All new permit applications must comply exclusively with the 2024 OBC.

The 2024 code updates tactile walking surface indicators, power door operator requirements, and universal washroom layouts to better align with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Structural and Environmental Resilience

Building professionals are encouraged to:

“My contractor knows the code – I don’t need to read it.” Fact: Many contractors are unaware of the stair tread and CO alarm changes. Always verify.

Identify projects scheduled for building permit submission late in the year and verify if they qualify for the 2012 OBC transition rules or must be adapted to the 2024 standards. Conclusion

For projects well advanced in the design phase, the old 2012 Building Code could still be used if the permit application was submitted before January 1, 2025 . Furthermore, certain permits submitted before April 1, 2025 , were permitted under the old code if they met specific criteria regarding architectural design continuity.

: The inclusion of mass timber updates acts as a structural incentive to lower the embodied carbon of large-scale developments. 📋 Checklist for Transitioning to OBC 2024

One of the most consequential changes for new home construction is the mandatory radon rough-in. to address soil gas and radon.

To reduce falls, the 2024 amendments change residential stair dimensions:

The 2024 Ontario Building Code (OBC), released on April 10, 2024, represents one of the most significant overhauls in the province's construction history. This latest edition primarily focuses on , eliminating approximately 1,730 technical variations to reduce regulatory burdens and "red tape". Timeline and Transition Periods

Ensure your team has access to the federal NBC 2020 alongside Ontario Regulation 163/24.

A major shift in the 2024 Code is the adoption of the National Building Code of Canada 2020. This aligns Ontario with other provinces, aiming for greater consistency across Canada. This harmonization is expected to ease the introduction of new products and technologies into the Ontario market. 2. Expanded Use of Mass Timber