Small Building

[grannysmallz]

Hi,
Can a "Small Building" Designer work on a suite in a building larger than 600m2 and have more than 3 storeys?
Thanks!

 

[e hilton]

You might give a few more details. Location for one. And your role in the story.

 

[grannysmallz]

A designer in Ontario with their BCIN in "Small Buildings" - I am studying for this designation now.

 

[arwat23]

I don't think so.
(2024 Ontario Building Code Compendium, Table 3.5.2.1, item #2)

The referenced sentence 1.3.3.3(1) states:
Subject to Article 1.3.3.3B., Part 9 of Division B applies to all buildings described in Article 1.1.1.1. of 3 storeys or less in building height, having a building area not exceeding 600 m2, and used for major occupancies classified as
(a)reserved,
(b)Group C, residential occupancies other than buildings used for retirement homes, (See Note A-9.1.1.1.(1) of Division B)
(c)Group D, business and personal services occupancies,
(d)Group E, mercantile occupancies, or
(e)Group F, Divisions 2 and 3, medium- and low-hazard industrial occupancies.

 

[tmurray]

BCINs are Ontario only. Important to note that having a designation from MMAH does not supersede registered design professional requirements in the professional practice acts.

Normally, the local architect and engineering society professional practice acts kick in for Part 3 buildings.

"small buildings" is usually considered Part 9, but some Part 9 elements may stray outside of what a small building designer would be able to practice (Part 4, 5, and 6).

 

[Inspector Gadget]

Hi,
Can a "Small Building" Designer work on a suite in a building larger than 600m2 and have more than 3 storeys?
Thanks!

Your province's Architecture/Engineering Acts will prohibit this.
Also A/B/F1 occupancies are prohibited, IIRC, for Ontario.
They are here.

 

[grannysmallz]

And what is the suite is fully fire separated (or has a firewall) from the rest of the building. Would this not designated the suite as a separate building, thus making the suite its own "building"

 

[e hilton]

And what is the suite is fully fire separated (or has a firewall) from the rest of the building. Would this not designated the suite as a separate building, thus making the suite its own "building"

Do you have the appropriate stamped construction drawings that show how the wall was designed and constructed, proving it is a valid fire wall?

 

[tmurray]

And what is the suite is fully fire separated (or has a firewall) from the rest of the building. Would this not designated the suite as a separate building, thus making the suite its own "building"

This statement is a good example of why unqualified people should not be designing outside of Part 9. You don't know what you don't know.

Please review the code definitions of "Building Area", "Building", "Grade", "First Storey", "Building Height", and "Firewall".

Also review Div. A 1.3.3.3 for buildings that are Part 3, 4, 5 and 6 regardless of size.

Note, a Firewall must be designed by a professional engineer under Part 4 for structural. The building designer would also need to ensure it meets the minimum fire resistance rating required and is constructed out of the appropriate materials.

 

[Inspector Gadget]

And what is the suite is fully fire separated (or has a firewall) from the rest of the building. Would this not designated the suite as a separate building, thus making the suite its own "building"

Firewalls are sometimes used to separate buildings into smaller, discrete sections. Usually this is to
a) avoid part 3
b) avoid sprinklering.

However, as already stated, the firewall must be engineer designed.

I can't really candy-coat this: if you are not an engineer, architect (or, if your province allows it, a registered interior designer) you cannot - must not - touch part 3 buildings.
Period.
End of story.

(There appears to be some jurisdiction variance on smaller things, like "I'm building a 20x20 deck at the back of my little restaurant" where some jurisdictions will allow a part 9 design for what's technically a part 3 structure, but that's a different discussion for a different day.)