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1997 OBC Reference: Sentence 3.8.2.1.(3)
The 1997 edition of the Ontario Building Code does not require a barrier-free path of travel within a suite of residential occupancy. However, if a balcony is provided for a dwelling unit, then access must be provided to the balcony in accordance with the requirements of Sentence 3.8.2.1.(3).
For the purposes of Sentence 3.8.2.1.(3), a roof deck or terrace is not a balcony. Therefore access to a roof deck or terrace is not required by Sentence 3.8.2.1.(3).
Many conventional designs for high-rise apartment buildings employ a concrete curb located at the door between the balcony and the interior of the apartment unit. The impact of the requirements of Sentence 3.8.2.1.(3) will be that either:
(1) the concrete curb will be modified or eliminated, or
(2) a ramp will be provided to permit access over the concrete curb.
In order to provide access to the balcony, a ramp need not comply with the requirements of Article 3.8.3.4, and the ramp is considered to be equivalent to the provisions of the 1997 Ontario Building Code, if it:
(a) does not exceed 200mm in height,
(b) has a maximum slope of 1:7.5, and
(c) has a width not less than the clear width of the door opening. This type of ramp does not require handrails or guards.
Issued: May 29, 1998
Rev. 2
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