Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 629, Property Standards: August 15, 2022
Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 629, Property Standards: August 15, 2022
Chapter 629
PROPERTY STANDARDS
ARTICLE I
Definitions; Application
§ 629-1. Definitions.
§ 629-2. Application.
ARTICLE II
Property Standards Committee
§ 629-43. Definitions.
§ 629-44. Minimum standards.
§ 629-45. Repair of heritage attributes.
§ 629-50. Transition.
Schedule A-1 Alert Sign
Schedule A-2 Large Safe-Exit Arrow
Schedule A-3 Small Safe-Exit Arrow
Schedule A-4 Reserved
Schedule A-5 Reserved
[History: Adopted by the Council of the City of Toronto 2000-10-05 by By-law No. 930-
2000. 1 Amendments noted where applicable.]
1
Editor's Note: This by-law was passed under the authority of subsections 15.1(3) and 15.1(6) of the Building Code Act, 1992, S.O. 1992,
c. 23. This By-law No. 930-2000 comes into effect January 1, 2001. Section 45, Repeal of by-laws, of this by-law provided that, except for
the purposes set out in §§ 629-3 and 629-50, the following are repealed: former Borough of East York By-law No. 39-90, "To provide
standards for the maintenance and occupancy of property in the Borough of East York," as amended; former City of Etobicoke
Municipal Code Chapter 198, Property Maintenance and Minimum Standards; former City of North York "Property Standards By-law
No. 31148," as amended; former City of Scarborough By-law No. 20483, "being a by-law prescribing standards for the maintenance and
occupancy of property," as amended; former City of Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 210, Housing Standards, and Article II, Non-
Residential Standards, and Article IV, Vacant Land, of Chapter 264, Property Maintenance; former City of York By-law No. 3180-95,
"To provide basic and uniform standards governing the condition and maintenance of properties in the City of York, and establishing
reasonable safeguards for the safety, health and welfare of the occupants and users thereof," as amended and as codified in Former City
of York Municipal Code Property Maintenance Chapter 824, PROPERTY MAINTENANCE. In addition, By-law No. 559-2004, adopted
June 24, 2004, which amended this chapter, also repealed Ch. 151, Buildings, Vacant, of the former City of Toronto Municipal Code.
General References
ARTICLE I
Definitions; Application
§ 629-1. Definitions.
[Amended 2022-06-16 by By-law 577-2022 2]
A. As used in this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated:
ACCESSORY BUILDING - A subordinate building or structure that is devoted exclusively
to the use naturally and normally incidental to the main use of the property and is located in
a yard appurtenant to the main building.
ACCESS TO EXIT - The same meaning as in Article 1.4.1.2. of Division A of the Building
Code, that is noted as follows for reference purposes only and is subject to Subsection C:
[Added 2010-08-27 by By-law No. 974-2010]
(1) ACCESS TO EXIT - That part of a means of egress within a floor area that provides
access to an exit serving the floor area.
BASEMENT - A storey of a dwelling which is below ground level, and includes a cellar.
BUILDING AREA - The greatest horizontal area of a building above grade: [Added 2008-
04-29 by By-law No. 349-2008]
(1) Within the outside surface of exterior walls; or
(2) Within the outside surface of exterior walls and the centre line of firewalls.
DWELLING - A building or structure, or any part of it, occupied or capable of being
lawfully occupied, in whole or in part, for the purpose of human habitation and includes a
dwelling unit and a building that would be used for this purpose except for its state of
disrepair.
2
Editor's Note: The definition of "vehicle" was deleted June 16, 2022 by By-law 577-2022.
EXIT - The same meaning as in Article 1.4.1.2. of Division A of the Building Code, that is
noted as follows for reference purposes only and is subject to Subsection C: [Added 2010-
08-27 by By-law No. 974-2010]
(1) EXIT - That part of a means of egress, including doorways, that leads from the floor
area it serves to a separate building, an open public thoroughfare or an exterior open
space protected from fire exposure from the building and having access to an open
public thoroughfare.
GROUND COVER - Any suitable material applied to the ground to prevent erosion of the
soil and includes concrete, flagstone, gravel, asphalt, grass, brick, artificial turf or other
form of landscaping. [Amended 2022-06-16 by By-law 577-2022]
GUARD - A protective barrier, with or without openings through it, that is around openings
in floors or at the open sides of stairs, landings, balconies, mezzanines, galleries, raised
walkways, or other locations to prevent accidental falls from one level to another. [Added
2008-04-29 by By-law No. 349-2008]
HABITABLE ROOM - A room in a dwelling designed, lawfully used or capable of being
lawfully used for living, sleeping, cooking or eating purposes.
HANDRAIL - A continuously graspable rail forming the top part of a balustrade or guard
on stairs, landings, raised walkways and ramps adhered to a wall or a guard forming part of
the stair, landing, walkway or ramp intended to provide guidance and support to the user
and to arrest falls. [Added 2008-04-29 by By-law No. 349-2008]
MERCANTILE OCCUPANCY - The occupancy or use of a building or part of a building
for the displaying or selling of retail goods, wares or merchandise. [Added 2009-05-27 by
By-law No. 570-2009 3]
MIXED-USE BUILDING - A building lawfully used in part for residential purposes and in
part for non-residential purposes.
MOTION SENSOR CONTROLLED SWITCH - An electrical control device activated by
movement within a defined area, for the purpose of operating one or more electrical
fixtures. [Added 2010-08-27 by By-law No. 974-2010]
MOTORIZED VEHICLE - Includes a motor vehicle, trailer, traction engine, farm tractor,
road-building machine, E-Bike and any vehicle drawn, propelled or driven by any kind of
power, except those drawn, propelled or driven by muscular power. [Added 2022-06-16 by
By-law 577-2022]
MULTIPLE-DWELLING - A building or part of a building containing three or more
dwelling units.
NON-HABITABLE FLOOR AREA:
(1) A room in a building or a dwelling unit other than a habitable room, and includes:
3
Editor's Note: This by-law came into force July 27, 2009.
(a) A bathroom, toilet room, laundry, pantry, lobby, corridor, stairway, closet or
boiler room.
(b) Any part of a room having a clear ceiling height of less than 1.4 metres.
(2) Other service and maintenance space of a dwelling for public use or access to and
vertical travel between storeys.
NON-MOTORIZED VEHICLE - Includes a bicycle, scooter and any vehicle drawn,
propelled or driven by muscular power. [Added 2022-06-16 by By-law 577-2022]
NON-RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY - Land, a building or structure used or capable of being
used for other than residential purposes.
NULL ZONE - Where the artificial lighting for a space is controlled by one or more
motion sensors, a portion of the space that does not receive sensor coverage from a motion
sensor. [Added 2010-08-27 by By-law No. 974-2010]
OCCUPANCY - The use or intended use of a building or part of a building for the shelter
or support of persons, animals or property as established by the Building Code. [Added
2008-04-29 by By-law No. 349-2008]
OCCUPANT, OWNER, PROPERTY and REPAIR - The same meanings as in subsection
15.1(1) of the Building Code Act, 1992. These meanings are noted as follows, for reference
purposes only, and are subject to Subsection C:
(1) OCCUPANT - Any person or persons over the age of 18 years in possession of the
property.
(2) OWNER - Includes:
(a) The person for the time being managing or receiving the rent of the land or
premises in connection with which the word is used, whether on the person's
own account or as agent or trustee of any other person, or who would receive
the rent if the land and premises were let; and
(b) A lessee or occupant of the property who, under the terms of a lease, is required
to repair and maintain the property in accordance with the standards for the
maintenance and occupancy of property.
(3) PROPERTY - A building or structure or part of a building or structure, and includes
the lands and premises appurtenant thereto and all mobile homes, mobile buildings,
mobile structures, outbuildings, fences and erections thereon whether heretofore or
hereafter erected, and includes vacant property.
(4) REPAIR - Includes the provision of facilities, the making of additions or alterations
or the taking of any other action that may be required to ensure that a property
conforms with the standards established in a by-law passed under this section.
PEST - A mammal, bird or insect infestation injurious to humans or property, including but
not limited to rats, mice, bats, ants, cockroaches, silverfish, fleas, or bedbugs, but does not
include any species designated under the Species at Risk Act or Endangered Species Act,
2007. [Added 2022-06-16 by By-law 577-2022]
§ 629-2. Application.
This chapter applies to all property in the City of Toronto.
4
Editor's Note: This by-law came into force July 27, 2009.
5
Editor's Note: This by-law came into force July 27, 2009.
ARTICLE II
Property Standards Committee
§ 629-3.1. Members.
A. The Property Standards Committee shall be composed of 16 members with four members
assigned to each Committee Hearing Panel from time to time under the Property Standards
Committee's rules of procedure.
B. The members of the Property Standards Committee shall be appointed for a term specified
by Council, and serve at pleasure of Council until their successors are appointed.
[Amended 2015-07-09 by By-law No. 825-2015]
C. Reserved. 7
D. Members shall be at least 18 years old, Canadian citizens or landed immigrants and either
residents or municipal taxpayers of the City.
E. Members shall not act as agents for any person on their appeal of an order to the Property
Standards Committee.
6
Editor's Note: This by-law came into force January 1, 2002.
7
Editor's Note: Subsection C was deleted July 9, 2015 by By-law No. 825-2015.
ARTICLE III
General Duties and Obligations
8
Editor's Note: This by-law came into force July 27, 2009.
9
Editor's Note: This by-law came into force July 27, 2009.
ARTICLE IV
Standards
10
Editor's Note: By-law No. 800-2006 came into force January 1, 2007.
11
Editor's Note: By-law No. 599-2013 came into force September 1, 2013.
(2) Subject to § 395-3 of Chapter 395, Clothing Drop Boxes, an owner of property shall
not erect, display, locate or place or allow to be erected, displayed, located or placed
on his or her property unless:
(a) A permit has been obtained under Chapter 395, Clothing Drop Boxes;
(b) The permit number or permit is displayed on the clothing drop box;
(c) The clothing drop box is erected, displayed, located or placed in compliance
with Chapter 395, Clothing Drop Boxes and any other applicable by-law; and
(d) The clothing drop box is placed in the location for which the permit was
granted.
(3) An owner of property upon which a clothing drop box is placed that is in
contravention of this subsection or Chapter 395, Clothing Drop Boxes, may be
ordered to take any necessary action to remedy the contravention, including the
removal of the clothing drop box from the property.
§ 629-11. Landscaping, drainage and grading.
A. All yards shall be graded and have suitable ground cover to prevent recurrent ponding of
water, unstable soil conditions or erosion, and so as to direct the flow of surface water
away from the walls of all buildings. [Amended 2004-06-24 by By-law No. 559-2004]
A.1. Despite Subsection A, the front yard of a residential property, other than a multiple-
dwelling or a mixed-use building, shall be maintained as follows: [Added 2004-06-24 by
By-law No. 559-2004]
(1) Graded so as to prevent recurrent ponding of water and direct the surface water away
from the building.
(2) Not used or maintained for parking purposes, except for the areas required or
permitted to be used for parking under any applicable zoning by-law or permitted to
be used for parking by a minor variance to a zoning by-law or an agreement with the
City.
(3) Landscaped, so as to prevent unstable soil conditions or erosion, with any
combination of the following:
(a) Trees, shrubs, grass or flowers;
(b) Decorative stonework, walkways or screening; and
(c) Any other horticultural or landscape-architectural elements.
(4) If paving is permitted as landscaping under the provisions of a zoning by-law, any
hard surface paved area must be separated from adjacent driveways and walkways
with a physical barrier, not less than 150 millimetres above grade.
B. Where grass forms part of the ground cover, it shall be maintained in a living condition and
at a height of not more than 20 centimetres.
C. All lawns, shrubs and hedges shall be kept trimmed and not be overgrown.
D. All yards shall be kept free of heavy undergrowth and weeds.
E. A tree or other plant, or a limb or branch of it, that is dead, diseased, decayed or damaged
shall be removed from the property or otherwise pruned to remove the dead, diseased,
dying or dangerous portions of the tree or plant. [Amended 2022-06-16 by By-law 577-
2022]
F. All hedges, shrubs, trees or other plants shall be planted and maintained in a manner that
does not:
(1) Obstruct the safety of the public;
(2) Affect the safety of vehicular or pedestrian traffic;
(3) Constitute an obstruction of view for vehicular traffic;
(4) Wholly or partially conceal or interfere with the use of any hydrant or water valves;
or
(5) Overhang or encroach upon any pavement, sidewalk or travelled portion of any street
or highway.
G. All catch basins, storm drains, ditches and swales shall be maintained free from defects and
obstructions.
§ 629-13. Enclosures.
All fences, screens and other enclosures around or on a property shall be maintained in a structurally
sound condition and plumb, unless specifically designed to be other than vertical, with a uniform
construction, in good repair and free from hazards.
§ 629-15. Signs. 12
A. Signs and any fastening or supporting members that are damaged, broken or excessively
weathered or faded, or that have a worn, peeled or cracked finish, shall be removed or
12
Editor's Note: See also Ch. 693, Signs.
refinished and put in a good state of repair so that the signs are free from defects or faded
lettering.
B. Signs and sign structures that are not used for the purpose intended, not cared for or discarded
shall be removed from the property.
C. Signs shall be maintained so that the information conveyed by the sign by colour, form,
graphic, illumination, symbol or writing is clearly legible.
§ 629-17. Buffering.
Property that, because of its use, occupancy or other reasons, creates a nuisance to other
properties in the neighbourhood shall be buffered from these properties so as to minimize the
effect of the nuisance by the provision and maintenance of:
A. A barrier or deflectors to prevent lighting and motorized and non-motorized vehicle
headlights from shining directly into a dwelling unit; [Amended 2022-06-16 by By-law
577-2022]
B. A barrier to prevent wind-blown waste, wrappings, debris and similar things from littering
or settling on adjacent properties;
C. A visual screen or fence, of uniform construction and appropriate to the nature of the
adjacent use, to minimize the visual impact of nuisances to persons at grade on adjacent
properties or a public highway; and
D. The provision and maintenance of a barrier of sufficient size and strength to prevent the
dumping of debris or refuse in yards or vacant property.
B. The protective or decorative finishes of all exterior surfaces shall be maintained in good
repair so as to prevent deterioration that affects the appearance of the building or structure.
C. Markings, stains, graffiti, painted slogans, smoke damage or other markings or defacement
appearing on any exterior surface shall be removed, and, if necessary to maintain the
exterior surface, the surface of these areas shall be restored, resurfaced and co-ordinated to
the exterior finish of the building or structure.
D. All canopies, marquees, signs, awnings, screens, grilles, stairways, pipes, ducts, standpipes,
air conditioners and all similar equipment, attachments and their supporting members shall
be maintained in good repair, properly anchored and protected from the elements, so as to
prevent decay and rust, by paint or other protective coating.
13
Editor's Note: This by-law came into force April 29, 2008.
14
Editor's Note: This by-law came into force April 29, 2008.
galleries and raised walkways, shall be protected by a guard on each side that is
not protected by a wall for the length where:
[1] There is a difference in elevation of more than 600 millimetres between
the walking surface and the adjacent surface; or
[2] The adjacent surface within 1.2 metres from the walking surface has a
slope of more than one vertical to two horizontal.
(b) Guards are not required:
[1] At loading docks;
[2] At floor pits in repair garages; or
[3] Where access is provided for maintenance purposes only.
(c) When an interior stair has more than two risers or an interior ramp rises more
than 400 millimetres, the sides of the stair or ramp and the landing or floor level
around the stairwell or ramp shall be protected by a guard on each side that is
not protected by a wall.
(2) Height of guards.
(a) Except as provided in Subsection C(2)(b) to (d), all guards shall be not less than
1,070 millimetres high.
(b) All guards within dwelling units shall be not less than 900 millimetres high.
(c) Exterior guards serving not more than one dwelling unit shall be not less than
900 millimetres high where the walking surface served by the guard is not more
than 1,800 millimetres above the finished ground level.
(d) Guards for flights of steps, except in required exit stairs, shall be not less than
900 millimetres high.
(e) The height of guards for flights of steps shall be measured vertically from a line
drawn through the leading edge of the treads served by the guard.
(3) Except for floors of garages serving a single dwelling unit, where garage floors or
ramps are 600 millimetres or more above the adjacent ground or floor level, every
opening through a garage floor and the perimeter of floors and ramps that have no
exterior walls shall be provided with:
(a) A continuous curb not less than 150 millimetres in height; and
(b) A guard not less than 1,070 millimetres above the floor level.
(4) Openings in guards.
(a) Except as provided in Subsection C(4)(b), openings through any guard that is
required by Subsection C(1) shall be of a size that will prevent the passage of a
spherical object having a diameter of 100 millimetres unless it can be shown
that the location and size of openings that exceed this limit do not represent a
hazard.
(b) Openings through any guard that is required by Subsection C(4), and that is
installed in a building of industrial occupancy, shall be of a size that will
prevent the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 200 millimetres
unless it can be shown that the location and size of such openings that exceed
this limit do not represent a hazard.
(c) Unless it can be shown that the location and size of openings that do not comply
with the following limits do not represent a hazard, openings through any guard
that is not required by Subsection C(1), and that serves a building of other than
industrial occupancy, shall be of a size that:
[1] Will prevent the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 100
millimetres; or
[2] Will permit the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 200
millimetres.
(5) Climbing prevention in guard design.
(a) Guards required by Subsection C(1), except those in industrial occupancies and
where it can be shown that the location and size of openings do not represent a
hazard, shall be designed so that no member, attachment or opening will
facilitate climbing.
(b) Guards shall be deemed to comply with Subsection C(5)(a) where any elements
protruding from the vertical and located within the area between 140
millimetres and 900 millimetres above the floor or walking surface protected by
the guard:
[1] Are located more than 450 millimetres horizontally and vertically from
each other;
[2] Provide not more than 15 millimetres horizontal offset;
[3] Do not provide a toe-space more than 45 millimetres horizontally and 20
millimetres vertically; or
[4] Present more than a slope of one vertical to two horizontal slope on the
offset.
(6) Glass in guards shall be:
(a) Safety glass of the laminated or tempered type conforming to CAN/CGSB-12.1-
M, "Tempered or Laminated Safety Glass"; or
(b) Wired glass conforming to CAN/CGSB-12.11-M, "Wired Safety Glass."
(7) Loads on guards.
(a) Guards shall be designed to resist the loads specified in Table § 629-19C(7).
(b) Where the width and spacing of balusters in guards within dwelling units and
exterior guards serving not more than two dwelling units is such that three
balusters can be engaged by a load imposed over the three-hundred-millimetre
width, the load shall be imposed so as to engage three balusters.
(c) None of the loads specified in Table § 629-19C(7) need to be considered to act
simultaneously.
(d) For guards within dwelling units and for exterior guards serving not more than
two dwelling units, Table § 629-19C(7) need not apply where the guard
construction has been demonstrated to provide effective performance.
Table § 629-19C(7)
Specified Loads for Guards
Forming part of Subsection C(7)(a)
Minimum Design Loads
Horizontal
Load Applied Horizontal Load
Inward or Applied Inward or
Outward at Outward on Elements Evenly Distributed
any Point at Within the Guard, Vertical Load
Location of the Top of the Including Solid Panels Applied at the Top
Guard Guard and Pickets of the Guard
applied at any
point (a)
Notes to Table § 629-19C(7).
(a)
The load that creates the most critical condition shall apply.
(b)
See Subsection C(7)(b).
D. Guards for all buildings exceeding three storeys in building height or having a building
area exceeding 600 square metres or used for other occupancies not described in
Subsection C shall be installed and maintained to comply with the following: [Added
2008-04-29 by By-law No. 349-2008; amended 2008-09-25 by By-law No. 983-2008; 15
2009-10-01 by By-law No. 932-2009 16]
(1) Safety within all floor areas.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a guard not less than 1,070
millimetres high shall be provided:
[1] Around each roof to which access is provided for other than maintenance;
[2] At openings into smoke shafts that are less than 1,070 millimetres above
the floor; and
[3] At each raised floor, mezzanine, balcony, gallery, interior or exterior
vehicular ramp, and at other locations where the difference in level is more
than 600 millimetres.
(b) Except as provided in Subsection D(1)(c) and (2)(d), openings through any
guard that is required by Subsection D(1)(a) shall be of a size that will prevent
the passage of a sphere having a diameter more than 100 millimetres unless it
can be shown that the location and size of openings that exceed this limit do not
represent a hazard.
(c) Openings through any guard that is required by Subsection D(1)(a) and that is
installed in a building of industrial occupancy shall be of a size which will
prevent the passage of a sphere having a diameter more than 200 millimetres
unless it can be shown that the location and size of openings that exceed this
limit do not represent a hazard.
(d) Openings through any guard that is not required by Subsection D(1)(a) and that
serves a building of other than industrial occupancy shall be of a size that:
[1] Will prevent the passage of a sphere having a diameter more than 100
millimetres; or
[2] Will permit the passage of a sphere having a diameter more than 200
millimetres unless it can be shown that the location and size of openings
that exceed these limits do not represent a hazard.
15
Editor's Note: This by-law came into force April 29, 2008.
16
Editor's Note: This by-law came into force April 29, 2008.
(e) Unless it can be shown that the location and size of openings do not present a
hazard, a guard shall be designed so that no member, attachment or opening
located between 140 millimetres and 900 millimetres above the level protected
by the guard will facilitate climbing.
(f) Subsection D(1)(a) does not apply at the front edges of stages, floor pits in
repair garages and loading docks.
(2) Assembly occupancy.
(a) Except as required by Subsection D(2)(c) to (d) for bleacher seats, guards shall
be installed in outdoor and indoor places of assembly with fixed seats so that:
[1] At the fascia of every box, balcony or gallery where the seats extend to the
edge, the height of guards is not less than 760 millimetres in front of the
seats, and 920 millimetres if located at the end of aisles or at the foot of
steps;
[2] The height of guards along every cross aisle other than those adjacent to
the fascia of every box, balcony or gallery is not less than 660 millimetres,
except that guards need not be provided if the backs of the seats along the
front side of the aisle are not less than 600 millimetres above the floor of
the aisle; and
[3] Where the seating is arranged in successive tiers and the height of rise
between platforms is more than 450 millimetres, the height of guards is
not less than 660 millimetres along the entire row of seats at the edge of
the platform.
(b) The backs and ends of bleacher seats more than 1,200 millimetres above the
ground or floor that are not adjacent to a wall shall be protected with a guard:
[1] Not less than 1,070 millimetres high above an adjacent aisle surface or
foot rest; and
[2] Not less than 920 millimetres high above the centre of an adjacent seat
board.
(c) If the front of a bleacher is more than 600 millimetres above the ground or floor,
it shall be protected with a guard not less than 840 millimetres high above the
front foot rest.
(d) Openings through any guard that is required by Subsection D(2)(b) and (c) shall
be of a size that will prevent the passage of a sphere having a diameter more
than 300 millimetres.
(3) Exit facilities.
(a) Every exit shall have a wall or a well-secured guard on each side.
(b) Except as required by Subsection D(3)(d), the height of guards for exit stairs
shall be not less than 920 millimetres measured vertically to the top of the guard
from a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosings and 1,070
millimetres around landings.
(c) Exit ramps and their landings shall be protected with guards not less than 1,070
millimetres measured vertically to the top of the guard from the ramp surface
where the difference in elevation between the adjacent ground or floor level and
the ramp is more than 600 millimetres.
(d) The height of guards for exterior stairs and landings more than 10 metres above
adjacent ground level shall be not less than 1,500 millimetres measured
vertically to the top of the guard from the surface of the landing or a line drawn
through the outside edges of the stair nosings.
(e) Except as provided in Subsection D(3)(f), openings through any guard that is
required by Subsection D(3)(a) shall be of a size that will prevent the passage of
a sphere having a diameter more than 100 millimetres unless it can be shown
that the location and size of openings that exceed this limit do not represent a
hazard.
(f) Openings through any guard that is required by Subsection (D)(3)(a) and that is
installed in a building of industrial occupancy shall be of a size that will prevent
the passage of a sphere having a diameter more than 200 millimetres unless it
can be shown that the location and size of openings that exceed this limit do not
represent a hazard.
(g) In a stairway, a window for which the distance measured vertically between the
bottom of the window and a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair
nosings is less than 900 millimetres, or a window that extends to less than 1,070
millimetres above the landing, shall:
[1] Be protected by a guard that is:
[a] Located approximately 900 millimetres above a line drawn through
the outside edges of the stair nosing; or
[b] Not less than 1,070 millimetres high measured to the top of the
guard from the surface of the landing; or
[2] Be fixed in position and designed to resist the lateral design loads
specified for guards and walls in accordance with Subsection D(5).
(h) Unless it can be shown that the location and size of openings do not present a
hazard, a guard shall be designed so that no member, attachment or opening
located between 140 millimetres and 900 millimetres above the level being
protected by the guard will facilitate climbing.
(4) Window protection in apartment buildings.
(a) Within apartment building occupancies, as described in accordance with the
Building Code, protection shall be provided at windows to minimize the hazards
to children in accordance with Subsection D(4)(b) to (d).
(b) Fixed windows within dwelling units that extend to less than 1,000 millimetres
from the floor shall be protected by guards to at least 1,000 millimetres above
the floor, or shall be designed to withstand the lateral design loads for balcony
guards in accordance with Subsection D(5).
(c) Except as provided in Subsection D(4)(d), in dwelling units, any window
located more than 2,000 millimetres above grade that opens within 1,500
millimetres of the floor shall be protected:
[1] By a guard conforming to Subsection D(5);
[2] By:
[a] A controlled sash operation to restrict, when engaged, the opening of
the operable sash to not more than 100 millimetres; and
[b] A heavy-duty screen conforming to CAN/CSA A440, "Windows"; or
[3] By an alternative device that does not reduce the degree of safety provided
by Subsection D(4)(c)[1] or [2].
(d) Protection of a window need not be provided in a dwelling unit where an
exterior balcony is constructed for the full length of a window.
(5) Loads on guards.
(a) The minimum specified horizontal load applied inward or outward at the top of
every required guard shall be:
[1] 3.0 kilonewtons per metre for means of egress in grandstands, stadia,
bleachers and arenas;
[2] A concentrated load of 1.0 kilonewtons applied at any point for
accessways to equipment platforms, contiguous stairs and similar areas
where the gathering of many people is improbable; and
[3] 0.75 kilonewtons per metre or a concentrated load of 1.0 kilonewtons
applied at any point, whichever governs for locations other than those
described in Subsection D(5)(a)[1] and [2].
(b) Individual elements within the guard, including solid panels and pickets, shall
be designed for a load of 0.5 kilonewtons applied over an area of 100
millimetres by 100 millimetres located at any point in the element or elements
so as to produce the most critical effect.
(c) The loads required in Subsection D(5)(b) need not be considered to act
simultaneously with the loads provided for in Subsection D(5)(a) and (d).
(d) The minimum specified load applied vertically at the top of every required
guard shall be 1.5 kilonewtons per square metre and need not be considered to
act simultaneously with the horizontal load provided for in Subsection D(5)(a).
(e) For loads on walls acting as guards where the floor elevation on one side of a
wall, including a wall around a shaft, is more than 600 millimetres higher than
the elevation of the floor or ground on the other side, the wall shall be designed
to resist the appropriate lateral design loads prescribed elsewhere in this section
or 0.5 kilopascals, whichever produces the more critical effect.
(f) Loads on vehicle guardrails for storage garages shall be designed for a
concentrated load of 22 kilonewtons applied horizontally outward at any point
500 millimetres above the floor surface.
E. Handrails for all buildings of three or fewer storeys in building height, having a building
area not exceeding 600 square metres and used for residential occupancies, business and
personal services occupancies, mercantile occupancies or medium- and low-industrial
occupancies shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the following: [Added
2008-04-29 by By-law No. 349-2008; amended 2009-10-01 by By-law No. 932-2009 17]
(1) Required handrails.
(a) Except as permitted in Subsection E(1)(b) and (c), a handrail shall be provided:
[1] On at least one side of stairs or ramps less than 1,100 millimetres in width;
[2] On two sides of curved stairs or ramps of any width, except curved stairs
within dwelling units; and
[3] On two sides of stairs or ramps 1,100 millimetres in width or greater.
(b) Handrails are not required for:
[1] Interior stairs having not more than two risers and serving a single
dwelling unit;
[2] Exterior stairs having not more than three risers and serving a single
dwelling unit;
[3] Ramps with a slope of not less than a slope of one vertical to 12
horizontal; or
[4] Ramps rising not more than 400 millimetres.
(c) Only one handrail is required on exterior stairs having more than three risers if
the stairs serve a single dwelling unit.
(2) Continuity of handrails.
(a) Except as provided in Subsection E(2)(b), at least one required handrail shall be
continuous throughout the length of the stair or ramp, including landings, except
where interrupted by:
[1] Doorways; or
17
Editor's Note: This by-law came into force April 29, 2008.
(a) Handrails and any building element that could be used as a handrail shall be
designed and attached in such a manner to resist:
[1] A concentrated load at any point of not less than 0.9 kilonewtons; and
[2] For handrails other than those serving a single dwelling unit, a uniformly
distributed load of 0.7 kilonewtons.
(b) Where a handrail serving a single dwelling unit is attached to wood studs or
blocking, the attachment shall be deemed to comply with Subsection E(7)(a)
where:
[1] The attachment points are spaced not more than 1.2 metres apart;
[2] The first attachment point at either end is located not more than 300
millimetres from the end of the handrail; and
[3] The fasteners consist of no fewer than two wood screws at each point,
penetrating not less than 32 millimetres into solid wood.
F. Handrails for all buildings exceeding three storeys in building height or having a building
area exceeding 600 square metres or used for other occupancies not described in
Subsection E shall be installed and maintained to comply with the following: [Added
2008-04-29 by By-law No. 349-2008; amended 2008-07-17 by By-law No. 719-2008; 18
2008-09-25 by By-law No. 983-2008; 19 2009-10-01 by By-law No. 932-2009 20]
(1) Exit facilities.
(a) A ramp or stairway shall have a handrail on at least one side, and if 1,100
millimetres or more in width, shall have handrails on both sides.
(b) If the required width of a ramp or flight of stairs is more than 2,200 millimetres,
one or more intermediate handrails continuous between landings shall be
provided, and located so that there will be not more than 1,650 millimetres
between handrails.
(c) Handrails shall be continuously graspable along their entire length and shall
have:
[1] A circular cross section with an outside diameter not less than 30
millimetres and not more than 43 millimetres; or
[2] Any non-circular shape with a graspable portion that has a perimeter not
less than 100 millimetres and not more than 125 millimetres and whose
largest cross-sectional dimension is not more than 45 millimetres.
(d) Handrails on stairs and ramps shall be not less than 865 millimetres and not
more than 965 millimetres high, measured vertically from a line drawn through
18
Editor's Note: This by-law came into force April 29, 2008.
19
Editor's Note: This by-law came into force April 29, 2008.
20
Editor's Note: This by-law came into force April 29, 2008.
the outside edges of the stair nosing or from the surface of the ramp, except that
handrails not meeting these requirements are permitted provided they are
installed in addition to the required handrail.
(e) Except as required by Subsection F(2) and except where interrupted by
doorways or newels at changes in direction, at least one handrail shall be
continuous throughout the length of a stairway or ramp, including landings.
(f) Handrails shall be terminated in a manner that will not obstruct pedestrian travel
or create a hazard.
(g) At least one handrail shall be:
[1] Not less than 300 millimetres beyond the top riser, and continue to slope
for a depth of one tread beyond the bottom riser followed by a three-
hundred-millimetre horizontal extension; and
[2] In the case of a ramp, extend horizontally at the required height, not less
than 300 millimetres beyond the top and bottom edges of the incline.
(h) The clearance between a handrail and any surface behind it shall be not less
than 50 millimetres.
(i) Handrails and their supports shall be designed and constructed to withstand the
loading values obtained from the non-concurrent application of:
[1] A concentrated load not less than 0.9 kilonewtons applied at any point and
in any direction for all handrails; and
[2] A uniform load not less than 0.7 kilonewtons per square metre applied in
any direction to handrails not located within dwelling units.
(j) A ramp shall have handrails on both sides.
(2) Care or detention occupancy.
(a) In a nursing home, a home for the aged and a care occupancy, a continuous
handrail shall be provided on both sides of a stairway throughout the length of
the stairway, including landings, except where a handrail is interrupted by
doorways or newels at changes in direction.
(b) Corridors and ramps used by residents in a nursing home shall be equipped with
handrails on each side conforming to Subsection F(1)(c), (d), (f), (g) and (h).
(1) Where a rain-water collection system is not provided, the drainage from all roof
surfaces of buildings shall discharge into an eavestrough or roof gutter and then into a
downpipe that discharges directly into the building drain or not more than 150
millimetres above grade.
(2) Any above-ground discharge from a downpipe or pipe shall be directed to discharge
and be contained on the property in a manner that is not likely to cause damage to any
adjoining property or create a hazardous condition on any stairway, walkway, street or
boulevard.
D. Every eavestrough, roof gutter, flashing and downpipe shall be protected by a suitable
finishing material and shall be maintained free from leaks, defects, obstructions and
hazards, water-tight and in good repair.
E. All aerials, satellite dishes, lightning arrestors, solar panels and other similar structures and
their supporting members shall be maintained in a safe condition and in good repair.
[Amended 2022-06-16 by By-law 577-2022]
F. Chimneys, smoke or vent stacks and other similar roof structures and their supporting
members shall be maintained in good repair and free from defects.
D. Glazed doors, windows and other transparent surfaces shall be kept reasonably clean in
order to permit unimpeded visibility and unrestricted passage of light. 21
21
Editor's Note: Former § 629-21E and F, requiring safety devices and guards for windows in multiple-dwelling units that are greater
than two metres above grade, which previously followed this subsection, were repealed April 29, 2008 by By-law No. 349-2008.
health or other hazard, or obstruct an emergency route, recreation facility, parking area,
driveway or walkway.
H. Screening of garbage and refuse on a property shall be a visual screen or fence, of uniform
construction and appropriate to the nature of the adjacent use, to minimize the visual
impact to persons at grade on adjacent properties or a public highway. [Amended 2022-06-
16 by By-law 577-2022; 2022-08-15 by By-law 1127-2022 22]
I. If an exterior bulk or roll-off container garbage disposal system is used, it shall be equipped
with covers or similar devices that are easily opened, but shall not be left open, except
when being loaded.
J. Any exterior bulk or roll-off garbage disposal system shall be large enough to contain all
garbage and refuse generated between collections and not be loaded beyond the top of the
container.
22
Editor's Note: By-law 1127-2022 is deemed to have come into force on June 16, 2022.
23
Editor's Note: Section 629-23B, respecting the clearing of snow and ice, was deleted June 16, 2022 by By-law 577-2022.
G. Any yards that have been previously covered with paving materials shall be repaired with
materials of the same composition and consistent with the original materials.
H. All areas of a property used for motorized vehicular traffic or the parking or storage of a
motorized or non-motorized vehicle shall be provided with secured curb stops or other
restraining devices to prevent vehicles from causing injury to any person or encroaching on
or causing damage to any property. [Amended 2022-06-16 by By-law 577-2022]
B. No basement or cellar space shall be used as a dwelling unit or as a habitable room unless
this use is otherwise permitted by law and complies with the other occupancy provisions in
this chapter.
C. The maximum number of persons living in a habitable room shall not exceed one person
for each nine square metres of habitable room floor area.
D. For the purposes of this section, the minimum height of a habitable room shall be 1.95
metres over at least 1/2 the floor area, and, for the purposes of Subsections E and F, any
floor area under a ceiling that is less than 1.4 metres in height shall not be counted in
computing the required minimum floor area of a room used for sleeping.
E. The minimum floor area of a room used by only one person for sleeping shall be six square
metres with the room having a minimum dimension on one side of two metres.
F. The minimum floor area of a room used by two or more persons for sleeping shall be four
square metres for each person so using the room.
F. Subsection D does not apply to entrance doors equipped with electronic or electrical
locking devices, entrance doors more than two metres above the adjacent grade and not
having direct access to grade via stairs, or exit doors not permitted by either the Ontario
Fire Code or the Ontario Building Code to have a locking device.
G. Doors shall afford the occupants of a dwelling unit with a reasonable degree of privacy and
safety and prevent the entry of draughts into the dwelling unit.
H. Shared locker and storage rooms in multiple-dwellings shall have a door that is equipped
with a locking device controlling access, and the door shall be kept locked in a closed
position except when access is being permitted. [Amended 2004-06-24 by By-law No.
559-2004]
§ 629-31. Elevators.
A. Elevators shall be maintained in a clean condition and certified to be in good working order
and in compliance with the Technical Safety and Standards Act, 2000. [Amended 2022-06-
16 by By-law 577-2022]
B. All elevator parts and appendages, including lighting fixtures, lamps, elevator buttons,
floor indicators and ventilation fans, shall be kept in good repair and operational.
24
Editor's Note: See also Ch. 835, Vital Services, Discontinuance of.
fails to pay the rates and, as a result of the non-payment, the service or utility is not 25
longer provided.
§ 629-33. Mail.
A. Every dwelling unit shall have a separate and secure mail box or mail receptacle that is
maintained in good repair at all times. [Amended 2004-06-24 by By-law No. 559-2004]
B. If a mail slot provides direct access into a dwelling unit, it shall be designed or located so
as to prevent access from the slot to unlock the doorknob or other locking device.
C. Access to mail rooms shall be maintained in good repair to ensure the security of the mail
25
Editor's Note: Technical amendment is required to change "not" to "no."
§ 629-36. Lighting.
[Amended 2004-06-24 by By-law No. 559-2004]
A. Adequate artificial light required to maintain the level of illumination shall be provided at
all times.
B. Interior lighting. [Amended 2008-04-29 by By-law No. 349-2008]
(1) Within all buildings of three or fewer storeys in building height, having a building
area not exceeding 600 square metres and used for residential occupancies, business
and personal services occupancies, mercantile occupancies or medium- and low-
industrial occupancies:
(a) Every exit other than an exit serving not more than one dwelling unit, public
corridor or corridor providing access to exit for the public shall be equipped to
provide illumination to an average level of not less than 50 lux at floor or tread
level and at all points such as angles and intersections at changes of level where
there are stairs or ramps.
(b) Emergency lighting shall be provided in:
[1] Exits;
[2] Principal routes providing access to exit in an open floor area;
[3] Corridors used by the public;
[4] Underground walkways; and
[5] Public corridors.
(c) Emergency lighting required in Subsection B(1)(b) shall be provided from a
source of energy separate from the electrical supply for the building.
(d) Lighting required in Subsection B(1)(b) shall be designed to be automatically
actuated for a period of not less than 30 minutes when the electric lighting in the
affected area is interrupted.
(e) Illumination from lighting required in Subsection B(1)(b) shall be provided to
average levels of not less than 10 lux at floor or tread level.
(f) Where incandescent lighting is provided, lighting equal to one watt per square
metre of floor area shall be considered to meet the requirement in Subsection
B(1)(e).
(g) Where self-contained emergency lighting units are used, they shall conform to
CSA C22.2 No. 141-M, "Unit Equipment for Emergency Lighting."
(h) Every public or service area in buildings, including a recreational camp and a
camp for housing of workers, shall have lighting outlets with fixtures controlled
by a wall switch or panel.
Table § 629-36B(1)
Lighting for Public Areas
Forming part of Subsection B(1)(i) and (j)
Storage rooms 50 5
Garages 50 5
(2) Within all buildings exceeding three storeys in building height or having a building
area exceeding 600 square metres or used for other occupancies not described in
Subsection B(1):
(a) An exit, a public corridor, a corridor providing access to exit for the public, a
corridor serving patients or residents in a care and treatment occupancy or care
occupancy, a corridor serving classrooms, an electrical equipment room, a
transformer vault and a hoistway pit shall be equipped to provide illumination to
an average level not less than 50 lux at floor or tread level and at angles and
intersections at changes of level where there are stairs or ramps.
(b) Rooms and spaces used by the public shall be illuminated as described in
Subsection B(1)(h), (i) and (j).
(c) Elevator machine rooms shall be equipped to provide illumination to an average
level of not less than 100 lux at floor level.
(d) Every place of assembly intended for the viewing of motion pictures or the
performing arts shall be equipped to provide an average level of illumination at
floor level in the aisles of not less than two lux during the viewing.
(e) Every area where food is intended to be processed, prepared or manufactured
and where equipment or utensils are intended to be cleaned shall be equipped to
provide illumination to a level of not less than 500 lux measured at the floor
level.
(f) Every storage room, dressing room, sanitary facility, service area and corridor
serving the areas in Subsection B(2)(e) shall be equipped to provide
illumination to a level of not less than 300 lux measured at the floor level.
(g) For shelf and rack storage systems walkways and platforms shall be equipped to
provide illumination to an average level not less than 50 lux at floor or tread
level and at angles and intersections at changes of level where there are stairs or
ramps.
(h) Emergency lighting shall be provided to an average level of illumination not
less than 10 lux at floor or tread level in:
[1] Exits;
[2] Principal routes providing access to exit in an open floor area and in
service rooms;
[3] Corridors used by the public;
[4] Corridors serving patients' or residents' sleeping rooms in a care and
treatment occupancy or care occupancy;
[5] Corridors serving classrooms;
[6] Underground walkways;
[7] Public corridors;
[8] Floor areas or parts of them where the public may congregate in assembly
occupancies intended for the production and viewing of the performing
arts or other assembly occupancies, having an occupant load of 60 or
more, other than arena-type or open-air assembly occupancies;
[9] Floor areas or parts of them in day-care centres where persons are cared
for;
(1) All interior lighting installed to provide the minimum level of illumination required
by this chapter may be on circuits controlled by motion sensor controlled switches,
except where the lighting circuit is:
(a) For an exit, including an exit stairway.
(b) Required to conform to Subsection B(2)(d).
(c) For emergency lighting.
(2) A motion sensor controlled switch permitted under Subsection H(1) shall:
(a) Be designed for fail-safe operation so that if the motion sensor controlled switch
fails, the electrical fixture that it controls activates.
(b) Be of a type, the operation of which is not impaired by the presence of smoke.
(c) Control an area that is not more than 240 square metres.
(d) If the illumination is for an access to exit:
[1] Maintain an average level of illumination of 10 lux at all times.
[2] Except as required under Subsection H(2)(d)[1], maintain the illumination
within its area of control active for not less than 15 minutes after the
activity that caused the lighting to activate has stopped or left its area of
control.
(e) If the illumination is for a space that is an access to exit from a residential area:
[1] Activate all lighting between vertical partitions in the space.
[2] Activate all lighting within the space within two seconds of any movement
either in or directly related to the area controlled by the motion sensor
control switch.
(f) Provide coverage to all of the space so that there are no null zones.
26
Editor's Note: This by-law came into force July 27, 2009.
(3) The plumbing system is kept in good working order, free from leaks or defects,
protected from freezing and kept in a clean and sanitary condition.
B. Every dwelling unit shall have an adequate supply of potable and running hot and cold
water from a source approved by the Medical Officer of Health.
C. Hot water supply and temperature control.
(1) Where a hot water supply is required by Subsection B, equipment shall be installed to
provide to every dwelling unit an adequate supply of service hot water with a
temperature range from 45 degrees Celsius to 60 degrees Celsius.
(2) Except as provided in Subsection C(3), the maximum temperature of hot water
supplied by fittings to fixtures in a residential occupancy shall not exceed 49 degrees
Celsius.
(3) Subsection C(2) does not apply to hot water supplied to installed dishwashers or
clothes washers.
(4) A water distribution system supplying hot water to any bathtub, shower or hand basin
that is accessible to a patient or resident in a care and treatment occupancy, a care
occupancy, a resident of a group home, home for special care or residence for
developmentally handicapped adults shall have one or more temperature gauges and
control devices that are:
(a) Accessible only to supervisory staff; and
(b) Capable of being adjusted to ensure that the temperature of the water supplied
to the fixtures does not exceed 49 degrees Celsius.
D. Every dwelling unit shall have at least one toilet, one wash basin, and one bathtub or
shower.
E. All plumbing fixtures provided under Subsection D shall be connected with an adequate
supply of potable, hot and cold running water, except that any water closet only needs to be
connected to a cold water supply.
F. A toilet equipped with adequate running water shall be installed, located and equipped to
afford privacy.
G. A properly connected wash basin shall be located in or adjacent to every room that contains
a toilet or urinal.
H. Basements or cellars that have concrete floors shall have an adequate number of trapped
floor drains that are maintained in good repair and connected to the sewage system.
I. The trapped floor drains required under Subsection H shall be screened with a metal grill or
other suitable material so as to effectively exclude rodents.
J. All sanitary facilities shall be kept clean and neat at all times.
K. Any sanitary facility in a building with a mercantile occupancy of more than 300 square
metres or an established occupancy load of more than nine persons, that is provided or
required for public use under the Building Code, predecessor legislation or another Act,
shall have the following signs: [Amended 2022-06-16 by By-law 577-2022]
(1) A sign posted on the door or entrance to the sanitary facility in a conspicuous manner,
that clearly indicates that it is a sanitary facility, that is in form and location
satisfactory to the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards; and
(2) Directional signs, which shall be displayed at one or more customer service counters,
attendant stations or cash register areas so that the location of the sanitary facilities
within the building or the part of the building with a mercantile occupancy is
prominently displayed.
L. For greater certainty, if Subsection K applies to a sanitary facility, the owner's duty under
§ 629-5B includes ensuring that the sanitary facility is available for the use of the
mercantile occupancy's customers at all times that the mercantile occupancy is open to the
public for business. [Amended 2021-12-17 by By-law 1033-2021 27]
M. Subsection L does not apply when a mercantile occupancy is staffed by a single operator or
attendant, and complying with the availability requirements in Subsection L would cause a
security problem.
27
Editor's Note: The amendment in By-law 1033-2021 is retroactive to July 27, 2009, the date By-law 570-2009 came into force.
28
Editor's Note: See also Chapter 497, Heating.
H. The devices provided under Subsection G shall be configured so as not to cause damage to
the walls or foundations or other parts of a building.
§ 629-39. Ventilation.
A. Adequate ventilation shall be provided to all areas of a building, and every ventilation
system or unit shall be regularly cleaned, kept in good repair and maintained in good
working condition at all times to ensure its proper operation.
B. If a system of mechanical ventilation is used in a dwelling, the system shall be capable of
completely changing the air in all rooms at least once per hour.
C. Ventilation shall be provided and maintained for every sanitary convenience room, either
by means of natural ventilation through openings directly to the outside air that are not less
than 0.09 square metre in size for each toilet and for each urinal, or by means of
mechanical ventilation that is capable of completely changing the air in the room at least
once per hour.
D. If a system of mechanical ventilation is operated that exhausts noxious fumes, gases, dust
or sawdust from a non-residential building, the discharge from the system shall terminate
above the roof line of the building and not less than three metres clear of any skylight,
window, ventilation or other opening into a building, and the system shall be operated in
such a way as not to constitute a nuisance.
E. If noxious fumes or gases are or could be present in a mixed-use building, ventilation shall
be provided to remove the noxious fumes or gases, and all surfaces separating the non-
residential portion from the residential portion of the building shall be of gas-tight
construction and maintained in a good state of repair to effectively prevent the passage of
noxious fumes or gases through the separation.
F. A parking or storage garage that has a capacity for more than five motorized vehicles shall
have a mechanical ventilation system capable of providing a supply of fresh air, and the
system shall remain on at all times unless otherwise controlled automatically by a carbon
monoxide detection system that is located so as to provide full protection. [Amended
2022-06-16 by By-law 577-2022]
G. Subsection F does not apply to an open-air storey of a parking or storage garage, if at least
25 percent of the total area of the perimeter walls of the storey is open to the outdoors in a
manner that will provide cross ventilation to the entire storey.
(1) Every ceiling, wall and column shall be painted white from 60 centimetres above
floor level; and
(2) The remaining portion of the wall and the column from floor level to a height of 60
centimetres shall be painted black. [Amended 2004-06-24 by By-law No. 559-2004;
2022-06-16 by By-law 577-2022]
C. No machinery, boats, motorized and non-motorized vehicles, trailers or parts of them that
are in a wrecked, discarded, dismantled, inoperative or abandoned condition, or junk or
rubbish shall be kept or allowed to remain in a parking or storage garage. [Amended 2022-
06-16 by By-law 577-2022]
(a) The building is equipped with a fire alarm system conforming to the Ontario
Building Code;
(b) The locking device is installed as an ancillary device to the fire alarm:
[1] Upon activation of the fire alarm signal;
[2] In the event of a power failure or ground fault; and
[3] Upon actuation of a manually operated switch accessible only to
authorized personnel manning a central control facility at all times that the
building is occupied;
(c) A manually activated signalling box for the fire alarm system is located on the
wall not more than 600 millimetres from the door;
(d) If, upon release, the locking device must be reactivated manually by the
actuation of the switch in Subsection D(5)(b)[3];
(e) A legible sign having the words EMERGENCY EXIT UNLOCKED BY FIRE
ALARM is permanently mounted on the exit door; and
(f) The lettering on the sign required in Subsection D(5)(e) is 25 millimetres high
with a five-millimetre stroke.
E. If more than one pedestrian exit door is required from a parking or storage garage, the exit
doors shall be located so that the travel distance to at least one exit door shall not be more
than: [Amended 2022-06-16 by By-law 577-2022]
(1) 61 metres in any parking or storage garage that is an open parking or storage garage
of not more than 10,000 square metres in building area and where no alternative use
is made above the garage;
(2) 45 metres in any parking or storage garage that is equipped with a sprinkler system;
and
(3) 30 metres in any parking or storage garage that is not equipped with a sprinkler
system.
F. In Subsection E, "travel distance" means the distance from any point in the floor area to an
exit measured along the path of exit travel.
G. Pedestrian exit doors shall be located and arranged so that they are clearly visible or their
locations are clearly indicated and they are accessible at all times.
H. Every door providing access to a parting or storage garage used or intended for use
exclusively by the residents of a multiple-dwelling for the storage or parking of motorized
vehicles shall be equipped with: [Amended 2022-06-16 by By-law 577-2022]
(1) A latch that will prevent entry to the garage except by the use of a key, coded card or
similar device; and
(2) A self-closing device designed to return the door to the closed and latched position
after each use.
I. If there is any conflict between Subsection H and the Ontario Fire Code or the Ontario
Building Code, the Codes prevail.
J. If an exit door required under this section does not open directly to the outside of a
building, the exit door must incorporate wired glass panels over 50 percent of its surface
unless it is also a door which is required to have a fire protection rating, in which case it
must incorporate the maximum coverage of wired glass panels allowed by the Ontario
Building Code.
K. If it is necessary to pass through a required exit door to obtain access to a lockable entrance
door to the building, all doors through which a person must pass or pass by from the first
required exit door to the outside of the building, except the lockable entrance door and the
door opening directly to the outside, must incorporate wired glass panels over 50 percent of
their surfaces.
L. If a door is required to incorporate wired glass panels under Subsection J or K, the door
shall conform with any requirements of the Ontario Building Code and the Ontario Fire
Code.
C. Large safe-exit arrows shall be displayed on safe-exit doors 1.5 metres above the floor,
measured from the centre of the arrow to the floor, with the arrow pointing down.
D. Where the placing of the arrows would have the effect of covering all or part of the glazed
portion of an exit door, the arrow may be displayed in an alternate location if the location
has been approved by the officer as meeting the general intent of this requirement.
E. All parking or storage garages shall have safe-exit routes designated in accordance with the
provisions of this chapter.
F. Small safe-exit arrows shall be prominently displayed on columns or walls 1.5 metres
above the floor, measured from the centre of the arrow to the floor:
(1) At least every 10 metres along the safe-exit route;
(2) At all safe-exit route decision points along the safe-exit route; and
(3) Wherever a safe-exit route crosses a traffic aisle.
G. A safe-exit door, the frame of a safe-exit door and the wall adjacent to the safe-exit door to
a distance of one metre on both sides of the frame and to a height of three metres above the
floor or to the soffit above the bulkhead over the door, shall be coloured green to match the
colour indicated by number 14193 in Federal Standard 595B COLORS, dated July 1994,
7690-01-162-2210 Fan Deck. [Amended 2004-06-24 by By-law No. 559-2004]
H. Alert signs shall be prominently displayed on columns or walls 2.1 metres above the floor,
measured from the top of the sign to the floor, so that there is one alert sign for every 25
parking stalls in the parking or storage garage, with the alert signs being evenly distributed
in the parking or storage garage, but located not more than 30 metres apart.
ARTICLE V
Heritage Property Standards
29
Editor's Note: This by-law also redesignated former Art. V, Transition, as Art. VI, and former § 629-43, Transition, as § 629-50.
(2) In a Minister's order made under section 34.5 of the Ontario Heritage Act and
identified as heritage attributes, values, reasons for designation or otherwise;
(3) In a by-law designating a heritage conservation district passed under section 41 of
the Ontario Heritage Act and identified as heritage attributes, values, reasons for
designation or otherwise; or
(4) In the supporting documentation required for a by-law designating a heritage
conservation district, including but not limited to a heritage conservation district
plan, assessment or inventory, and identified as heritage attributes, reasons for
designation or otherwise.
B. The elements, features or building components including, roofs, walls, floors, retaining
walls, foundations and independent interior structures and structural systems that hold up,
support or protect the heritage values and attributes and without which the heritage values
and attributes may be at risk.
PART IV HERITAGE PROPERTY - Real property, including all buildings and structures
thereon, that has been designated by the City under section 29 or by the Minister under
section 34.5 of the Ontario Heritage Act.
PART V HERITAGE PROPERTY - Real property, including all buildings and structures thereon,
located within a heritage conservation district that has been designated by the City under
section 41 of the Ontario Heritage Act.
PROPERTY - A building or structure or part of a building, or structure and includes the lands
and premises appurtenant thereto and all mobile homes, mobile buildings, mobile structures,
outbuildings, fences and erections thereon whether heretofore or hereafter erected, and includes
vacant property, Part IV Heritage Properties and Part V Heritage Properties.
(2) In a manner that maintains the design, colour, texture, grain or other distinctive
features of the heritage attribute;
(3) Using the same types of material as the original and in keeping with the design,
colour, texture, grain and any other distinctive features of the original; and
(4) Where the same types of material as the original are no longer available, using
alternative materials that replicate the design, colour, texture, grain or other
distinctive features and appearance of the original material.
(2) That is fastened securely in a manner that minimizes damage to the heritage attributes
and the historic fabric and is reversible;
(3) In a manner that minimizes visual impact.
C. Despite § 629-24B(2), no window, door or other opening on a Part IV heritage property or
Part V heritage property shall be secured by brick or masonry units held in place by mortar
unless required by a Municipal Standards Officer.
§ 629-49. Conflict.
If there is a conflict between this section and any other provision in this chapter or any other City
by-law, the provision that establishes the highest standard for the protection of heritage attributes
shall prevail.
ARTICLE V1
Orders, Appeals of Orders, Remedial Action, Certificates of Compliance, Powers to Enter
and Inspect, Offences and Penalties
30
Editor's Note: By-law 577-2022 renumbered former Article VI, Transition, and added a new Article VI, Orders, Appeals of Orders,
Remedial Action, Certificates of Compliance,Powers to Enter and Inspect, Offences and Penalties.
(2) If an order is served by registered mail, the service shall be deemed to have been
made on the fifth day after the day of mailing unless the person to whom the notice or
order is given or that person's agent for service establishes that, acting in good faith,
through absence, accident, illness or other unintentional cause the order was not
received until a later date.
(3) If an order is served by email, the service shall be deemed to have been made on the
day of sending unless:
(a) the order was sent after 5 p.m., in which case service shall be deemed to have
been made on the following day; or
(b) the person to whom the notice or order is given or that person's agent for service
establishes that, acting in good faith, through absence, accident, illness or other
unintentional cause, the notice was not received until a later date.
D. An order may be registered in the proper land registry office and, upon such registration,
any person acquiring any interest in the land subsequent to the registration of the order
shall be deemed to have been served with the order on the day on which the order was
served.
(3) the delay necessary to obtain the consent of the occupant or a warrant would result in
immediate danger to the health or safety of any person; or
(4) the entry is necessary to terminate a danger under Subsection 15.7(3) of the Building
Code.
C. For the purposes of an inspection under subsection A, an officer may:
(1) require the production for inspection of documents or things, including drawings or
specifications, that may be relevant to the property or any part of the property;
(2) inspect and remove documents or things relevant to the property or part of the
property for the purpose of making copies or extracts;
(3) require information from any person concerning a matter related to a property or part
of the property;
(4) be accompanied by a person who has special or expert knowledge in relation to a
property or part of a property;
(5) alone or in conjunction with a person possessing special or expert knowledge, make
examinations or take tests, samples or photographs necessary for the purposes of the
inspection; and
(6) order the owner of the property to take and supply at the owner's expense such tests
and samples as are specified in the order.
ARTICLE VII 31
Transition
§ 629-50. Transition.
A. A by-law listed in Section 45 32 continues to apply for purposes of any notice or order given
under the by-law until the work required by the notice or order is completed or any other
enforcement proceedings in respect of the notice or order have been concluded.
B. Where a person is alleged to have contravened a by-law listed in Section 45 before the date
this chapter comes into force, the by-law continues to apply for purposes of any
enforcement proceedings brought against the person until the proceedings have been
concluded.
C. A reference to a by-law listed in Section 45 in a former municipality's by-law shall be
deemed to be a reference to this chapter.
D. If an appeal of an order made under subsection 15.2(2) of the Building Code Act, 1992 to
the Housing Standards Committee of the former City of Toronto or the Property Standards
Committees of the former municipalities of the Borough of East York and the Cities of
Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough and York has not been heard before January 1, 2002,
the appeal shall be heard by a committee hearing panel that is responsible for all or part of
the geographic area in which the property is located. [Added 2001-12-06 by By-law No.
1068-2001 33]
31
Editor's Note: Former Article VI, Transition, was renumbered as Article VII on June 16, 2022 by By-law 577-2022]
32
Editor's Note: Section 45 listed all other by-laws repealed by this by-law. Upon codification, the information on repealed by-laws is set
forth in a footnote of the chapter history.
33
Editor's Note: This by-law came into force January 1, 2002.
Schedule A-1
Alert Sign
Schedule A-2
Large Safe-Exit Arrow
Schedule A-3
Small Safe-Exit Arrow
Schedule A-4
Reserved 34
34
Editor's Note: Schedule A-4, Universal Washroom Symbols, was deleted June 16, 2022 by By-law 577-2022. Schedule A-4 was
previously added 2009-05-27 by By-law 570-2009, which came into force July 27, 2009.
Schedule A-5
Reserved 35
35
Editor's Note: Schedule A-5, Directional Washroom Sign, was deleted June 16, 2022 by By-law 577-2022. Schedule A-5 was previously
added 2009-05-27 by By-law 570-2009, which came into force July 27, 2009.