National Building Code: 1941

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NATIONAL

B U I L D I N G C O D E

Prepared under the joint sponsorship of the

NATIONAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION

D E P A R T M E N T O F F I N A N C E and the

CODES AND SPECIFICATIONS SECTION

N-ATIOSAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA

Price $1 .OO N.R.C. No. 1068

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Fore

w

ord

M

ANY years have elapsed since the preparation of a model building

code for Canada was first discussed. Students of housing and building problems as well as those engaged in the construction industry have long realized that one of the important deterrents to technical progress and to an increase in the physical volume of construction has been t h e unsuitable nature of building regulations in many parts of the country. In many localities, codes have been deemed to be unduly restrictive in the materials and methods of construction permitted; in others, requirements in the matter of design have fallen behind the advance of building technology and modern concepts of healthful planning; while many communities in Canada, lacking qualified advice, have been unable to deal with the problem of building regulation a t all.

These conditions have undoubtedly been reflected in increased costs and restricted output, together with lower standards of design and construction than would otherwise have been attainable.

I i i t h the entry of the Dominion Government into the housing field some six years ago, the need of national treatment of the matter of building regulation was a t once recognized. Discussions with numerous trade and professional associations led to the conclusion that if a comprehensive model code could be prepared, its adoption by municipal authorities and others responsible for the regulation of building construction would be a major step in the solution of the problems faced by the construction industry and administrative authorities alike.

The preparation of such a model code was initiated four years ago under the joint sponsorship of the Department of Finance and the National Research Council. Those responsible for its direction were convinced that there were no insuperable technical problems and that if an authoritative document were prepared it would commend itself to those having jurisdiction in a field in which the function of a Dominion Government agency could be no more than advisory. Undertaken in times of peace in the expectation that it would be completed in little more than two years, the National Building Code has been delayed because of the demands made upon the secretariat as well as upon many committee members by the war. The fact that it has been successfully completed notwithstanding the difficulties faced is a tribute to the energy and initiative of those who have carried it on.

This Code is really a three-fold document setting down regulations in the distinct fields of construction requirements, regulations bearing upon fire protection, and requirements governed by considerations of health and sanitation. Owing to war conditions, these parts of the Code were published separately as completed, so that if any obstacle should have prevented their issue in consolidated form, the labours of the various committees would not have been lost. Fortunately it has been possible to complete the publication under one cover. As the work on the main Code progressed, the preparation of two ancillary documents

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was undertaken. Model zoning and plumbing by-laws, both prepared

by the Committee on Health and Sanitation, h a v e been published and

have, it is believed, already demonstrated their \vorth. For convenietlce of reference the Standard Plumbing By-law has been included as an appendix in this volume. The National Building Code, \vith these ancillary publications, represents the work of some sixty active committee members chosen for their individual knowledge in specialized fields, together with an advisory committee comprising representatives of about sixty professional and trade associations and government agencies throughout the country. The fact that it has been possible to reach finality in the face of such apparent diversity of interest is sufficient cotninentary oil the goodwill and public spirit that have characterized the work of the various committees.

The complete personnel of the committees is given on another page. Those to whom much credit is due for the initiation and prosecution of the project include the Honourable C. A. Dunning, former 3Iinister of

Finance, and Honorary Chairman of the project; Lieut.-General A. G. L.

TvIcNaughton, President of the National Research Council, and Dean C. J . AIackenzie, Acting President of the National Research Council,

who have served as Chairmen of the project; hIr. F. IV. Nicolls, Director

of Housing, Department of Finance, as Chairman of the Administrative

Committee ; the late klr. J. Grove Smith, former Dominion Fire Com-

missioner, and one of the original members of the Administrative

Committee; and Mr. A. F. Gill, Officer-in-Charge of the Codes and

Specifications Section, National Research Council, General Secretary of the project. (Sgd.) J. L. ILSLEY, h ~ e m b e r 25, 1941. M i n i s t e r of Finance. Copyright © NRC 1941 - 2019 World Rights Reserved © CNRC 1941-2019 Droits réservés pour tous pays

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N A T I O N A L

BUILDING

CODE 5

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

...

Honorary Chairman.. .The Minister of Finance

THE HONOURABLE J. L. ILSLEY

...

Chairman.. .The President of the National Research Council

LIEUT.-GENERAL A. G. L. MCNAUGHTON, P r M ( 0 1 u c t h S&C) C. J. M ACXENZIE, Acting President

(Absenl on lmvc. S a n d e d for duty with the Department of Munitions and Su ply, Apnl 1940; now e m y g s d by iK&d Locomotavc Works, Lam~rcd, Montreal,

jQ.)

Communications regardin the National Building Code should be addressed to

S. J. COOK, Acting 0kcer-in-charge, Codes and Specifications Section, National Research Council, Ottawa, Ont.

ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE F. W. NICOLLS, Chairman D.

.

BEAM lV.

E-

ABRA W. L. CLAIRMONT G. H. FERGUSON C. S. L. HERTZBERG* S. D. LASH

T'

A. MCELHANNEY

.

CLARK REILLY

.

GROVE SMITH** A. F. GILL, Secretary On active service.

**

Died June, 1939. COMMITTEE ON CONSTRUCTION

k:

f ; I k S P ~ 1 ~ ~ C. R. YOUNG A. F. GILL, Secretary S. D. LASH, Acting Secretary

Cfrom A pr J21940)

*

On active service.

Subcommittee o n Masonry Construction R. H. MACDONALD, Chairman D. C. BEAM AIM& COLLET

[

k.

: : 2 : G UDGER VENNE C. D. HARRINGTON A. F. GILL, Secretary

Corresponding Members A. W . FOSNESS

J. F. KEEN

Subcommittee o n Reinforced Concrete Construction C. R. YOUNG, Chairman W. ALDRIDGE R. E. JAMIESON C. J. MACKENZIE J. h l . OXLEY J. B. STIRLING E. VIENS R. B. YOUNG S. D. LASH, Secretary Copyright © NRC 1941 - 2019 World Rights Reserved © CNRC 1941-2019 Droits réservés pour tous pays

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6 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

Subcommittee on Steel Conrtruction C. S. L. HERTZBERG*, Chairman R. C. MANNING

D. C. BEAM S. D. LASH, Secrehry

Corresponding &embers S ~ D N EY H OGG

A. E. MACDONALD E. MALO

On active service.

Subcommittee on Wood Construction

T. A. AICELHANNEY, Chairman G. S. RAPHAEL

1 '

. J . ABRA G. H. ROCHESTER

J. H . BYRNE M. M. WALKER

D. KEMP EDWARDS A. F. GILL, Secretary

\V. J. LECLAIR S. D. LASH, Acting SecrelOry

A. L. PERRY (from A pril, 1940)

COMMITTEE ON FIRE PROTECTION J . GROVE SMITH, Chairman**

J. C L A R K REILLY, Vice-Chairman B. G. BALLARD C. E. BALTZER D. C. BEAM R A Y ~ ~ O N D BRUNET \V. L. CLAIRMONT R. A. CRYSLER J . F. HARKOM W. H. G. F L A Y T. H. HIGGINSON W. J . LECLAIR E. S. MALLOCH G. D. M ALLORY R. C. MANNING GORDON M. PITTS G. E. RICKWOOD R. L. S A R G A N T R. A. SEASONS A. H. S. STEAD A . F. GILL, Secretary

C. 0. P. KLOTZ, Acting Secretary

(April 1940 to February, 1941)

S. D. LASH, Actzng~Secretary

Cfrom February, 1941)

** Died June 1939.

COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND SANITATION

G. H. FERGUSON, Chairman JAMES ADAM H. AINSWORTH C . E. B ALTZER G. E. BROWNE W. F. M. BRYCE F. 0. HAMEL ALAN K. H A Y Corresponding Members J. H. IRVINE J. M. KITCHEN N. B. M ACROSTIE E. S. M ALLOCH H. J . MORIN C. M. PITTS A. F.' GILL, Secretary On active service. Copyright © NRC 1941 - 2019 World Rights Reserved © CNRC 1941-2019 Droits réservés pour tous pays

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N A T I O N A L B U I L D I N G CODE 7 ADVISORY COMMITTEE 1. G o v e r n m e n t Bodles Member A . Federal Organization Represented

F. W. NICOLLS.. . . Department of Finance.

G. H. FERGUSON . . . Department of Pensions and National Health. T. A. MCELHANNEY.. . . Department of Mines and Resources. R. A. RIGG.. . . Department of Labour.

G. D. MALLORY.. . . Department of Trade and Commerce. W. S. LAWSON.. . . Department of Justice.

E. TEMPLE. . . Department of Public Works;

B. Provincial

W. D. STACEY. . . .Province of Alberta.

F. M. MACPHERSON.. . . Province of British Columbia. J. S. MCDIARMID. . . Province of Manitoba. F. X. AHERN. . . Province of Quebec. A. E. FISHER. . . Province of Saskatchewan.

C. Municipal

MAYOR STANLEY LEWIS. . . Canadian Federation of Mayors and Municipalities.

D. Other Governmenf Bodies

H. B. SPEAKMAN..

. . .

.Ontario Research Foundation. 2. Professional Aseoclations

Member Organization Represenled

F. X . AHERN. . . .Association of Canadian Fire Marshals. J. G. MORROW. . . Canadian Engineering Standards Association. HARVEY AGNEW. . . Canadian Hospital Council.

A. J. SWANSON.. . . Canadian Hospital Council. JAMES GOVAN. . . Canadian Hospital Council. W. E. PATTERSON. . . Canadian Institute of Chemistry.

G. H. FERGUSON . . . Canadian Institute of Sewage and Sanitation. H. A. BRUCE.. . . Canadian Medical Association.

T. A. LOMER.. . . Canadian Medical Association. R. ST. J. MACDONALD. . . .Canadian Public Health Association. J. A. LALONDE.. . . Engineering Institute of Canada. W. J. ABRA.. . . Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. H. L. SEYMOUR**.. . . National Housing and Planning Association. I. F. M O R ~ I S O N . . . . Association of Professional Engineers of Alberta H. M. MEECH . . . Association of Professional Engineers of Alberta. F. W. MACNEILL . . . .4ssociation of Professional ,Engineers of British

Columbia

S. J. CROCKER . . . Association of Professional Engineers of British Columbia.

P. BURKE-GAFFNEY . . . Association of Professional Engineers of Manitoba.

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8 N A T I O N A L B U I L D I N G CODE

H. J. CRUDGE.. . . Ass~ciation of Professionai Engineers of New Brunswick.

. . .

J. N. FLOOD.. .Association of Professional Engineers of New

Brunswick.

F. P. VAC'GHAN . . . Ac~l~ciation 4 ) f Pr~fc?sslonal Engineers of Yew

Brunswick.

F. W. W. DOANE . . . Association of Professiona! Engineers of Xnva Scotia.

. . .

C. A. FOWLER. .Assoc~ation of Professional Engineers of Xcva Scotia.

A. H. HARKNESS . . . .Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario. F. X. AHERN. . . .Corporation of Professional Engineers of Quebec.

J. J. WHITE. . . .Association of Professional Engineers of Saskatchewan.

H. RI. ~ I E I R . . . . .Association of Professional Engineers of Saskatchewan.

3. Industrial or Trade Associations

Member Organization Represented

. . .

G. hI. N'ALKER*. .Asphalt Roof Manufacturer<of;Canada. C. A. BOOTH.. . . .Canadian Ceramic Society.

H. J. GRAHAM . . . Canadian Construction Association. . . .

C. J. COTB.. .Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating. . . .

R. C. MANNING.. .Canadian Institute of Steel Construction. H. Ri. J AQU AYS . . . Canadian Manufacturers Association. G. S. RAPHAEL.. . . .Cedar Shingle Industry.

\V. J. LECLAIR.. . . .Eastern Lumber Industry.

A. H. S. STEAD. . . .Dominion Board of Insurance Underwriters. R. B. ~ I O R E L Y . . . Industrial Accident Prevention .4ssociations. F. R. M U R R A Y . . . . . .Metal Lath Association.

M. DEJONCKHEERE. . . .Rigid it'ood Fibre Insulating Board Manufacturers of Canada. L. R. ANDREWS.

...

\Yestern Lumber Industry.

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Introduction

The National Building Code is divided into five parts. Part 1 deals

~vith the administrative requirements; Part 2 comprises all the definitions

used throughout the Code; Part 3 contains structural requirements; Part 4 contains regulations pertaining particularly to protection against

loss of life and property from fire; and Part 5 contains regulations made

necessary by considerations of health and sanitation. In addition to the Code itself there are eleven appendices. These consist of material tvhich, it is believed, will be helpful in interpreting the requirements of the Code. I t is not intended that the appendices be regarded as integral parts of the Code.

The Parts of the Code are divided into Sections, the Sections into Articles, and the Articles into Items. In some cases, Items are divided into Sub-items. In order to facilitate reference, a numerical system of designating Parts, Sections, Articles and Items has been adopted. For esample, Item 4.12.4.2 is the second Item in Article 4.12.4; Article 4.12.4 is the fourth Article in Section 4.12 which in turn is the twelfth Section in Part 4 of the Code.

Since a comprehensive building code is necessarily a somewhat length). and involved publication, some further explanation of the arrangement of the National Building Code may be helpful.

There are two alternative methods of arranging a building code. One method makes use of occupancy chapters, i.e., all regulations relating to a n y particular occupancy are brought together in one place. Thus, for esample, all regulations referring to schools are collected in a

chapter heatled "Schools". Such an arrangement makes a building

code easy to use but unfortunately it involves a great deal of repetition and hence greatly increases the physical bulk of the code. The second arrangement includes no occupancy chapters but assembles under one heading all regulations dealing with a particular subject. Thus, for esample, all regulations dealing with exits are collected in a single

chapter headed "Esi ts". Such an arrangement avoids repetition,

makes a code more compact, and a t the same time leads to a more

consistent treatment of the various subjec s On the other hand, this

arrangement is not quite so convenient from the point of view of the architect or builder using the code.

In order to restrict this National Building Code to a reasonable size, the second arrangement has been adopted. 'To meet the objection that this makes the Code difficult to use, particular attention has been given to indesing and it is hoped that the completeness of the index may compensate for the absence of occupancy chapters. In any case, it may be pointed out that in the most recent codes Lvhich follow the first arrangement, the occupancy chapters consist of little more than a series of cross-references to other parts of the Code.

If the reader of the Code is interested in a general subject such,

for example, as "Exits", he will turn to Section 4.6 which contains all

regulat,ions relating to exits; but if his interest is in putting up a particular

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10 .YA TIOAl.4 L R L ' I L D I S G CODE

t~uilding such a s a school, reference t o the index \ % i l l indicate \vhere there are special regulations applicable t o schools. Compliarlce with all general regulations, such a s the structural requirements given in P a r t 3, \rill of course be necessarh-.

'The C C J ~ ~ is intended t o be 3uiiabie for adoption "in totu" b!. munici- pdlities desiri11;; to use a building code. I t should l)e pointed out, how- e\ er, t h a t the p v ~ i ers of mu~~icipalities, \i ith respect to building control, var). i l l the clifereli t provi~~cc-s ;ind consecluvlitl\. it is very desirable t h a t

municipalities c~btai11 legal a d ~ i c e belore adoptilig the Cod(.. This is

particularl\. true in the case of the a d m i n i s t r a t i ~ e requirements k . .iven in P a r t 1 .

I t is essential t h a t municipalities using the Code establish a proper sIrstem of fire zones since the type of construction permitted for certain occupa~lcies depends upon their location ~ \ . i t h respect t o such zones. ,Attention is directed to the footnoteon page 2 1 2 dealing\\-ith this matter. ,Attention is also dra\vn to the usage tllat has been adopted in connection \vith discretiol~ar>l poners belonging t o the municipality. T o

avoid an!. tendency tonartls illegal delegation o i municipal authority,

all discretionary poi\ ers should be placed in the hands of the "authority

h<~\-ilig jurisdiction". In the Code this authority is defined a s "the person authorized by municipal enactment to administer the regulations contained in the Code".

\j7ith the i n c r f ~ ~ ~ s i i l g need of prof(.ssional advice for the proper interpretation of regulations in the building ficlcld, smaller communities are

often a t a disad\.antage because it is n o t usual for them to have in their

employ persons I\ ith the necessary professional trainiilg. In small

municipalities this difficulty may be met economically retaining a

firni of engineers or architects on a consulting basis to advise the

permanent c)fficials from time t o time on technical problems ii hich arise

in colinection \i.ith the Code.

In the past, building cocles have frequently impeded the introduction of neiv and impro\-ed methods of co~lstruction. T h e Sational Building

Code \rill not ha\.e this effect. Article 3.1.3 makes provision in

general terms for the irltroduction of nelv materials and methods of construction. This \vill be supplemented by the puljlication from time t o time of revisiorls and additions to the Code. Suggestions for such revisions and additions should be addressed t o "The Officer in Charge, Codes and Specifications Section, National Research Council, Ottawa, Canada". They \vill rc.cei\.e careful consideration by the Administrative Committee, lvhich is being continued under the auspices of the National liesearch Council for the purpose of maintaining the National Building

Code as a 'living code'. In this \\-ay it is hoped t h a t the Code will

continue to meet the changing needs of Canadian municipalities.

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N A T I 3 N A L BUILDING CODE 11

TABLE

OF

.

. . . 21

ARTICLE 1 .*1.1 SHORT TITLE..

.

. . .

.

. . . 2 1

1 1 _1.1.2

INTERPRETATION. . . , .. . . 2 1

1 L _1.1.3

STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS A N D REGULATIONS. . . 2 1

1 1

1.1.4 TESTS . . . 21

SECTION 1.2 BUILDING OFFICIALS.. . . , . . . .

.

. . .

.

. . . 21

ARTICLE 1.2.1 AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION. . . 2 1

b 1 _1.2.2 RECORDS.. . . 22 1. _1.2.3 INSPECTIONS.. . . 22 1 1 1.2.4 OCCUPANCY OF STREET. . .

.

. . . 22 SECTION 1.3 APPLICATION.. . .

.

. . .

.

. 22 ARTICLE 1.3.1 NEW BUILDINGS.. . . , . . 22

1 1

1.3.2 EXISTING BUILDINGS.. . . 22 1.3.3 BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED PRIOR TO ADOPTION OF THIS CODE 22

1,

1.3.4 ALTERATIONS, ADDITIONS, REPAIRS, A N D CHANGES OF USE OROCCUPANCY . . . 22

SECTION 1.1 BUILDING PERMITS AND OCCUPANCY PERMITS . . 2 1 ARTICLE 1.4.1 B U I L D I N G P E R M I T S . . . 24

1 1 _1.4.2

OCCUPANCY PERMITS.. . . , , . 26 SECTION 1.5 DANGEROUS BUILDINGS.. . .

SECTION 1.6 ENFORCEMENT OF CODE, OFFENCES, AND

PENALTIES . . .

ARTICLE 1.6.1 ENFORCEMENT OF PROVISIONS OF CODE.. . .

.

. . 1 1 _1.6.2

OFFENCES A N D PENALTIES,

.

. .

. . .

.

. . .

.

. . . PART 2 DEFINITIONS

PART 3 STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS

SECTION 3.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.. . .

.

. . .

.

. . . .

. .

. . .

ARTICLE 3.1.1 GENERAL..

.

. .

.

. . .

.

. . .

.

. . .

1 b _3.1.2

DESIGN AND SUPERVISION.. . .

.

. .

.

. .

. . . 1 1 _3.1.3

NEW MATERIALS A N D METHODS OF CONSTRUCT~ON.. . . .

.

. . . . SECTION 3.2 WOOD CONSTRIJCTION..

.

. . .

.

. . .

.

. . .

. . -

ARTICLE 3.2.1 GENERAL.. . .

.

. .

. . .

.

. . .

.

. . .

. .

1 1 _3.2.2 SYMBOLS..

. . .

.

. .

. . .

.

. . .

.

. .

. . .

.

. .

.

. 1 1 _3.2.3 QUALITY OF MATERIALS .

. .

. . .

.

. . . .

.

. . .

.

. .

1 . _3.2.4

DETERMINATION OF REQUIRED SIZES.

.

. .

.

. .

.

. . . .

. .

.

. .

. . . .

1 1

3.2.5 ALLOWABLE UNIT STRESSES.. . .

.

. . .

.

1 b

3.2.6 COLUMNS AND o r n E n COMPRESSION MEMBERS.. . .

.

. . . .

.

. .

.

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12 N-4 T I O N A L B LiILDI-VG CODE

SECTION 3.2 (Continued) P A G E

. . .

ARTICLE 3.2.7 BEAMS ASD OTHER FLI:KCR.\L MEMBERS 51

I I _3.2.8 _{BOLTED ~ O I X T S}. . . ₅₅ 1 t _3.2.9 . . . T I h i D E R COSSI.CTOR.'; 59 1 I _3.2.10 _{. . .} D R I F T I3OLTS 60 1 1 _{. . .} 3.2.11 LAG SCRI.IVS. 61 I I _3.2.12 _{. . .} \ \ . o ~ u SCRI.\VS 62 1 I _3.2.13 _{. . .} C O h l M O S \\.IRE S A I L S 63

.

( . . . 3.2.11 FLOOR CONSTRCCTIOS 65 1 _3.2.15 . . . ROOF CONSTRUCTIOS 67 1 . . . 3.2.16 S T U D \\'ALL C O S S T R C C T I O S 67 I I _{. . .} 3.2.17 P L A X K \VI\LL COSSTRVCTIOS 74 SECTION A R T I C L E ( 4 SECTION A R T I C L E 1 1 . . . hIASOKR\' COSS'TKUCTIOS 75 G E S E R A I . . . 75 . . . QI..\LITY OF MATERIALS 75 . . . ALLO\\ . .\I{LE \\.ORKISG STRICS!il<I; 79

. . .

Gl<Kl<I<.\L I)l<SIGN RICQI'IKI<\II~STS r 82

. . . G I S I . K . \ L C O S S T R C C T I O S RIC@l.IRE>IICXTS 82

R I < Q t ' I R I - > l K S T S FOR SI'ICCI.\L T Y P E S O F CONS.TRL.CTIOS . . . S4

. . .

M.\SOSRY I:OOTISGS 85

. . .

AI.\SOSRY IVALLS .\xu P.AK.TI.TIOSS. 86

. . . AI.\SOSRY FLOOR C O X S T K ~ C T I O N 96

. . .

AI:\SOSRY ROOF COXSTRCCTION 96

. . .

3.1 REINFORCED CONCRETE COKSTRUCTION 96

. . . 3.1.1 GESER.\L 96 . . . 3.1.2 ADhIISISTKA'rIVLC K E ~ U I R l i A l E N . 1 ' 5 97 . . . 3.4.3 SYMBOLS 97 . . . 3.4.1 MATERIALS 99 . . .

3.4.5 PROPORTIONING O F THIS JIIX 100

. . . 3.1.6 X I I X I N G A N n PLACISC;. 102 . . . 3.1.7 C U R I N G OF c o s c ~ ~ s ~ ! - 103 . . . 3.4.8 FORMS 104 . . . 3.4.9 \VATERPKOO1~1S(i A N D PROTECTIVE T R l i h T Y l ' S ' T 105 . . . 3.4.10 D E T A I L S OF CONSTKL~CTIOS 105 . . . 3.1.1 1 PERXIISSIBLE STRESSES 109 . . .

3.1.12 TESTS OF STRCCTURES OK SI'KI.C.TUR.\L E I . I ~ ~ ~ L I S T S 111 . . . 3.4.13 GISXER.\L DESIGN R I < Q I . I R l ~ ~ l l < S T S 111

. . . 3.1.11 IiE.\\IS, AS11 SI. .\US RI31SI:ORCIC!) I N ON[: DIREC'TIOS 113

. . . 3.4.15 SLABS RlCINFOKCED I N TiVO D I R E C T I O S S 118

. . .

3.1.16 ONE-iiV.\Y R I B B E D FLOOR C O N S T R U C T I O S 122 . . .

3.4.1 7 I'RIS-CAST COSCRITTIC JOISTS 123

. . .

3.4.1 8 T\\.O-\YAY RIBDEI) FLOOR COSS'I'KUCTION 124

. . . 3.4.19 FLAT SL.\U C O S S T R C C T ~ O S 124 . . . 3.1.20 c o ~ ~ w s s 1.51 . . . . 3.4.21 \\'.ILLS 1x11 I~,\RTITIOSS 135 . . . 3.1.22 FOOTINGS 136 . . . 3.4.23 PEI)EST;\LS 138 . . . 3.4.11 PEDESTAL FOOTISGS 138 Copyright © NRC 1941 - 2019 World Rights Reserved © CNRC 1941-2019 Droits réservés pour tous pays

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N A T I O N A L B U I L D I N G CODE 13

SECTION 3.5 STEEL X S D IROS COSSTRUCTION.. . .

.

h R T l C L E 3.5.1 G E S E R ; \ L . . . . 6 _3.5.2 SYMBOLS.. . . . . , . . . , . . . 1 1 _3.5.3 J1.ITERI.ILS . . . . . . . . . . I 3.5.4 U S I T IVORKISG S T R E S S E S . . . . . . . . . . . I I 3.5.5 G E S E R A L DESIGN R E Q U I R E . \ I I < S T S . . . . .

.

L 1

3.5.6 & i I S I M c h l THICKSES.5 O F M.\TERI..\L.. . .

,

. . .

I 1 3.5.7 T E S S I O N l l E \ l B E R S . . . . 1 I 3.5.8 COMPRESSION ME\! R E R S . . . . 1 3.5.9 M E M B E R S S U B J E C T T O DIRECT S r R E S S C O Y B I S E D W I T H B E S D I X G . . . I 3.5.10 B E A M S ASD G I R D E R S . . . . . . . . . . I

3.5.11 STEEL TRUSSES, ISCLUDISG OPES iven STEEL JOISTS . . .

t 1

3.5.12 c o ~ c . \ ! s B.\SES.. . .

4 1

3.5.13 RIVETS ASD R I V E T E D COSSECTIOSS.. . . .

, 1 _3.5.14 BOLTED COSSECTIOSS.. . . . I I 3.5.1 5 WELDED COSSECTIOSS. . . .

.

. . . 1 1 3.5.16 FABRICATION. . . , . . . 11 _{3.5.1 7} ERECTIOS. . .

.

. . . , . . . P A G E 138 138 138 139 140 14 1 142 143 143 SECTION ARTICLE I 1 LIVELOADS . . . . . 160 GESERAL REQUIREIIESTS.. . . . . . , , 160 FLOOR LO~IDS. . . 160 CEILISG LOADS.. . . 161 ROOFLO-IDS . . . 162 IVISDLO.IDS . . . 163 O T H E R L O A D S . . . 167

POSTISG OF LIVE LOADS.. . . 167

OCCCP.ISCY P E R M I T S . . . . . 168

SECTION 3.7 EXCAVATIOSS A S D FOUSDATIONS..

.

. . . 168

ARTICLE 3.7.1 EXC.IV.ITIOSS.. . . . 168 11 _3.7.2 FO~SD..\TIOSS-GENER.\L REQUIREMESTS. . . . 168 I 3.7.3 DEPTII OF FOUSDATIOSS.. . . . . . . . . . . 169 3.7.4 BORISGS . ~ S D TEST P I T S . . . . . . . 169 t 1 3.7.5 CL.\SSIFIC;\TIOS OF F O G S D ; \ T I O S BlChRISG MATERIALS . . . 170

t I 3.7.6 ALLOiVABLE LOADS O N F O U S D . \ T I O S B E A R I N G MATERIALS . . . 171

1 1 3.7.7 FOOTINGS, FOUNDATION FVALLS, A X D FOGKDATIOX P I E R S . . . . 173

I 1 3.7.8 PILES-GESERAL R E Q U I R E ~ E S T S . . . . 175 I I 3.7.9 ~ 1 I S I M C ~ l S C M B E R O F P I L E S R E Q U I R E D . . . . . 177 8 . _3.7.10 lilsl.\ic.\r SP;\CISG OF P I L E S . . . . . 177 , I 3.7.1 1 METHOD OF D R I V I N G P I L E S . . . . 178 I 1 _3.7.12 IKSPECTIOS DURISG P I L E D R I V I S G .IKD F I L I N G OF RECORDS . 178 11 _3.7.13 ALLOWABLE L0.4D O N P I L E S . . . . 179

11 _3.7.14 FOUSDATIOK L0.4D T E S T S . . . . 182

I I 3.7.15 TESTS OF BEARISG MATERIALS. . . 182

' 1 3.7.16 P I L E LO.4DISG T E S T S . . . . .

.

(14)

14 N A T I O N A L BUILDING CODE SECTION 3.8 ARTICLE 3.8.1 1 1 _3.8.2 I I 3.8.3 1 6 _3.8.4 6 . 3.8.5

..

_3.8.6 11 _3.8.7 6 I 3.8.8 SECTION ARTICLE 1 I P A G E . . . WALLS A N D PARTITIONS 183 . . . GENERAL 183 . . . . . .

WOOD STUD WALLS : 183

. . . MASONRYWALLS 185 REINFORCEDCONCRETEWALLS . . . 185 . . . STUCCO WALLS 185 . . . GLASS VENEER 186 . . . METAL VENEER 187 . . . PARTITIONS 187 . . .

FLOOR AND ROOF CONSTRUCTION 188

GENERAL . . . 188

. . .

WOOD FLOOR COKSTRUCTION 188

. . .

~ ~ ~ D R O O F C O N S T R U C T I O N 188 . . .

MASONRY FLOOR CONSTRUCTION 188

. . .

MASONRY ROOF CONSTRUCTION 188

REINFORCED CONCRETE FLOOR A N D ROOF CONSTRUCTION . . . . 188

. . .

OPEN WEB STEEL JOIST CONSTRCCTION 188

SPECIAL TYPES OF FLOOR OR ROOF CONSTRL'CTION . . . 188

. . .

SECTION 3.10 ROOF COVERINGS -188

. . .

ARTICLE 3.10.1 GENERAL 188

( 4 _3.10.2

RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF CERTAIN ROOF COVERINGS . . . 189

1 . _3.10.3 . . .

BITUMINOUS COMPOSITION ROOF COVERINGS 189

1

.

_3.10.4 . . .

ASBESTOS-CEMEST ROOF COVERINGS 191

. . . 3.10.5 CONCRETE SLABS 191 6 6 _3.10.6 METALROOFCOVERINGS . . . 191 6

.

_3.10.7 _{. . .} SLATE 191 6 6 _3.10.8 . . . C L A Y R O O F T I L E 191 6

.

_3.10.9 _{. . .} WOOD SHINGLES 192 I

.

_3.10.10 . . . CANVAS ROOFING 192

PART 4 FIRE PROTECTION

. . .

SECTION 1.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 193

. . .

ARTICLE 4.1.1 APPLICATIOS 193

I L . . .

4.1.2 SUPPORT OF FIRE-RESISTIVE COXSTRUCTIONS 193

SECTION 4.2 REQUIREhIENTS PERTAINING TO T H E CLASSI- FICATION. SEPARATION. AND LOCATION O F OCCUPANCIES. AND T O CHANGES T H E R E I N . . . 193

. . .

ARTICLE 1.2.1 CLASSIFICATION OF OCCUPASCIES 193

..

4.2.2 CHASGE I N OCCL'PANCY . . . 195

. . .

4.2.3 MIXED OCCUPANCIES W I T H I N O S E BCILDIXG 195

6 1

(15)

N A T I O N A L BUILDING CODE 15

SECTION 4.3

SECTION 4.4

REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO TYPES OF

. . .

CONSTRUCTION

GENERAL . . . CLASSIFICATION OF TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION . . . TYPE 1. FIRE-RESISTIVE CONSTRUCTION . . .

. . .

TYPE 2. HEAVY TIMBER CONSTRUCTION

TYPE 3. MASONRY AND FRAME CONSTRUCTION . . . TYPE 4. WOOD FRAME CONSTRUCTION ... TYPE 5. UNPROTECTED METAL OR FIRE-RETARDANT TREATED WOOD CONSTRUCTION

...

LOCATION OF FIRE ZONES AND RESTRICTIONS

. . .

THEREIN

. . .

LOCATION OF FIRE ZONES

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS IN FIRE ZONES . . . RESTRICTIONS I N FIRE ZONE NO

.

1 . . .

RESTRICTIONS IN F I P e ZONE NO

.

2 . . .

RESTRICTIONS IN FIRE ZONE NO

.

3 . . . ...

SECTION 4.5 HEIGHTS AND AREAS

ARTICLE 4.5.1 PERMISSIBLE HEIGHTS AND AREAS . . .

1 I

4.5.2 MODIFICATIONS TO MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE HEIGHTS . . .

1 1

4.5.3 MODIFICATIONS OF MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE AREAS . . .

. . .

SECTION 4.6 EXITS

ARTICLE 4.6.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS . . .

1 1 ... . . .

4.6.2 TYPES OF EXITS :

1 1

4.6.3 RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF CERTAIN TYPES OF EXITS ...

I I _4.6.4

OUTLETS FROM EXITS . . .

I 1

4.6.5 ' NUMBER, LOCATION, AND WIDTH OF EXITS . . .

I 1 _4.6.6 CONSTRUCTION OF EXITS ... 1 1 _4.6.7 ENCL.OSURJ3 O F EXITS . . . 1 1 4.6.8 ACCESS TO EXITS ...:.. 1 1 4.6.9 MARKING O F EXITS . . . 1 1 4.6.10 LIGHTING OF EXITS . . .

SECTION 4.7 TESTS AND MATERIALS FOR FIRE-RESISTIVE

...

CONSTRUCTIONS

. . .

ARTICLE 4.7.1 GENERAL

1 1

4.7.2 TESTS OF FIRE-RESISTIVE CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS . . .

1 1

4.7.3 QUALITY OF MATERIALS FOR FIRE-RESISTIVE CONSTRUCTION

.

...

SECTION 4.8 PROTECTION OF STRUCTURAL MEMBERS

ARTICLE 4.8.1 APPLICATION

...

I I

...

4.8.2 PROTECTION OF STRUCTURAL STEEL AND IRON

1 1

4.8.3 PROTECTION OF REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAMS, GIRDERS,

AND COLUMNS

...

(16)

P A G E

...

SECTION 4.9 FI RE-RESISTIVE WALLS AXD PARTITIONS 244

. . .

ARTICLE 4.9.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 244

1 1

4.9.2 F I R E - R E S l S n V E WALLS S U P P O R M S G STRUCTUUAL IYEYBERS . 245

1 1

4.9.3 GYPSUM LATE F O R FIRE-3tESlSTlVE WALLS 01 PARTTITONS . . 245

1 1

4.9.4 PLASTERED FIRE-RESISTIVE WALLS AND P A R l l T I O N S . . . 245

1 1

4.9.5 PAUPETWALLS . . . 246

. . .

SECTION 4.10 FIRE-RESISTIVE FLOORS A N D RBOFS 246

. . .

ARTICLE 4.10.1 APPLICAYION 246

1 1 _4.10.2

RATINGS FOR FIRE-RESISTIVE FLOORS AND R O O F S . . ... 246

1 6 _4.10.3 . . .

PRE-CAST UNITS 246

I 1 _4.10.4 ...

MSTER ON YON-= CONCRETE 217

1 1 _4.10.5 ...

FIRE-RESISTIVE S T E E L JOIST C O S S ~ U C ~ O ? J 217 ...

SECTION 4.1 1 FIRE-RETARDANT ROOF COVERINGS 247

...

.

ARTICLE 4.1 1 1 GENERAL 247

1 1 . . .

4.11.2. ROOF REPAIRS AND ALTERATIONS 217

1 1 _4.11.3 . . .

F I R E - R E T A R D A ~ ROW COVERINGS 217 SECTION 4.12 DOORS. WINDOWS. SKYLIGHTS. A X D CLOSURES

. . .

FOR MINOR OPENINGS 215

. . .

.

ARTICLE 4.1 2.1 OPENINGS I N GENELUI ._ 248

1 1 . . .

4.12.2 TESTS FOR FIRE-RESISTIVE DOORS ASD WINDOWS 219

1 1 . . .

4.12.3 DOORS AND WINDOWS I N EXTERIOR W.~LLS. 219

I 1

4.12.4 DOORS. WINDOWS. AND TRASSOMS I X I S T E R I O R WALLS AND . . . PARTITIONS 251 1 1 _4.12.5 . . . SKYLIGHTS 253 I. _4.12.6 _{. . .} MINOR OPENINGS 251

SECTION 4.13 FLUES. CHIMNEYS. SMOKESTACKS. A N D FIRE-

. . .

PLACES 251

. . .

ARTICLE 4.13.1 GENEUL REQUIREMENTS 251

1 1 . . . 4.13.2 FLUE CONNECTIONS 251 I 1 . . . 4.13.3 CHIMNEYS 251 1 1 4.13.4 M E T A L S M O K E ~ A C K S . . . 259 1 1 ...

4.13.5 SPECIAL INDUSTRIAL CHIMNEYS AND STACKS 260

1 1 . . . 4.13.6 ISOLATED caluweus 260 1 1 . . . 4.13.7 GAS FLUES 260 1 1 . . . 4.13.8 FIREPLACES 261 1 1 _4.13.9 . . .

FIRE-STOPPING AROUND CHIMNEYS 261

SECTION 4.14 HEAT PRODUCING APPLIANCES AND

. . .

MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT 262

. . .

ARTICLE 4.14.1 GENERAL 262

1 1 _4.14.2 ...

CLASSIFICATION OF H E A T PRODUCIN6 APPLIANCES 262

1 1

4.14.3 MOUNTINGS AND CLEARANCES FOR H E A T PRODUCING

...

APPLIANCES 263

1 1 ...

4.14.4 WARM AIR HEATING SYSTEMS 267

" 4.14.5 AIR CONDI,TIONING. AIR COOLING. AND VENTILATING SYSTEMS 268

(17)

N A T I O N A L B U I L D I N G CODE 17

SECTION 4.14 (Continued) PAGE

ARTICLE 4.14.6 BLOWER AND EXHAUST SYSTE51S F O R T H E REMOVAL O F

. . .

VAPOUR, DUST. REFUSE. AND STOCK 268

I. _4.14.7 . . .

GAS FIRED APPLIANCES 268

6 1 _4.14.8 . . .

OIL B U R N I N G APPLIANCES 269

I I _4.14.9 . . .

DRYING ROOMS A N D KILN DRIERS 269

I 1 _4.14.10 . . .

STEAM AND HOT WATER PIPES 270

1 a _{4.14.1 1} . . .

INCINERATORS 270

.. _4.14.12 _{REFUSE CHUTES}_{. . .} ₂₇₁

.. _4.14.13 _{ROOMS AND LOCATIONS} _FOR _FURNACES. _BOILERS. _.4_{S O} . . . INCINERATORS 271 1 I _4.14.14 . . . SOURCES OF HEAT GENERALLY 272 .. _4.14.15 _FUSIBLE_LINKS_{. . .} ₂₇₂

SECTION 4.15 ELECTRICAL EQUIPME?;T. INSTALLATIONS. AND WIRING . . . 272

SECTION 4.16 PROTECTION AND ENCLOSURES FOR SHAFTS AKD . . . VERTICAL OPENINGS 273 . . . ARTICLE 4.16.1 GENERAL 273

..

_4.16.2 _{PROTECTION OF VERTICAL OPESINGS}_{. . .} ₂₇₃

.. _4.16.3 _CONSTRUCTION_{OF SHAFTS}_{. . .} ₂₇₅

I 1 _4.16.4 . . . TRAP DOORS AND HATCHES 276 11 _4.16.5 . . . ALTERNATIVES 277 I 1 _4.16.6 SAFETY . . . 277 . . . ... SECTION 4.17 ROOF STRUCTURES :. 277 . . . ARTICLE 4.17.1 PROHIBITED USES OF ROOFS 277 1. _{4.1 7.2} _PENTHOUSES_{A N D}_BULKHEADS. . . ₂₇₇

.. _4.17.3 _{TOWERS, SPIRES, AND BELFRIES}_{. . .} ₂₇₈

.. _4.17.4 _{SCUTTLES A N D COVERS}_{. . .} ₂₇₉

..

_4.17.5 _{T A N K S AND COOLING TOWERS}

_...

₂₇₉

I , 4.2 7.6 VENTILATORS

. . .

280

.. _{4.1 7.7} _MANSARD,_{GAMBREL, AND DECK ROOFS}_{. . .} ₂₈₀

..

_{4.1 7}

_.

₈ _DORMERS

_...

₂₈₀

...

SECTION 4.18 PROJECTIONS FROM T H E BUILDING 280

...

ARTICLE 4.18.1 BAYS AND ORIELS 280 1

.

_4.18.2 PORCHES AND BALCONIES

...

281

..

_4.18.3 _CORNICES. _MARQUISES. _GUTTERS._AND_{HALF.TIMDERING}_... ₂₈₁

" 4.18.4 PROJECTIONS FROM BUILDINGS O F T Y P E 5 CONSTRUCTION

. . .

281

...

SECTION 4.19 FIRE-STOPPI NG 282

...

ARTICLE 4.19.1 GENERAL 282 1 1 _4.19.2 _MATERIALS

...

₂₈₂ 11 _4.19.3 FIRE-STOPPING I N WOOD FRAMING

...

282

I I _4.19.4 _CORNICES

...

₂₈₂

1 1 _4.19.5 _{ATTIC DRAPT STOPS}

...

₂₈₃

(18)

18 N A T I O N A L B U I L D I N G CODE

PAGE SECTION 4.20 SPRINKLERS. STANDPIPES. AND BASEMENT PIPE

INLETS . . . 283 . . . ARTICLE 4.20.1 SPRINKLERS 283 1 _4.20.2 _{. . .} DRY STANDPIPES 284 . . .

4.20.3 BASEMEST PIPE ISLETS 286

SECTIOK 4.21 STAGES. PLATFORhIS. AKD PROSCENIUM

. . . CURTAINS 287 . . . ARTICLE 1.2 1.1 GENERAL 287 . ( 1 _{4.2 1.2} . . . STAGE COSSTRUCTIOS 287 I I _4.21.3 _{PROSCEXIUM C C R T A I S S}_{. . .} ₂₈₉ 8 I _4.21.4 . . . PLATFORMS 290

' _4.21.5 _{F I R E PROTECTION APPARATUS ON STAGE}_{. . .} ₂₉₀

. . .

SECTION 4.22 MOTION PICTURE hIACH1 NE BOOTHS 291

. . . ARTICLE 4.22.1 CONSTRCCTION R E Q U I R E I I E S T S 291

I _{. . .}

4.22.2 PORT HOLE PROTECTIOS 291

( 1 _4.22.3 _{. . .}

VESTILATION OF BOOTH 291

. . .

4.22.4 FILM CABISETS 291

PART 5 REQUIREMENTS BEARING ON HEALTH AND SANITATION

. . .

SECTION 5.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 293

. . . ARTICLE 5.1.1 SCOPE 293 d _5.1.2 . . . INTERPRETATION 293 ' I _5.1.3 R O O M S I N C E L L A R S . . . 293 4 I _5.1.4 . . . ALCOVES 293 I 1 _5.1.5 . . .

ACCESS TO ROOMS A N D DWELLING UNITS 293

. . .

SECTION 5.2 Dl hlEKSIOSS O F R0031S 294

. . .

ARTICLE 5.2.1 HABITABLE ROOMS 294

1 I _5.2.2 . . .

.\ CCESSORY ROOMS 294

1 1 _5.2.3 . . .

ASSEMBLY ROOMS 291

. . .

SECTION 5.3 LIGHTING AND VENTILATION 295

. . .

ARTICLE 5.3.1 LIGHTING A N D VENTILATION OF ROOMS 295

6 1 _5.3.2

LIGHTING ASD VENTILATION OF HALLWAYS A N D STAIRWAYS 296

I _5.3.3 . . .

WINDOWS A N D SKYLIGHTS 296

1 I _5.3.4 _{. . .}

DIMENSIONS OF YARDS, COURTS. A N D AIR WELLS 297

I I _5.3.5 . . .

MECHANICAL VENTILATION 299

1 _5.3.6 . . .

ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING 300

. . .

SECTION 5.4 HEATING FACILITIES 302

. . .

ARTICLE 5.4.1 G E N E R A L 302

1 _{. . .}

5.4.2 CAPACITY OF HEATING EQUIPMENT 302

I I _5.4.3 . . .

DESIGN A N D INSTALLATION OF HEATING EQUIPMENT 302

(19)

N A T I O N A L B U I L D I N G ,CODE 19

PAGE

SECTION 5.5 R E Q U I R E D PLUMB1 NG F A C I L I T I E S . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302

ARTICLE 5.5.1 G E N E R A L . .

.

. . . . . -. . . . . . - 302

I I _5.5.2 QUALITY, DESIGN, AND CONSTRUCTION. . . . 302

I I 5.5.3 FIXTURES REQUIRED.. . . . .

.

. . . 303 I 1 5.5.4 DRINKING W A T E R . . . . . 304 SECTION ARTICLE O T H E R REQUI R E M E K T S . . . . . . . 305

CONSTRUCTION OF BATH ROOMS, WASH ROOMS, AND WATER- CLOSET ROOMS..

.

. . . .

. . . . . . 305

DAMP-PROOFING OF BASEMENTS. . '. . . 305

DRAINAGE AND VENTILATION BELOW GROUND FLOOR LEVEL 305 THERMAL INSULATION . . . . . . 306

SOUND INSULATION.. . . . . . . 306

RAT-PROOFING OF BUILDINGS.. . . . 307

REFUSE CHUTES.. . . . 307

SANITARY PRIVIES AND FROST PROOF CLOSETS. . . . 307

A P P E N D I X A - BOARD O F APPEAL.. . . . . . .'. . . . . . . . . . . . 309

A P P E N D I X B - ALLOWABLE CLEAR SPANS F O R JOISTS A N D RAFTERS.

.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309

A P P E N D I X C - M E T H O D O F C O M P A R I N G T H E R I G I D I T Y O F S T U D WALLS W H E N VARIOUS MATERIALS A R E U S E D AS S H E A T H I N G . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313

A P P E N D I X D - T E N T A T I V E M E T H O D O F h l A K I K G PHYSICAL T E S T S O F F I B R E B U I L D I N G B O A R D . . . . . . . , 314

A P P E N D I X E - M E T H O D O F T E S T FOR MOISTURE RESISTAKCE O F PLYWOOD.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315

A P P E N D I X F -CALCULATION O F B E N D I N G XIOIIENTS I N STRUCTURAL S T E E L C O L U M N S . . . . . . . . 316

A P P E N D I X G - ALLOWANCES F O R E N D R E S T R A I N T O F STRUCTURAL S T E E L BEAMS.. . . . . . . . . . 318

A P P E N D I X H

-

M E T H O D O F CALCULATING HORIZONTAL FORCES D U E T O EARTHQUAKES . . . 326

A P P E N D I X I - S O U N D TRANSMISSION LOSS VALUES F O R C E R T A I N TYPICAL WALL A N D FLOOR CONSTRUCTIONS. . . . . . . . . , . 3 2 7 A P P E N D I X J - L I S T O F SPECIFICATIONS A N D O T H E R PUBLICATIONS . . . . . . . . . 332 Copyright © NRC 1941 - 2019 World Rights Reserved © CNRC 1941-2019 Droits réservés pour tous pays

(20)

PARTS

1

AND

2

O F THE

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

PART

1. ADMINISTRATION

PART

2. DEFINITIONS

2ND P R I N T I N G , 1 9 4 8

( I N F I V E BOOKS)

P R I C E $ 1 . 0 0

PREPARED UNDER THE JOINT SPONSORSHIP

OF THE

NATIONAL HOUSING ADMINIS'TRATION. DEPARTMENT O F FINANCE AND THE

CODES AND SPECIFICATIONS SECTION NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA

(21)

ADMINISTRATION

Note: For Definitions, see Part 2.

SECTION 1.1 GENERAL PROVISIONS

1.1.1 Short Title.-This by-law may be cited as the "Building

By-law" and is hereinafter referred to as "this Code".

1.1.2 Interpretation.-Wherever applicable, the-provisions of this

Code shall also apply to structzires other than buildings and the term

"buildings" shall be understood to include such other structures.

The headings which appear a t the beginning of Sections, Articles, Items, or Sub-items of this Code shall be deemed to be a part of such Sections, Articles, Items, or Sub-items, respectively.

Where in this Code such terms as "proper", "adequate", "sufficient", "ample", "suitable". "substantial", "necessary", '.'dangerous" and the like, or derivatives thereof, are used. they shall be understood to mean proper, adequate, and so forth to the satisfaction or in the opinion of the authority having jurisdiction (see Article 1.2.1) and such terms as "where practicable", "where required", "as far as possible" shall have a like significance.

1.1.3 S t a n d a r d Specifications a n d Regulations.-All standard

specifications and regulations adopted, wholly or in part, in this Code are hereby declared to be a part of this Code. Whenever dated specifications or regulations are cited, subsequent editions may be used subject

to permission from the az~thority having jurisdiction.

1.1.4 Tests.-The cost of any test that may be required by this

Code or by the authority having jurisdiction shall be paid by the person

wishing to use the material, device, or construction in question.

SECTION 1.2 BUILDING OFFICIALS*

1.2.1 A u t h o r i t y Having Jurisdiction* *.-The provisions of this Code shall be enforced by one or more officials appointed by the Municipal Council, and any official appointed in this manner to ehforce any regulation contained in this Code is referred to in this Code as the

nu1 horit y ltavi?tg jurisdiction.

*!t is reconimended that wherever possible a Board of -4ppeal be established in addition to the officials referred to in Section 1.2 and a suggested organization for such a Board is given in Appendix A. This has not been included in the Code because it ie considered that many municipalities may not find it possible to establish a Board of Appeal.

**The term "authority having jurisdiction" is used rn preference to a term such as "Building Inspector" since it is considered that some municipalities may find it convenient to authorize different officials t o enforce different portions of the Code for example Part 4. Fire Protection might be considered within the jurisdiction of the Fire Chief, i h e r e a s Part k. Requirements ~ e a r i n ~ ' o n Health and Sanitation, might be considered within the jurisdiction of the Health Officer.

(22)

2 2 N A T I O N A L B U I L D I N G CODE

The authority having jurisdiction shall have recognized technical qualifications and practical experience commensurate with the type of

work involved (see also Item 3.4.2.1).

Neither the authority having jurisdiction nor any member of his staff shall be employed or engaged, directly or indirectly, in any branch of the building business, or have any financial interest in connection with the construction or repair of buildings, or the supply of building materials unless such interest or connection is publicly disclosed.

1.2.2 Records.-The authority having jurisdiction shall keep proper

records of all applications received, permits and orders issued, inspections and tests made, reports received and made, and retain copies of all papers and documents connected with the administration of his duties.

1.2.3 Inspection.-The authority having jurisdiction or his author-

ized representative may a t all reasonable hours enter into or upon any building or premises for the purpose of ascertaining whether or not the provisions of this Code are being complied with.

1.2.4. Occupancy of Street.-The authority having jurisdiction

is hereby authorized to issue permits for the temporary occupancy of any street for building purposes or for the demolition of buildings, or for the construction of temporary and detached structures and for any other special purpose.

SECTION 1.3 APPLICATION

1.3.1 New Buildings.-No building or any part of any building

shall hereafter be constructed except in conformity with the provisions of this Code.

1.3.2 Existing Buildings.--Nothing in this Code shall require the

removal, alteration, or abandonment of, nor prevent con tinuance of the use or occupancy of an existing building, unless in the opinion of the authority having jurisdiction such building constitutes a hazard to safety or adjacent property.

1.3.3 Building Permits Issued Prior t o Adoption of t h i s Code.-

Nothing in this Code shall require any change in the plans, construction or designated use of a building for which a building permit has been issued a t the date of enactment of this Code.

1.3.4 Alterations, Additions, Repairs, a n d Changes of Use

or

Occupancy

1.3.4.1 General.-Except as provided in Item 1.3.4.2, all alterations,

additions, repairs, made hereafter whether to existing buildings or to buildings hereafter erected shall conform to the requirements of this Code and no change of use or occupancy shall be made except as herein

permitted. (See Item 1.4.2.2.)

(23)

.4 D J f I N I S T R A TI0.V 2 3

1.3.4.2 N o n - c o n f o r m i n g Buildings.--'The follou-ing provision.;

shall apply ~ v h e n n l l c r a t i o ~ l . ~ , additions, repairs, or changes of use or

occupancy arc nladc to csisti?lg l)~lildinl:s \\-hich for any reason \vhatsoc~.er

do not conform to the require~llents of this Code.

( a ) M a j o r A l t e r a t i o n s and Repairs.- If alter,itiorl~ ,md repairs in e\ress of 50 per cent of the a5sessed \.slue nf an f 1 l , l r ? ! : l huildi11~ are

made to such l)uildi~lq w itithi11 .In!. period of 2 j.e;lri. I he erlt~r-tb buil(li11q

shall be rnade to cc~nfor~n \iith t h e recluirementa xi\eIl 1lerei11 for new

buildinqs. Any exisll)!: l~uiltlinq. \i hi(-h for , i r l l r rcb,t~on n hatsoever.

requires repairs, a t any one time, in ex( ess of 50 per cent of the asiessed

\.slue thereof, not detluctinq from such \ ~ ~ i l u e an!- loss causecl by fire or an), other reason, sllall be ~ n a t l e to confornl to the reyuire~nc~nts of thii Code or shall be d e ~ ~ ~ o l i s h e d . (See also Iten1 4 . 4 . 2 . 3 . )

(b) C h a n g e d Use. If I \ I Y e ~ ~ s ! i ? z : u * ~ or occup:t~~cy of a11 C Y I \ ~ I T Z , ;

l)uildinl,r is chanqed to a uscb or oc.cupanc1 \i hich 1i uuld not be l ~ e r n ~ i t t e d

in n sirlli1,tr t)uildin:: herc,~frer erected, the entire building sh,lll be ~n,lde

to with the recluirements given herein for nelv buil(lirlq~;; pro-

vided, Ilo\iever, t h a t i f the l ) u i l t i i n ~ is adecluate to carr!. tlie lo,ltlings prcnsc.ril)td i n Section 3.6 for the proposed occ.uparlc>. a1lt1 i f th(h I{t~luirc>- mellts bearing on Health ancl S,init,ition a s set forth iri I'art ,i arc. f~~ItiIlc.tl. then, not\{ ithstanding the fact t h a t the builcling lll,ljr riot conforrll to i i l i the recluirer-rlcnts of this Code, the uiltllority l ~ ( ~ i ~ l t z y j z l r i \ ( l z ( t i o ) ~ 11lay permit the proposed cha~lge of occupancy, i f in his c ) p i r ~ i o ~ ~ thc ~)ror)ostd occupancy is no no re hazardous on the basis of life and i ~ l t e r ~ l ~ l l fire hazard than the c . Y ~ ' s ~ I ~ z ~ occuj)anc,7, and provided further t\l,it i f the use or occupancy of o111y a portion 01- portio~ls of an e . v z ~ t ~ ) ~ : , l)uiltling is

channed and such portion or portions are separated as ancl 1i herl >~)ecific.d

in Iten1 4 . 2 . 3 . 3 of this Code, then only such portion or portio~ls of the buildi11q need to be made to c o ~ n p l y with the requirements of this ('ode. (See also Itern 1 . 4 . 2 . 2 . )

(c) Increases i n Height.-The number of sLoreys in an!. e r i s t i ~ l g

build in^

shall not be increased unless the building and all c,.vis/iuy or

proposed additions and alterations are made to comply 1vith ,ill th(3

reyuiren~ents uf this Code.

(d) I n c r e a s e s 'in Area.-An,, addition ha\-ing a n area exc-ecding

50 per cent of the area of the existing building shall be separated fro111

it by construction not less fire resistive than a 'special occupant). sepa-

ration', (see Item 4 . 2 . 3 . 3 ) unless the building and all existing c r proposed

additions and alteratiotts are made to compl,. 1vith all the recluiren~ents of

Part 4 (Fire Protection) of this Code.

(e) I n c r e a s e s i n Population.-In no case shall a change of oc-cu-

pancy involving an increase in population on a n y f l o o r - u r ~ a or in an>- slorey be permitted unless the e s i l s comply or are made to cornl)ly 1i.ith Section 4.6. T h e use of a room or rooms a s a d.rsellin,< ri~zit or1 a floor- area or in a slorey u-here no dwelling u n i l previousl,~ existed shall 1)e

considered as an increase in population.

(24)

2 4 N A T I O N A L B U I L D I N G CODE

(f) S t r u c t u r a l A l t e r a t i o n s a n d Repairs.-\\'here any alteration or repair is made to the structural portion of any building, such structural portion or such part thereof as may be deemed necessary by the

az~tllority Iza~ling jl~rzsdictiozz shall be made to conform to the requirements

of this Code for new buildings.

(g) N o n - s t r u c t u r a l A l t e r a t i o n s a n d Repairs.-M inor non- structural alteratiozzs, repairs, and changes may be made with the same materials of which the building is constructed; escept as provided for

roof coverings in Article 4.1 1.2.

SECTION 1.4 BUILDING P E R M I T S AND

OCCUPANCY P E R M I T S

1.4.1 B u i l d i n g Permits

1.4.1.1 General.-:I building permit shall be obtained from the

authority lla~ling jurisdiction by the owner or his authorized agent for

the excavation, erection, alteration, reconstruction, removal, or wrecking of, or repairs to, any building or part of any building which it is proposed to construct, and for any addition or alteration to a building. No such work shall be commenced until a building permit has been obtained.

1.4.1.2 Application f o r a B u i l d i n g Permit.-The applicant for a

building permit shall file with the authority I~ariztx jurisdiction a signed

statement as to the use or purpose for which such building is intended, together with duplicate copies of the plans of same, drawn to a scale of not less than one-eighth of an inch to a foot, showing the actual dimensions, including the dimensions of the 101 to be built upon, all slrrlctttres existi?ig upon the said lot with the heights and dimensions of same, the

heights and dimensions of the proposed strr~ctz~res, and other such in-

formation as may be necessary to provide for the enforcement of this Code. In the case of a commercial or industrial building the drawing submitted shall show the lizle loads per square foot of area for which the building is designed.

Before the issue of a building permit, drawings showing the size and composition of all structural members rnay be required by the autltority having jurisdiction who may also require the submission of calculations pertaining to the design.

1.4.1.3 Granting of B u i l d i n g Permits.-The application, plans, and specifications filed by an applicant for a building permit shall !~e

examined by the authority having jurisdiction and if it appears t o him

that such plans and specifications are in conformity with the requirements of this Code and all other laws or ordinances applicable thereto, the authority having jurisdiction shall issue the building permit upon

receipt of the required permit fee.

(25)

A D M I N I S T R A TION 2 5

Neither the granting of a building permit, approval of plans and specifications, or inspections made by the authority having jurisdiction, or his assistants, during the erection of a structure shall in any way relieve the owner, or his agents, from full responsibility for the carrying out of the work in strict accordance with this Code, or for the stability of the structure.

1.4.1.4 Approval

in

Part.-Nothing in this Code shall be construed

to prohibit the authority having jurisdiction from issuing a building permit for the construction of part of a building when application and approzled plans for that part are presented for the same before the complete plans and specifications for the entire building have been submitted and approved.

1.4.1.5 Alterations t o Plans.-No person shall erase, alter, or

modify any drawings or specifications upon which a building permit has

been granted by the authority having jurisdiction, unless the authority having jurisdiction has agreed to such changes.

I f , plans affecti

during the progress of the work, it is desired to deviate from the filed with the application for a building permit in any manner .ng the construction or other essentials of the building, notice of such desired alterations shall first be made in writing to the authority having jzlrisdiction, and his written approval shall he obtained before such alterations shall be commenced.

1.4.1.6 Building P e r m i t Limitations.-Any building permit

issued by the authority having jurisdiction under the provisions of this Code shall expire when no building construction is started within six months from the date of issuance.

Building permits shall be subject to revocation when construction is discontinued for a period of one year, or when, in the opinion of the authority having jurisdiction, the completion of the construction has been unduly delayed. Such revocat;:)n shall not be rescinded until the plans and incomplete construction arc made to comply with all the requirements of this Code a t the time ot mcinding such revocation.

1.4.1.7 Requirements a f t e r

Issuance of

Building

Permits.-

Reasonable notice shall be given to the authority having jurisdiction of the intention to commence any work authorized by a building permit, so as to enable the authority having jurisdiction to make such inspections as he may consider necessary. In addition, when concrete is to be placed,

reasonable notice shall be given to the azithority having jzirisdictio?~ who

may also require notice to be given of the intention to carry out any other constructional operations, such, for example, as the driving of piles or the covering up of structural framing.

(26)

2 6 N A TIO-VAL B U I L D I N G CODE 1.4.2 O c c u p a n c y Permits

1.4.2.1 N e w Buildings.-No building hereafter constructed shall be

occupied in a n y part thereof until a n occupancy permit has been issued

b y the authority having jurisdiction. Such permit shall show the use

t o which the building may be p u t and the maximum allowable floor loads for each floor thereof. In the case of commercial and industrial buildings, occupancy permits shall not be issued until the floor load signs required b y

Article 3.6.7 have been installed.

A temporary occupancy permit may be issued b y the authority

having jurisdiction for the temporary use of a portion of a building prior t o the completion and use of the entire building.

1.4.2.2 C h a n g e s of Occupancy.-No change shall be made in the

use or occupancy of a n y building or part thereof until a permit for the proposed occupancy has been issued b y the authority having jurisdiction. Such occupancy permit shall be issued by the authority having jurisdiction, if i t is found t h a t the building complies with the provisions of this Code for the proposed occupancy or, in the case of an existing building, if t h e conditions prescribed in Item 1.3.4.2 (b) are fulfilled.

S E C T I O N 1.5 DANGEROUS BUILDINGS

Whenever, in the opinion of the authority having jurisdiction, a n y building or part thereof, is, by reason of its dilapidated state, faulty construction, or otherwise, in a n unsafe condition a s regards danger from fire or risk of accident, the authority having jurisdiction may give t o t h e owner of such building, or his agent, notice in writing specifying wherein such unsafe condition exists, and upon' receipt of such notice, the said owner, or his agent, shall forthwith p u t such building, or part thereof, in a safe condition or demolish same.

When, in the opinion of the authority having jurisdiction, a n y building, or part thereof, is in such condition t h a t immediate precautionary measures must be taken in order t o avert a n accident, t h e authority having jurisdiction may pull down, repair or renew a n y such building, or part thereof, a t the expense of t h e owner, whether o r not notice has first been given t o such owner o r his agent, and such expense may be recovered from such owner b y action or may be recovered in like manner a s municipal taxes. Copyright © NRC 1941 - 2019 World Rights Reserved © CNRC 1941-2019 Droits réservés pour tous pays

National Building Code: 1941

NATIONAL

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