The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) has filed the new 2024 Ontario Building Code which contains over 2,000 changes from the current 2012 Building Code.  The new regulations are set to come into effect on January 1, 2025, with a phased approach to implementation.

Building Code users, including designers, constructors, and suppliers, should familiarize themselves with the new Building Code Compendium prior to the new year.  Details about the new Code is available from https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontarios-building-code.

Key Transition Dates

The important dates are as follows; please plan your project accordingly:

December 31, 2024
The 2012 Building Code (O. Reg 332/12, as amended) is deemed to continue in force with respect to which a Building Permit Application has been applied on or before December 31, 2024. 

January 1, 2025
Building Permit Applications applied for on this day and after, are required to be designed and constructed using the new 2024 Building Code edition, with few exceptions.

March 31, 2025
The last day to submit an application using the 2012 Building Code edition.

April 1, 2025
All Building Permit Applications applied on this day and after, must be designed under the provisions of the new 2024 Building Code edition.

Key Factors

There are approximately 2,400 changes from the 2012 version of the Code to the 2024 Ontario Building Code.  The following factors were considered as part of the Code review:

• Housing Supply and Innovation,
• Health and Safety,
• Cost,
• Reducing Red Tape, and
• Better Buildings.

Key Highlights

The following is not a complete list of the changes, but rather highlights key updates:

• Harmonize with the National Building Code of Canada, including Ontario specific amendments,
• Updates to the Farm Code,
• Updates to Roof-Mounted Solar Arrays,
• Provisions for Future Radon Protection, and
• Provisions for Improved Accessibility for Large Buildings.

Questions

 Questions regarding the 2024 Ontario Building Code can be directed to .