Canadian building code question

When is an accessible entrance required under the Canadian building code?

An accessible entrance is typically required when the barrier-free design provisions of the adopted code apply to the building. The trigger usually depends on the occupancy, building classification, number of entrances, whether the project is new construction or an alteration, and how the province adopts or amends the accessibility requirements.

Accessible entrance requirements are not optional design choices — they are triggered by code provisions that depend on building type, occupancy, the number and location of entrances, and provincial adoption. The safest approach is to confirm the building classification and scope of work first, then verify which entrances must meet barrier-free design requirements under the applicable code edition.

What to check first

  • Identify the building classification and occupancy to determine whether the barrier-free design provisions apply to the entrances being provided.
  • Check whether the project is new construction, an alteration, or a change of use, because the accessibility obligation for entrances can differ.
  • Verify provincial adoption and any provincial accessibility standards that may expand the requirement beyond the baseline building code.

Jurisdiction notes

National baseline

Start with the NBC barrier-free design provisions that cover entrance requirements, including how many entrances must be accessible and what design conditions apply.

Province and accessibility standards

Confirm whether the province adds requirements through provincial accessibility legislation, code amendments, or design standards that expand the accessible entrance obligation.

Project-specific variables

Building classification, number of entrances, entrance location, new vs. existing building, and the scope of alteration work can all affect which entrances must be accessible.

Work through it in this order

  1. Confirm the building classification, occupancy, and whether this is new construction, an alteration, or a change of occupancy.
  2. Review the NBC barrier-free design provisions to determine how many entrances must be accessible and what design conditions apply.
  3. Check provincial accessibility amendments and standards for additional requirements that may apply to the project type.
  4. Document the cited sections and confirm that entrance design, hardware, grade changes, and vestibule conditions meet the identified requirements.

Common questions

Does every building entrance need to be accessible?

Not necessarily. The code typically requires a minimum number of entrances to be accessible based on building classification and the total entrances provided. Provincial standards may increase that number.

Does the requirement change for renovations?

It can. Alterations and changes of occupancy may trigger accessible entrance requirements depending on the scope of work and provincial adoption.

Do provincial accessibility standards go beyond the building code?

Yes, in many cases. Provincial legislation and design standards can add requirements for power-operated doors, approach clearances, and accessible path-of-travel conditions that exceed the baseline building code.