Canadian building code question

What are the building code requirements for accessible dwelling units in Canada?

Accessible dwelling unit requirements cover barrier-free paths of travel, accessible kitchen and washroom clearances, adaptable features, and in some provinces a minimum percentage of units that must meet accessibility standards. The requirements depend on building type, number of units, and provincial adoption.

Accessible dwelling unit requirements have expanded significantly in recent code editions, and several provinces now require a percentage of dwelling units to be barrier-free or adaptable. The code distinguishes between fully accessible units and adaptable units that can be converted with minimal work. Start by confirming the provincial requirements for the building type and unit count, then verify the specific barrier-free design provisions.

What to check first

  • Some provinces require a minimum percentage of dwelling units to be barrier-free or adaptable — the requirement varies by province.
  • Accessible units and adaptable units have different design requirements — confirm which standard applies.
  • Common paths of travel, entrances, and common areas in multi-unit buildings have separate barrier-free requirements.

Jurisdiction notes

National baseline

Check NBC Part 3 and Part 9 for barrier-free design requirements applicable to dwelling units, paths of travel, and common areas.

Provincial accessibility requirements

Several provinces have adopted requirements for accessible or adaptable dwelling units that go beyond the NBC baseline, including minimum percentages and specific design criteria.

Human rights and accessibility legislation

Provincial human rights codes and accessibility legislation may impose requirements beyond the building code, especially for publicly funded housing.

Work through it in this order

  1. Determine the building type, number of dwelling units, and province to identify the applicable accessibility requirements.
  2. Review NBC barrier-free design provisions for dwelling units, paths of travel, and common areas.
  3. Check provincial requirements for accessible or adaptable unit percentages and any additional design criteria.
  4. Verify accessibility legislation and funding-specific requirements that may apply to the project.

Common questions

What percentage of dwelling units must be accessible in Canada?

There is no single national percentage. Provincial building codes and accessibility legislation set different requirements. Some provinces require a minimum percentage of barrier-free or adaptable units in multi-unit buildings.

What is the difference between an accessible unit and an adaptable unit?

An accessible unit meets barrier-free design requirements as built. An adaptable unit is designed so that it can be converted to meet accessibility standards with minimal structural changes.

Do common areas need to be accessible even if units are not?

Yes. Common paths of travel, entrances, and shared amenity areas in multi-unit buildings generally must meet barrier-free requirements regardless of the dwelling unit provisions.