Alterations to Existing Buildings

Acceptable Solution #2 - Using New Upgrade Mechanisms

» Background
» Definitions for Categories of Work
» Procedure for Using New Upgrade Trigger Model
» Rehabilitation Projects (Flow Chart #1)
» Change of Use Projects (Flow Chart #2)
» Change of Major Occupancy Projects (Flow Chart #3)
» Addition Projects (Flow Chart #4)
» Table of Upgrade Levels (Objectives & Acceptable Solutions)
» Hazard Index Tables

 

Definitions for Categories of Work

(Where a project comprises more than one category of work, the category of work having the most restrictive upgrade level shall apply.)

Voluntary Building By-law Upgrades – Voluntary Building By-law upgrades are limited to fire alarm, sprinkler, exit, accessibility, seismic and building envelope upgrades to an existing building.

Repair – Repair is the replacement of any part of an existing building with like or similar type materials for the repair or maintenance of the building. Repair work also includes repair to a building due to fire damage or the installation of a new kitchen exhaust system. No change of use or reconfiguration of the interior space is permitted for a repair type project.

Minor Renovation – Minor renovations are limited to work within single tenant spaces. Minor renovations may include reconfiguration of the interior space as well as exterior renovations, however change of use or major occupancy classification is not permitted for a minor renovation type project. Where the renovation includes a new interconnected floor space or a new mezzanine, it shall not be considered as a minor renovation. (New mezzanines are considered to be vertical additions.)

Major Renovation – Major renovations are limited to work within multiple tenant spaces. Major renovations may include re-configuration of the interior space, interconnected floor spaces, and exterior alterations, however change of use, change of major occupancy classification or new mezzanines may not be considered as a major renovation. (New mezzanines are considered to be vertical additions.)

Reconstruction – Reconstruction means any project where extensive renovations are being carried throughout the building that involve substantial reconstruction of the interior floor space that exposes the building’s structure. Reconstruction may include repair, renovation, alteration or combination thereof.

Change in Use – Change in use type projects are limited to change of use within a building or portion thereof such that the proposed use is within the existing major occupancy classification.

Small Suite Change of Use – Small suite change of use is limited to a suite in a Group A, Division 2, Group D, Group E, Group F, Division 2 (wholesale showroom), or Group F, Division 3 occupancy and where the occupant load for the entire suite does not exceed 60 persons.

Change in Major Occupancy Classification – Change in major occupancy classification type projects are limited to a change of use within a building or portion thereof such that the proposed use is outside of the existing major occupancy classification.

Small Suite Change of Occupancy Classification – Small suite change of use or occupancy classification is limited to a suite in a Group A, Division 2, Group D, Group E, Group F, Division 2 (wholesale showroom), or Group F, Division 3 occupancy where the occupant load for the entire suite does not exceed 60 persons.

Horizontal Addition – Horizontal additions include both “minor” and “major” horizontal additions. Minor horizontal additions are additions that add a total aggregate floor area of not more than 25% of the existing building area to the building up to a total maximum aggregate floor area of 500 m². A Major horizontal addition is an addition which adds a total aggregate floor area of more than 25% of the existing building area to the building or a total aggregate floor area of more than 500 m².

Vertical Addition – Vertical additions include both “minor” and “major” vertical additions. Minor vertical additions are additions that add an additional floor level (mezzanine or storey) to a building having a total maximum aggregate floor area of not more than 25% of the building area up to a total maximum aggregate floor area of 500 m². Major vertical additions are additions that add an additional floor level (mezzanine or storey) to the building having a total aggregate floor area of more than 25% of the existing building area or a total aggregate floor area of more than 500 m².

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