| Question: 04-01 | Code Section: 7 | Date: 16 January 2014 | OBC 2012 Reference: |
Question Submitted: I just wanted to clarify what Group C Occupancy is exactly. Referred to A-3.1.2.1.(1) and from what I understood Group C would be Residential Construction?
If so, according to 7.6.4.2.B. no more 6 LPF toilets excluding dual flush in a standard residential home?
So now requires 4.8 Litre WC unless dual flush for all plumbing work with permit applied for as of January 1, 2014.
QUESTIONS:
What is a Group C ?
What does this mean for work without a permit?
Replacement of fixtures has not required a permit til now. Will this change?
So repair to existing without a permit may slip under regulation.
Please provide the OPIA view on this issue.
Interpretation: Article 7.6.4.2. of the 2012 Building Code permits the following:
(3) In buildings classified as Group C occupancy, the flush cycle for each fixture that is a water closet or urinal shall not exceed the maximum water consumption per flush cycle listed for that fixture in Table 7.6.4.2.B.
(4) Sentences (2) and (3) do not apply to a fixture located in an existing building where the chief building official is satisfied that compliance with the requirement is impracticable because of maintenance or operational difficulties.
Table 7.6.4.2.B. Maximum Water Consumption per Flush Cycle for Sanitary Fixtures in a Group C Occupancy
Forming Part of Sentence 7.6.4.2.(3)
| Fixture | Maximum Water Consumption per Flush Cycle, LPF |
| Water Closet (Tank Type) | 4.8(1) |
| Water Closet (Direct Flush) | 4.8 |
| Urinal (Tank Type) | 1.9(2) |
| Urinal (Direct Flush) | 1.9(2) |
| Column 1 | 2 |
Notes to Table 7.6.4.2.B.:
(1) Water closets which provide a dual flush cycle option of both 4.1 LPF or less and 6.0 LPF are deemed to comply.
(2) Urinals equipped with automatic flushing devices shall be controlled to prevent unnecessary flush cycles during building down time.
Based on the above Building Code requirements, a water closet of either conforming to, a “Maximum Water Consumption per Flush Cycle” of 4.8 Litre for WC, or water closets which provide a dual flush cycle option of both 4.1 LPF or less and 6.0 LPF, are deemed to comply with permit applied for as of January 1, 2014 in a Group C Occupancy.
QUESTIONS:
What is a Group C ?
Residential occupancy means an occupancy in which sleeping accommodation is provided to residents who are not harboured for the purpose of receiving special care or treatment and are not involuntarily detained.
What does this mean for work without a permit?
Section 8 of the Building Code Act prohibits a person to construct without a permit. Construction without a permit is a Building Code violation.
Replacement of fixtures has not required a permit til now. Will this change?
It will depend on the individual local authority having jurisdiction to prescribe the requirements of a permit under Section 7 of the Building Code Act, nothing changed.
So repair to existing without a permit may slip under regulation.
Section 8 of the Building Code Act prohibits a person to construct without a permit. Construction without a permit is a Building Code violation. It will depend on the individual local authority having jurisdiction to prescribe the requirements of a permit under Section 7 of the Building Code Act, nothing changed.