National baseline
Start with the NBC assembly seating provisions including seat spacing, aisle width calculation, row length limits, and egress capacity for assembly occupancies.
Canadian building code question
What are the building code requirements for arena and assembly seating in Canada?
Assembly occupancies with fixed seating have specific requirements for seat spacing, aisle widths, row length, aisle accessway clearance, and egress capacity. Requirements depend on the seating arrangement, occupant load, and whether continental or conventional seating is used.
Fixed seating in assembly occupancies is one of the most dimensionally prescribed areas of the building code because high-density occupancies with limited mobility between rows create serious evacuation challenges. The code addresses seat spacing, aisle widths that increase toward exits, maximum row length, and the relationship between seating arrangement and exit capacity.
What to check first
- Seat spacing and aisle accessway clearance determine how quickly occupants can reach an aisle from their seat.
- Aisle widths are calculated based on the number of seats served and must increase toward the exit.
- Continental seating (long rows with aisles on both ends) and conventional seating (short rows with a centre aisle) have different dimensional requirements.
Jurisdiction notes
Province and edition check
Some provinces amend assembly seating requirements for specific venue types or high-occupancy conditions.
Accessible seating
Barrier-free design requirements specify the number, distribution, and sightline conditions for accessible seating positions.
Work through it in this order
- Determine the seating arrangement type: continental or conventional.
- Calculate aisle widths based on the number of seats served, using the applicable width-per-seat or capacity formula.
- Verify seat spacing, aisle accessway clearance, and maximum row length for the seating type.
- Confirm accessible seating count, distribution, and sightline requirements.
Common questions
How are aisle widths calculated for fixed seating?
Aisle widths are calculated based on the number of seats served by the aisle, using a width-per-seat factor or capacity formula from the code. The aisle narrows at the end farthest from the exit and widens toward the exit.
What is the difference between continental and conventional seating?
Continental seating uses long rows with aisles on both ends, allowing wider seat spacing. Conventional seating uses shorter rows with a central aisle. Each arrangement has different dimensional requirements and maximum row lengths.
How many accessible seating positions are required?
The number of accessible seats depends on the total seating capacity and the ratio specified in the NBC barrier-free provisions. Accessible seats must be dispersed and provide comparable sightlines.