Ontario Building Code

The Building Code Act, 1992, governs the construction, renovation, change of use, and demolition of buildings. It also provides specific powers for inspectors and rules for the inspection of buildings, and allows municipalities to establish property standard by-laws.

For more details on the roles and responsibility of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and municipalities, please see the Provincial and Municipal Roles Fact Sheet.

 What is the Ontario Building Code?
The Ontario Building Code is a regulation made under the Building Code Act. It focuses primarily on ensuring public safety in newly constructed buildings, but also supports the government's commitments to energy conservation, barrier-free accessibility and economic development. It also:
  • sets out objectives and requirements for new construction
  • does not provide standards for existing buildings, except for small on-site sewage systems
  • establishes the qualification and registration requirements in Ontario for certain building practitioners

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