About the Building Code Compendium

The 2024 Building Code Compendium brings together Ontario's Building Code and related ministry issued materials in one place.

Use the compendium to:

  • access Ontario's Building Code requirements
  • review administrative and technical provisions
  • consult appendix notes and explanatory information
  • access ministry issued supplementary standards
  • find resources that support Building Code compliance

The 2020 National Building Code and the Ontario Amendment document constitute the 2024 Ontario's Building Code. It contains the Building Code Act, 1992, the Building Code, appendix notes and supplementary standards that support the application and administration of the code.

Building Code Act, 1992

The Building Code Act, 1992, establishes the legislative framework for building construction, renovation, change of use and demolition in Ontario. It sets out roles and responsibilities, enforcement authorities and other requirements related to the use and administration of the Building Code.

Division A: Compliance, Objectives and Functional Statements

Division A outlines the scope and application of the Building Code. It includes defined terms, compliance paths, objectives and functional statements that support the use and interpretation of technical requirements.

Division B: Acceptable Solutions

Division B contains the technical requirements for the design and construction of buildings by considering health, safety and other objectives in areas such as fire protection, structural integrity, accessibility, HVAC, plumbing, sewage systems of buildings.

Division C: Administrative Provisions

Division C sets out the administrative requirements related to the application and enforcement of the Building Code. It includes provisions related to permits, inspections, qualifications and registered code agencies.

Appendix Notes

The Building Code Compendium contains appendix notes that accompany the Building Code Act and its regulation. These notes provide additional supportive information, explanations and examples to assist users in understanding and applying code requirements.

Supplementary Standards

The Supplementary Standards are issued by the ministry, which support specific Code provisions and provide additional guidance for compliance.

Building Code amendments

Ontario's Building Code is updated regularly in response to government priorities, changes in construction practices, national model codes and safety requirements.

Learn about information on recent amendments and resources to help code users understand new requirements including:

  • current and past Code changes
  • regulatory proposals
  • transition provisions
  • implementation timelines

The current HTML version of the Building Code reflects amendments up to and including O. Reg. 242/26 (July 22, 2026).

Building Code Compendium in other formats

The Building Code Compendium is available in digital and print formats through Publications Ontario. Visit Publications Ontario to purchase printed volumes or download free available PDF versions of Volume 1 and Volume 2 of the compendium.

Terms of use

The information contained within this compendium is intended for general information purposes only. Code users are strongly advised to consult the official records for specific legislative and regulatory requirements, including Ontario’s 2024 Building Code, O. Reg. 163/24, as amended to date, the 2020 National Building Code of Canada (i.e., CCBFC NRCC-CONST-56435E), and the Ontario Amendment Document (“Ontario Amendments to the National Building Code of Canada 2020”) for the full extent of all requirements.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information presented, this compendium is provided as a reference only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the official legislation, regulations, codes, standards, or professional advice. The content may not reflect most recent amendments that could affect Code compliance.

Users are responsible for verifying all information against the current official sources and for determining the applicability of any provisions to their specific project, building, or circumstance. In the event of any discrepancy, inconsistency, or conflict between this compendium and the applicable legislation, regulations, or official Code documents, the latter shall prevail.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions, interpretations, decisions, losses, damages, or consequences arising from the use of, or reliance upon, the information contained herein.

National Research Council of Canada Copyright and Disclaimer

This Publication contains material that is copyrighted by the National Research Council of Canada and reproduced herein under a licence agreement. The National Research Council of Canada makes no representations, warranties or conditions, statutory or otherwise as to the accuracy or completeness of its copyright material, including the opinions expressed therein, or its suitability for any user’s requirements.

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