Division B
Acceptable Solutions

Part 11 — Existing Buildings

Section 11.3. change beginAlternative Acceptable Solutions for Existing Conditions to Assist Rehabilitation

11.3.1. Application

11.3.1.1. Application of Alternative Acceptable Solutions for Existing Conditions
1) Except as permitted in Sentence (3), the alternative acceptable solutions provided in this Section are to be applied to existing conditions only and are not to be applied to new work which must comply with the requirements for new construction in other Parts of this By-law.
2) Where the building is a heritage building, the alternative acceptable solutions in Section 11.5 may be applied to existing conditions.
3) The alternative acceptable solutions provided in Subsection 11.3.2. do not apply to newly constructed buildings.
4) Alterations to newly constructed buildings, as determined by Sentence (3), shall comply to Parts 1 to 10 of Division B in Book I and Parts 1 to 2 of Division B in Book II.
11.3.1.2. Conditions for Using Alternative Acceptable Solutions
1) Where a building or a portion of a building is required to comply with this By-law under Subsection 11.2.1., the provisions contained in this Section may be applied as alternative acceptable solutions to those requirements contained elsewhere in this By-law, under the conditions specified in Sentences (2) to (7), provided the building was originally constructed pursuant to a building permit issued prior to July 1, 1994.
2) Except for additions and new construction, where Subsection 3.2.2. requires that the construction of a building be noncombustible, the applicable Article in Subsection 11.3.2. may be applied as an alternative provided all of the requirements of the Article have been met.
3) Except for additions and new construction, where the spatial separation and exposure protection requirements of Subsection 3.2.3. require that the exterior wall construction of a building to be noncombustible, Subsection 11.3.3. may be applied.
4) Where the fire containment measures of a building are deficient, Subsections 11.3.4. and 11.3.6. may be used as an alternative.
5) Where the exits in a building are deficient, Subsections 11.3.5. and 11.3.6. may be used as an alternative.
6) Where a building is sprinklered throughout, the applicable relaxations of Subsection 11.3.6. may be applied as an alternative.
7) Where a building is designated as a heritage building, alternate acceptable solutions as detailed in Section 11.5. may be applied.

11.3.2. Construction and Building Safety Alternatives

11.3.2.1. Group A1 up to 600 Auditorium Occupants
1) A Group A, Division 1 occupancy having an occupant load of no more than 600 may be permitted within the first storey and second storey of a building provided the building conforms to Sentence (2).
2) A building referred to in Sentence (1) shall
a) be upgraded to comply with Sentence 3.2.2.21.(2), except that all floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
b) be provided with a fire alarm and detection system conforming to Subsection 3.2.4., notwithstanding any exemptions permitted by Article 3.2.4.1.,
c) be provided with lighting and emergency power systems conforming to Subsection 3.2.7.,
d) be upgraded to provide all exit locations with a maximum travel distance of 22.5 m for sprinklered buildings and 15 m for unsprinklered buildings,
e) except as permitted in Subsection 11.3.3., be upgraded to provide exterior wall and opening protection conforming to Subsection 3.2.3.,
f) be structurally upgraded to the design upgrade level S3 as defined in the upgrade mechanism model in Division B Appendix A,
g) except as permitted in Subsections 11.3.4. and 11.3.6., be upgraded to comply with the fire containment requirements within a floor area conforming to this By-law, and
h) except as permitted in Subsections 11.3.5. and 11.3.6. and as required by Clause (d), be upgraded to provide exit systems conforming to Section 3.4.
11.3.2.2. Group A1 up to 300 Auditorium Occupants
1) A Group A, Division 1 occupancy having an auditorium occupant load of no more than 300, may be permitted within the first storey and second storey of a building, provided the building conforms to Sentence (2).
2) A building referred to in Sentence (1) shall
a) be upgraded to comply with Sentence 3.2.2.22.(2), except that all floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire resistance rating no less than 1 h,
b) be provided with a fire alarm and detection system conforming to Subsection 3.2.4., notwithstanding any exemptions permitted by Article 3.2.4.1.,
c) be provided with lighting and emergency power systems conforming to Subsection 3.2.7.,
d) be upgraded to provide all exit locations with a maximum travel distance of 22.5 m for sprinklered buildings and 15 m for unsprinklered buildings,
e) except as permitted in Subsection 11.3.3., be upgraded to provide exterior wall and opening protection conforming to Subsection 3.2.3.,
f) be structurally upgraded to the design upgrade level S3 as defined in the upgrade mechanism model in Division B Appendix A,
g) except as permitted in Subsections 11.3.4. and 11.3.6., be upgraded to comply with the fire containment requirements within a floor area conforming to this By-law, and
h) except as permitted in Subsections 11.3.5. and 11.3.6. and as required by Clause (d), be upgraded to provide exit systems conforming to Section 3.4.
11.3.2.3. Group A2 in Building More Than 3 Storeys
1) A Group A, Division 2 occupancy may be permitted within the first 3 storeys of a building which is more than three storeys in building height, provided the building conforms to Sentence (2), and provided
a) where the occupancy is located on the third storey or where the building area exceeds 400 m2, the entire building shall be sprinklered or
b) where the occupancy is located on the first storey or second storey, the building shall be sprinklered up to and including the storey containing the Group A2 occupancy.
2) A building referred to in Sentence (1) shall conform to Sentence 11.3.2.4.(2).
11.3.2.4. Group A2 Up to 3 Storeys
1) A Group A, Division 2 occupancy may be permitted in a building no more than three storeys in building height, provided
a) the building conforms to Sentence (2), and
b) the entire building is sprinklered, where
i) the building area exceeds 400 m2, or
ii) the occupancy is located on the third storey.
2) A building referred to in Sentence (1) shall
a) be upgraded to conform to Sentence 3.2.2.25.(2),
b) be provided with a fire alarm and detection system conforming to Subsection 3.2.4., notwithstanding any exemptions permitted by Article 3.2.4.1.,
c) be provided with lighting and emergency power systems conforming to Subsection 3.2.7.,
d) except as permitted in Subsection 11.3.3., be upgraded to provide exterior wall and opening protection conforming to Subsection 3.2.3.,
e) be structurally upgraded to the design upgrade level S3 as defined in the upgrade mechanism model in Division B Appendix A,
f) except as permitted in Subsections 11.3.4. and 11.3.6., be upgraded to comply with the fire containment requirements within a floor area conforming to this By-law, and
g) except as permitted in Subsections 11.3.5. and 11.3.6., be upgraded to provide exit systems conforming to Section 3.4.
11.3.2.5. Group B2 Ambulatory Occupants
1) A Group B, Division 2 occupancy containing only occupants that are capable of walking up or downstairs unaided may be permitted within the first 3 storeys of a building, provided the entire building is sprinklered and conforms to Sentence (2).
2) A building referred to in Sentence (1) shall
a) be upgraded to conform to Sentence 3.2.2.40.(2),
b) be provided with a fire alarm and detection system conforming to Subsection 3.2.4. where the building contains more than 2 storeys including storeys below grade or where the building area exceeds 250 m2 regardless of the occupant load,
c) be provided with lighting and emergency power systems conforming to Subsection 3.2.7.,
d) except as permitted in Subsection 11.3.3., be upgraded to provide exterior wall and opening protection conforming to Subsection 3.2.3.,
e) be structurally upgraded to the design upgrade level S3 as defined in the upgrade mechanism model in Division B Appendix A,
f) except as permitted in Subsections 11.3.4. and 11.3.6., be upgraded to comply with the fire containment requirements within a floor area conforming to this By-law, and
g) except as permitted in Subsections 11.3.5. and 11.3.6., be upgraded to provide exit systems conforming to Section 3.4.
11.3.2.6. Group B2 Non-ambulatory Occupants
1) A Group B, Division 2, non-ambulatory occupancy may be permitted only within a storey of a building which has direct or ramped access to ground level, provided the entire building is sprinklered and conforms to Sentence (2).
2) A building referred to in Sentence (1) shall
a) be upgraded to conform to Sentence 3.2.2.40.(2),
b) be provided with a fire alarm and detection system conforming to Subsection 3.2.4. where the building contains more than 2 storeys including storeys below grade or where the building area exceeds 250 m2 regardless of the occupant load,
c) be provided with lighting and emergency power systems conforming to Subsection 3.2.7.,
d) except as permitted in Subsection 11.3.3., be upgraded to provide exterior wall and opening protection conforming to Subsection 3.2.3.,
e) be structurally upgraded to the design upgrade level S3 as defined in the upgrade mechanism model in Division B Appendix A,
f) except as permitted in Subsections 11.3.4. and 11.3.6., be upgraded to comply with the fire containment requirements within a floor area conforming to this By-law, and
g) except as permitted in Subsections 11.3.5. and 11.3.6., be upgraded to provide exit systems conforming to Section 3.4.
11.3.2.7. Group C More Than 3 Storeys
1) A Group C occupancy may be permitted in a building more than 3 storeys in building height provided the entire building is sprinklered and conforms to Sentence (2).
2) A building referred to in Sentence (1) shall
a) be upgraded to conform to Sentence 3.2.2.50.(2), provided the building conforms to Clause 3.2.2.50.(1)(c),
b) be provided with a fire alarm and detection system conforming to Subsection 3.2.4.,
c) be provided with lighting and emergency power systems conforming to Subsection 3.2.7.,
d) except as permitted in Subsection 11.3.3., be upgraded to provide exterior wall and opening protection conforming to Subsection 3.2.3.,
e) be structurally upgraded to the design upgrade level S3 as defined in the upgrade mechanism model in Division B Appendix A,
f) except as permitted in Subsections 11.3.4. and 11.3.6., be upgraded to comply with the fire containment requirements within a floor area conforming to this By-law, and
g) except as permitted in Subsections 11.3.5. and 11.3.6., be upgraded to provide exit systems conforming to Section 3.4.
11.3.2.8. Group D Occupancies
1) A Group D occupancy may be permitted in a building that exceeds 3 storeys in building height provided that the entire building is sprinklered and conforms to Sentence (2).
2) A building referred to in Sentence (1) shall
a) be upgraded to conform to Sentence 3.2.2.58.(2) provided the limitations of Table 3.2.2.55. are not exceeded,
b) where the limitations of Table 3.2.2.55. are exceeded, be upgraded to conform to Sentence 3.2.2.55.(2), except that existing combustible construction shall be permitted,
c) except as permitted in Subsection 11.3.3., be upgraded to provide exterior wall and opening protection conforming to Subsection 3.2.3.,
d) be structurally upgraded to the design upgrade level S3 as defined in the upgrade mechanism model in Division B Appendix A,
e) except as permitted in Subsections 11.3.4. and 11.3.6., be upgraded to comply with the fire containment requirements within a floor area conforming to this By-law, and
f) except as permitted in Subsections 11.3.5. and 11.3.6., be upgraded to provide exit systems conforming to Section 3.4.
11.3.2.9. Group E Occupancies
1) A Group E occupancy may be permitted in a building provided that the building conforms to Sentence (2) except that where the building exceeds 1000 m2 in building area, or 3 storeys in building height the entire building shall be sprinklered.
2) A building referred to in Sentence (1) shall
a) be upgraded to conform to Sentence 3.2.2.64.(2) provided the building is no more than 4 storeys in building height and the building area is no more than 1800 m2,
b) except as required in Clause (c), be upgraded to conform to Sentence 3.2.2.63.(2) provided the building is no more than 6 storeys in building height and the building area conforms to Table 11.3.2.9.
c) be upgraded to conform to Sentence 3.2.2.62.(2), except that existing combustible construction and floor assemblies with a 1 1/2 h fire separation shall be permitted, when the building is more than 6 storeys in building height,
d) except as permitted in Subsection 11.3.3., be upgraded to provide exterior wall and opening protection conforming to Subsection 3.2.3.,
e) be structurally upgraded to the design upgrade level S3 as defined in the upgrade mechanism model in Division B Appendix A,
f) except as permitted in Subsections 11.3.4. and 11.3.6., be upgraded to comply with the fire containment requirements within a floor area conforming to this By-law, and
g) except as permitted in Subsections 11.3.5. and 11.3.6., be upgraded to provide exit systems conforming to Section 3.4.
Table 11.3.2.9.

Forming part of Sentence 11.3.2.9.(2)
No. of Storeys Sprinklered Maximum Area, m2
Facing 1 Street Facing 2 Streets Facing 3 Streets
1 Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
2 7 500 Unlimited Unlimited
3 5 000 6 250 7 500
4 3 750 4 688 5 625
5 3 000 3 750 4 500
6 2 500 3 125 3 750
11.3.2.10. Group F2 or F3 Occupancies
1) A Group F, Division 2 or 3 occupancy may be permitted in a building, provided that the building conforms to Sentence (2) except that where the building exceeds 1000 m2 in building area, or 2 storeys in building height, the entire building shall be sprinklered.
2) A building referred to in Sentence (1) shall
a) be upgraded to conform to Sentence 3.2.2.74.(2), and Table 11.3.2.10., except that roofs of combustible construction shall only be permitted in buildings with a building area no greater than 4800 m2,
b) except as required in Clause (c), where the limitations of Table 11.3.2.10. are exceeded, be upgraded to conform to Sentence 3.2.2.73.(2), except that existing combustible construction shall be permitted,
c) be upgraded to conform to Sentence 3.2.2.72.(2), when the building is more than 6 storeys in building height, except that existing combustible construction and floor assemblies with a 1 1/2 h fire separation shall be permitted,
d) be upgraded to provide exterior wall and opening protection conforming to Subsection 3.2.3., except as permitted in Subsection 11.3.3.,
e) be structurally upgraded to the design upgrade level S3 as defined in the upgrade mechanism model in Division B Appendix A,
f) except as permitted in Subsections 11.3.4. and 11.3.6., be upgraded to comply with the fire containment requirements within a floor area conforming to this By-law, and
g) except as permitted in Subsections 11.3.5. and 11.3.6., be upgraded to provide exit systems conforming to Section 3.4.
Table 11.3.2.10.

Forming part of Sentence 11.3.2.10.(2)
No. of Storeys Sprinklered Maximum Area, m2
Facing 1 Street Facing 2 Streets Facing 3 Streets
1 9 000 11 250 13 500
2 4 500 5 625 6 750
3 3 000 3 750 4 500
4 2 250 2 812 3 375
5 1 800 2 250 2 700
6 1 500 1 875 2 250
11.3.2.11. Combustible Construction for Minor Repairs
1) See Article 1.5.2.9. of Division C.

11.3.3. Spatial Separation Alternatives

11.3.3.1. General
1) Except for additions and new construction, where the exterior wall of a building is required by Parts 3 and 9 to be of noncombustible construction, the provisions of this Subsection may be used as an alternative acceptable solution to the spatial separation requirements of Parts 3 and 9.
11.3.3.2. Exterior Wall Construction
1) In a building of Group B or C occupancy, existing combustible construction may be retained in an existing exterior wall provided
a) the wall has at least a 1 h fire-resistance rating,
b) the building is sprinklered, and
c) all voids in the wall are completely filled with noncombustible insulation and fire stopped.
2) In a building of other than Group B or C occupancy, existing combustible construction may be retained in an existing exterior wall provided the wall has at least a 1 h fire-resistance rating, and
a) the building is sprinklered, or
b) all voids in the wall are completely filled with noncombustible insulation and fire stopped.
3) When an existing exterior wall requires a 2 h fire-resistance rating, existing combustible construction may be retained provided
a) the wall has at least a 1 h fire-resistance rating,
b) the building is sprinklered, and
c) all voids in the wall are completely filled with noncombustible insulation and fire stopped.
11.3.3.3. Exterior Cladding
1) Existing combustible cladding may be retained provided
a) the building is sprinklered using fast-response heads,
b) the exterior cladding is treated with acceptable exterior quality fire retardant intumescent paint, and
c) all exterior windows contain wired or safety glass in steel frames.
11.3.3.4. Existing Unprotected Openings
1) Where the limiting distance is less than 900 mm, existing unprotected openings may be retained, provided
a) the openings are constructed of glass block, wired glass, tempered glass or laminated safety glass, and the building is sprinklered using fast-response heads, or
b) acceptable self-closing fire protection shutters are installed at the existing opening locations.
2) Except as provided in Sentence (3), where a limiting distance is 900 mm or more, existing unprotected openings, which have a total area exceeding the values listed in or extrapolated from Tables 3.2.3.1.B, 3.2.3.1.C, 3.2.3.1.D or 3.2.3.1.E, may be retained, provided
a) the openings are constructed of glass blocks or wired glass, or
b) the building is sprinklered with fast-response heads.
3) Existing unprotected openings in dwelling units may be retained where the distance from the adjacent property line is 900 mm or more, except that
a) where the distance from a bedroom window to the adjacent property line is less than 900 mm, protection as required in Sentence 11.3.3.4.(2) shall be provided.

11.3.4. Alternatives for Fire Containment and Separation

11.3.4.1. Public Corridors
1) Existing public corridor walls, serving Group A Division 2, D, E, F Division 2 and F Division 3 occupancies, required to have a fire-resistance rating exceeding 45 min may be terminated at the underside of a 30 min ceiling membrane, where the public corridors are equipped with acceptable smoke detectors connected to the building fire alarm system.
11.3.4.2. Occupancy and Suite Separations
1) Existing vertical occupancy fire separations and suite fire separations in Group A Division 2, D, E, F Division 2 and F Division 3 occupancies, need not exceed a 1 h fire-resistance rating provided acceptable smoke detectors are installed on each side of such separations and are connected to the building fire alarm system.
11.3.4.3. Alternative to 20 Minute Doors
1) An existing door assembly may be retained in place of a required door assembly with a 20 min fire-protection rating provided
a) a solid core wood door has a minimum thickness of no less than 45 mm, or
b) a hollow core or panel type suite door has a layer of gypsum wallboard on the suite side covered by a minimum 0.9 mm thick sheet steel which extends over the edges of the door.

11.3.5. Alternatives for Exits

11.3.5.1. General
1) Except as permitted in Articles 11.3.5.2. and 11.3.5.3. and in Subsection 11.3.6., every floor area or other space shall be served with exits in conformance with Section 3.4.
11.3.5.2. Openings in an Exit Enclosure
1) A maximum of 2 suite doors or 2 room doors per storey may be located within an exit enclosure provided
a) the exit enclosure is not required to have a fire-resistance rating of more than 1 h,
b) the suites or rooms have a second and separate means of egress, and
c) the suite or room doors have a fire-protection rating of 45 min, are self-closing and self-latching and do not lock automatically.
2) Exit stairs shall be enclosed as required in Subsection 3.4.4. except that existing exit enclosures may have
a) wired glass set in steel frames conforming to Article 3.1.8.14. only in the portion of the enclosure which faces a public corridor, and
b) in sprinklered buildings, acceptable hold-open devices actuated by smoke detectors and the building fire alarm system.
11.3.5.3. Group C Single Exit
1) A single exit is permitted from an existing non sprinklered dwelling unit provided
a) the exit is an exterior doorway located no more than 1.5 m above adjacent ground level,
b) the total area served by the exit door does not exceed 100 m2,
c) the maximum travel distance within the dwelling unit does not exceed 15 m, and
d) it is not necessary to travel up or down more than one storey to reach the exit door, or
e) the uppermost floor level opens from a common area to an unenclosed balcony or deck no more than 6 m above adjacent ground level.

11.3.6. Alternatives For Sprinklered Buildings

11.3.6.1. General
1) The alternative acceptable solutions in Articles 11.3.6.2. to 11.3.6.9. may be used in a building where
a) the building is sprinklered in conformance with Subsection 3.2.5., and
b) the building has a fire alarm system in conformance with Subsection 3.2.4.
11.3.6.2. Group C and D Fire Containment
1) The fire separation between a Group C or D occupancy and the remainder of a building which is no more than 3 storeys in building height need not exceed a fire-resistance rating of 45 min.
2) Existing lath and plaster, properly restored to its original condition, may be accepted by the Chief Building Official as meeting the fire separation requirements in Sentence (1).
11.3.6.3. Occupancy Separations
1) The existing fire-resistance rating for an occupancy separation in a building need not exceed 1 h when the By-law requires 2 h for new construction and 45 min when the By-law requires 1 h for new construction.
11.3.6.4. Flame Spread Rating
1) The flame-spread rating for an existing wall or ceiling finish may be increased to 300 for no more than 25 per cent of the wall or ceiling area, provided the wall or ceiling has no exposed foamed plastic.
11.3.6.5. Fire Dampers
1) Where a fire separation is permitted to have a 45 min fire-resistance rating, a fire damper is not required for existing noncombustible ducts less than 0.065 m2 in cross-sectional area.
11.3.6.6. Plastic Sprinkler Piping
1) Plastic sprinkler piping may penetrate a vertical fire separation provided
a) the piping and its installation are listed by an acceptable testing agency, and
b) the piping is tightly fitted or fire stopped to maintain the integrity of the separation.
11.3.6.7. Smoke-Venting in High Buildings
1) Existing means of venting which are capable of removing smoke to aid fire fighting may penetrate exterior openings and existing shafts in adjacent fire compartments.
11.3.6.8. Alternatives for Dead-end Public Corridors
1) In a building provided with a sprinkler system with fast-response heads, existing public corridors which have smoke detectors installed and connected to the fire alarm system may contain existing dead-end public corridors of lengths not exceeding 10 m to the nearest exit in Group C occupancies and 15 m to the nearest exit in Group D, Group E, Group F Divisions 2 and Group F Division 3 occupancies.
2) In a building containing exits conforming to Article 11.3.6.9., one existing dead-end public corridor per floor may be permitted provided
a) the existing dead-end public corridor does not exceed the lengths specified in Sentence (1),
b) each exit stair serving the existing dead-end public corridor contains a smoke barrier between each storey, which prevents smoke from entering stairways and allows access to other stairways, and which may have a door equipped with an acceptable hold-open device actuated by a local smoke detector circuit, and
c) the entire building is sprinklered with fast-response heads.
11.3.6.9. Alternatives for Exits
1) Existing open exit stairways located at the ends of public corridors need not be enclosed provided
a) the building does not exceed 3 storeys in building height,
b) there is a smoke barrier located within each public corridor approximately midway between the exit stairways, which
i) has a door provided with an acceptable hold-open device actuated by the fire alarm system and smoke detectors on that floor,
ii) is constructed of tempered or wired glass, or has a fire-protection rating of no less than 20 min, and
iii) is designed to retard the passage of smoke,
c) the public corridor contains no dead-ends,
d) the public corridor on both sides of the smoke barrier is continuously pressurized, and
e) the entire building is sprinklered with fast-response heads.
2) Wired glass in steel frame exposure protection for exterior fire escapes need not be provided in an existing building provided
a) there is at least one exit enclosure which conforms to this By-law and which leads directly to the exterior of the building,
b) access to the fire escape is by means of a full-size door at each floor level,
c) the fire escape leads directly to grade level or leads to grade level by means of an interior stair enclosure no less than 750 mm in width,
d) a sprinkler head is located on the ceiling adjacent to and within 1 500 mm of each opening requiring protection, and
e) the entire building is sprinklered with fast-response heads.
3) Where a building is provided with a sprinkler system with fast-response heads, existing exit doors may be retained provided they do not swing over stairs or significantly impede safe egress and the Chief Building Official is satisfied that the existing exit door swing and existing exit and corridor widths substantially comply with the requirements of Section 3.4.change end