The prescriptive requirements of the Ontario Building Code require multi-residential buildings over two storeys in height above-grade to have more than one means of exiting the building. Accordingly, an alternative solution is required to comply with the Ontario Building Code where a permit applicant is instead proposing a single means of exiting.
To assist designers in this regard, Toronto Building engaged a third-party Building Code Consultant to study the feasibility of supporting an alternative solution for four-storey residential construction where the storeys above grade are served by a single exit stair enclosure.
The Single Exit Stair: Ontario Building Code Feasibility Study was presented to Toronto City Council through the staff report “PH14.7 – Single Exit Stair: Ontario Building Code Feasibility Study”.
Under the Building Code Act, 1992, it is the role of the designer to prepare and provide designs in support of building permit applications which are in accordance with the Building Code Act and the Ontario Building Code. It is thus the role of the designer, and not the role of Toronto Building, to provide solutions for compliance with the Ontario Building Code.
The third-party Building Code Consultant’s report (the “Single Exit Stair: Ontario Building Code Feasibility Study”) is being made available as a reference for designers to assist in determining the feasibility of an alternative solution proposing a single exit stair and is not intended to be a technical design guide, nor it is a guarantee that an alternative solution will be approved.
An application for an alternative solution may only be made where an application for a building permit has been submitted. Applications for alternative solutions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are specific to each project. Each submission is reviewed based on the quality and clarity of the information provided, including a detailed explanation of how the proposed solution satisfies the applicable objectives and functional statements outlined in the Ontario Building Code.
The review process is conducted in collaboration with relevant divisional partners to evaluate the applicability of the alternative solution to the proposed scope of work. While alternative approaches may differ from the standard prescriptive methods, they must demonstrate compliance with the Ontario Building Code by achieving an equal or greater level of safety, performance, and functionality.
It is also noted that the Consultant’s Report was prepared using the 2012 Ontario Building Code and not the 2024 Ontario Building Code, which came into effect on January 1, 2025. It remains the responsibility of designers to ensure that all designs comply with the applicable Building Code in force at the time of permit application.
Documentation and Forms must be submitted in accordance with the Alternative Solutions process.
To submit an application by email please refer to instructions on the Alternative Solutions page.
Toronto Building staff are available to discuss the use of an alternative solution for the provision of a single exit. For questions on current applications, please contact Toronto Building Customer Experience General Inquiries at 416-397-5330, or email bldinquiries@toronto.ca.
Please refer to the Alternative Solutions fee structure.
Please do not include any personal information on your Building Plans (e.g., the homeowner’s name or phone number). Building Plans submitted for Permit are subject to disclosure in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).