Inconsistencies in applications for building permit have been indicated insofar as how BC related data was being communicated from Architects to municipal Building Officials.

This Practice Tip focuses on information to be provided, as applicable, on a set of drawings submitted for building permit application.

Locating the information in a conspicuous place on the drawings not only expedites the building official’s review of the application but also informs others involved with the project (e.g. contractors, trades, consultants, etc.) about applicable BC related issues.

Although the attached matrix and information specifically refers to the Ontario 2006 Building Code, similar procedures can be used for projects governed by the National Building Code.

• Establish in your practice a system that facilitates retrieval of the information to be shown on the application for building permit. This information is ascertained in the early design stages through your code analysis and confirmed through the design development and construction drawing stages.
• Consider using the BC data matrix as your base standard, adapted as required to meet the specific requirements of each project.
• Establish a location for BC data on the drawings (one of the top sheets is considered best) and make this your office standard.
• Coordinate with the mechanical, electrical and structural engineering consultants and share with them the data based on your code analysis.
• Request that they similarly include on their drawings BC related data pertinent to their disciplines, in accordance with the standards of their profession and specific to the project.
• If the data matrix is not located on the drawings (e.g. in a project booklet) ensure that the building name and address as well as your project number and date of issuance are inserted at the top of the matrix.
• Add exit capacity calculations either on the same drawing sheet as the matrix or separately, confirming that the exit capacity exceeds the occupant load
• It may be preferable to provide more than one matrix chart for complex projects in order to provide the required information with clarity. (e.g. underground parking garage Part 3; and townhouse Part 9 on same site). Adapt the matrix to clearly describe the project.
• Add plumbing fixture calculations either on the same drawing sheet as the matrix or separately, confirming that the number of plumbing fixtures provided is not less than required by the occupant loads for the various occupancies. It may be necessary to provide a breakdown of the various occupancies in order to provide the required information with clarity. Adapt the matrix to clearly describe the project.

Note: Where there is an occupancy change under Part 11, Section 3.7 applies and may require an adjustment of the required number of plumbing fixtures due to the change in occupancy or specific use within an occupancy.

• Note code references under Parts 3 and 9 have been added to assist in checking requirements. You may prefer to omit these references and refer to only those specific sections that apply, or, in the alternative, you may prefer to omit them entirely. Customize the matrix to suit the project’s specific needs.
• Don’t forget to check the reference numbers every time there is a code change.

Refer to Building Code Data Matrix Parts 3 & 9: (Word) (PDF)
    
This matrix represents selected elements from your detailed code analysis and presents a quick overview to the municipal Building Official of the key BC factors concerning your design.
     
Item No.
1. Check whether the work will be regulated by Part 3, 9 or 11. Review the BC data matrix and set out a brief description of the project. (e.g. Lester Pearson Elementary School) Check whether the project is new or an alteration and/or addition. Identify if the use is changed.

2. Identify the major occupancy(s).

3, 4. Enter the building area and gross floor area in the spaces provided, and enter extent of new and existing. If a portion of the building is to be demolished, enter in the “existing” space only that portion which is to remain, such that the total of new and existing is the area of the final project.

5. Identify and enter the number of storeys above and below grade, and the height of the building.

6. Enter number of streets and fire access routes.     
   
7. Enter the BC building classification.     
    
8, 9, Obtain information from engineer and check the appropriate box.      
    
10, 11. 12. Check the appropriate “yes” or “no” box in regard to whether the building is a high rise building or not.      
   
13. Enter the permitted and actual combustible/non-combustible construction information.     
    
14. Note whether there are mezzanines, how many, where, and their areas – if none – enter N/A.       
     
15. Provide design information as to the occupancy and occupant load per floor and method of calculation. If insufficient space at item 15, list occupancies in a separate table identifying occupancy and occupancy load per floor. Cross reference to this table should be noted at item 15 of the matrix.      
     
16. Check appropriate box for barrier-free design, and if “no” is checked, provide an explanation of why not.     
     
17. Check appropriate box in regard to hazardous substances to be used in connection with any of the occupancies in the project.       
     
18. Enter in the spaces provided, the fire resistance rating required for floors, roofs and mezzanines, as well as the supporting members for these. In addition, enter the listed design numbers (e.g. ULC) of description for the horizontal assemblies and their supporting members. Note that fire resistance ratings may change for different major occupancies in the building. If the table in the matrix will not accommodate the building, prepare a separate table and/or schematic plan and cross reference accordingly.        
       
19. Establish the Project North orientation if different from the Compass North, and identify both on site plan. Enter the spatial separation information in the appropriate columns for each elevation where applicable. Identify Exposed Building Face (EBF), Limiting Distance (L.D.), Length (L) and Height (H) of building in appropriate columns. Utilize a separate table for spatial calculations if the project is more complex than can be accommodated by the table in item 19. Cross reference accordingly to the separate table.      
        
20. Provide design information as to the occupancy, occupant load male/female ratio, and plumbing fixtures required and provided.      
             
21. Enter other information that, in your professional judgment, will assist in expediting issuance of building permit.     
      
Refer to
Building Code Data Matrix- Part 11- Renovations of Existing Buildings: (Word) (PDF)      
          
This matrix, used in conjunction with the matrix for Part 3 and 9, represents selected elements from your detailed code analysis and presents a quick overview to the municipal building official of the key BC factors concerning your design.      
     
Item No.
11.1 After having ascertained that your project is regulated by Part 11, complete the information regarding existing building classification.      
     
11.2 Identify extent of alteration as indicated.       
        
11.3 Identify reduction (if any) in performance level as indicated. Obtain necessary information regarding structural, plumbing and sewage systems from engineers.     
        
11.4 Enter information regarding compensating construction if and where applicable.       
         
11.5 Identify if compliance alternatives are proposed, and if they are, enter the appropriate numbers.

2006 Building Code

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