will likely focus primarily on Buildings rather
than Houses (Part 9).
–
–
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They may be implemented during the 2012 Code cycle or at the
beginning of the Next Code Cycle.
May or may not happen universally.
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Accessibility / Universal Design vs. Visitability
Universal Design:
• has wider doors and halls,
• adequate turning space,
• controls at appropriate height
• Anticipates that certain features may be added easily later.
Visitability:
• Someone with accessibility needs can visit the home at any time.
• Features include a fully accessible entry,
• a visiting room,
• wider main hallway and doors
• and toilet facility all on the main entry floor of the home.
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Key Accessibility Ideas
• Visitability Requirement Challenges Include:
– Universal grade-level access in all areas of the province.
– Certain Home Designs don’t work (Split Level / Raised
Ranch / 3 Storey Walk-Up).
• Example back to front grade with ramp, ramp finally hits the
ground... On the other side of the street.
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Accessibility and Usability
Not Sure about Accessible Design? Don’t Fake It!
So what’s wrong
with this design?
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Accessibility and Usability
For Starters this 3 bag of
concrete slope at the porch
Door does not meet code.
It’s about a 1:3 slope, rather
than a 1:10 slope or higher.
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Accessibility and Usability
Which should enable the occupant of the
wheelchair to hit WARP 9 on one wheel
coming down the ramp.
There is no railing or curb on the ramp to
keep from sliding off.
This homeowner could not enter their home.
They ultimately built a ramp in the garage.
They lost the use of the garage.
While initially cheaper, this builder ultimately
cost the homeowner the proper use of their
home.
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OHBA Accessible Housing
(Report & Recommendations)
• Building Access to be grade level or ramped to entry (where possible –
attempted to define exemptions).
• Main Entry Door to be 36” wide
• Interior Doors 32” wide on main floor, for master bedroom and ensuite.
• Hallways to be at least 42” wide.
• At least one bathroom on main floor.
• Switches to be between 40” and 48” from the floor.
• Outlets to be at least 17.5” from the floor.
This OHBA Report is a good start for builders interested in learning more about
accessibility.
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2012 Building Code Energy Amendments
Changes to the Building Code related to energy efficiency in
houses and large buildings took effect January 1, 2012:
• Houses:
– Must meet EnerGuide 80 or prescriptive and performance paths set out
in the SB-12 (December 2011 update):
– SB-12 revised in December 2011; one revision made added the Energy
Star Technical Specification as a compliance path
• Large buildings:
– Must meet compliance paths set out in the SB-10 (July 2011 update),
including:
– 25% above the 1997 Model National Energy Code for Buildings; or
– One of two equivalent paths based on modifications to the 2010 edition
of the ASHRAE 90.1 standard
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2012 Building Code Energy Amendments
MMAH has worked with the building sector to support
implementation of the energy changes:
•
•
•
•
•
Use of MMAH website and CodeNews
Updated MMAH technical training courses
Posted Branch information sheet clarifying qualifications for energy evaluators
Developed two voice-over presentations (one for SB-10; the other for SB-12)
Commissioned consultant to develop ASHRAE energy efficiency compliance
software for large buildings customized for Ontario’s requirements
• Developed checklists for energy efficiency in large buildings and posted them
on the MMAH website
• Supported the building sector in developing a checklist for energy
efficiency in houses; posted on the OBOA website
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Private Member’s Bills
Legislation submitted by an individual MPP; government and
Ministries are NOT responsible for contents
• Municipalities and other stakeholders need to pay attention to
implications
• Short list to date:
– Bill 20 – Carbon Monoxide Detectors
– Bill 32 - Radon
– Bills 52 and 61 - Mid Rise Wood
– Bill 72 – Condominiums
• Prorogation means all these bills ‘died on the Order Paper’
• MPPs may seek to re-introduce these during the next sitting
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Building Code Research
• Energy Efficiency in Renovations:
– Determine how to effectively require energy efficiency improvements to a
home/building at the time of a renovation under a building permit
– Status: Contract with vendor is signed and work is proceeding. Project is
anticipated to take six months to complete
• Mid-rise wood:
– Ontario support for national-level research on mid-rise wood construction,
including fire performance
– Status: Contract has been signed with National Research Council of
Canada and work is currently underway
– Results expected to be complete in time for potential inclusion in the 2015
edition of the model National Building Code
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CONCLUSIONS:
• OHBA continues to work on behalf of our members:
• With MMAH to ensure affordability for our consumers is always part
of the equation.
• With our industry partners, OBOA and LMCBO to ensure best
possible consistency of interpretation and implementation of the
OBC and the training of our members.
• With the Ministry through various working groups including BAC and
BCCAC.
• For our members to ensure they are ready for the next Edition of the
Ontario Building Code.
– Our membership was one of the most prepared stakeholder
groups for the SB12 implementation and we will continue to
apply the lessons learned on behalf of our members.
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