Ontario Building Code Part 9 Requirements for Fire Separation & Protection

1. Scope

This technical note provides an overview of the main requirements for fire separation and protection intended to delay the spread of fire and collapse of structural elements for houses and small buildings that fall under Part 9 of the Ontario Building Code (OBC). Part 9 buildings are defined as fewer than three storeys in height and smaller than 600 m2 in area. The details of the most commonly used fire separation assemblies that satisfy the minimum fire ratings requirements of Part 9 of the OBC are presented. The technical note does not address the requirements for fire separation and protection for buildings that fall outside the scope of Part 9 of the OBC. While the difference between a fire separation and a firewall is explained, the structural requirements for firewalls are not covered.

2. Objective

This note was developed to more clearly explain the requirements for fire separation and protection under Part 9 of the OBC. It is a useful tool to quickly determine compliance with the fire protection requirements of the building code.

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