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Small Restaurants – Ontario Building Code Compliance

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Small Restaurants

Information on Ontario Building Code Compliance

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Plan Your Project

Building Code Compliance Consulting Services

Our team provides engineering and building code consulting services for any size project. Whether you are planning a large restaurant or a small restaurant, our team can assist you plan, design, and get your project to permit.

A typical restaurant will require several professional consultants, including:

  • Building Code Engineer
  • Licensed Architect
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Electrical Engineer

Our team can assist you with your project by being the coordinating license professional to ensure that all building code requirements are met for your project. 

Small Restaurants – Ontario Building Code Compliance

Where to Start YOU WILL NEED AN ARCHITECT AND AN ENGINEER FOR YOUR RESTAURANT PROJECT.

Small Restaurants (under 30 seats) will need an architect and most of the time an engineer to design the space and obtain a building permit. 

Large restaurants will require an engineer and an architect. 

A BCIN designer is not an archtiect or engineer and cannot work on any restaurant project. 

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Small vs Large Restuarants

Small Restaurants – Ontario Building Code Compliance
All restaurants are classified as an A2 Occupancy under the Ontario Building Code. The Building Code prevised relaxed provisions for restaurants with an occupancy of 30 or less. The relaxed provisions fall under the requirements of a Group E occupancy. All assembly occupancy buildings are to be designed under Part 3 of the Ontario Building Code and require an OAA licensed architect. 

3.1.2.1. Classification of Buildings
(1) Except as provided by Articles 3.1.2.3. to 3.1.2.7., every building or part of it shall be classified according to its major occupancy as belonging to one of the Groups or Divisions described in Table 3.1.2.1. (See Appendix A.)

3.1.2.6. Restaurants
(1) A restaurant is permitted to be classified as a Group E major occupancy provided the restaurant is designed to accommodate not more than 30 persons consuming food or drink.

A-3.1.2.1.(1) Major Occupancy Classification.

Group A, Division 2
Restaurants
Group E
Restaurants with an occupant load not more than
  30 persons consuming food and drink

CHANGES TO THE ONTARIO BUILDING CODE

Ontario Building Code 2024 will come into effect in 2025 and this code provision is being clarified in the new standard. 

Small Restaurants – Ontario Building Code Compliance

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Office:

INEAS, P. O. Box 403 , Brockville, ON, K6V 5V6
613-342-2611
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Client Review: 5 Stars for an Engineering Report

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Client Review: 5 Stars for an Engineering Report

5 Star Review

Thanks Cindy!

Do you need help with an engineering assessment for your project? Our team provides integrated land surveying, land-use planning, design, engineering, and construction services. 

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Office:

INEAS, P. O. Box 403 , Brockville, ON, K6V 5V6
613-342-2611
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Exploring Severance Possibilities?

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Step 1

Pre-Consultation

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The first estimate sent is based on the Pre-Consultation process with the Township in addition to a rough drawing to highlight the intent for Township review.  The pre-consultation is a mandatory review process prior to a formal submission of the application.  This allows the Township to highlight any discrepancies or relevant studies to be completed in concurrence with the proposed application.  This also allows for modifications of size or location of the proposed prior to paying the application fees for submission.  

Once this process has been completed, our IN Planning team will take all feedback and property information and complete a Pre-Consultation report for your review.  This will outline all applicable policies and provisions regarding your property in addition to the feedback received from the Township.  From here it is the client’s choice to decide if they wish to proceed. 

Step 2

Decision Made

If the Township indicates they would be in support of the proposed application and the client is looking to proceed with the application process, our IN Planning team will formulate a second estimate in order to Act as Agent for Consent.  This will include the time allocated for drafting of the severance sketch and completion of required application forms, relevant documents/studies, submission, and public hearing attendance. 

This estimate will include the fees required for submission to the Township and Counties and any additional review fees such as septic and conservation fees. It is important to note that the estimates provided are not a fixed fee quote, but simply an approximation of costs, as our services are based on time and can vary by project and Township. 

The approval process of a consent application can take up to 3 months once a completed application has been submitted. Within that time the application will be circulated for review and notices will be posted to allow for appeals.   

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Step 3

Reference Plan 

Exploring Severance Possibilities?

If there are no appeals and the severance is approved.  The remaining conditions for approval will be listed in your approval letter. This is typically when the reference (R-Plan) is required to take place which can be provided by our Survey Department.  

If the client continues to work with IN Engineering and Surveying, your information will be passed to our Survey Department and a new estimate will be formulated outlining the approximate cost for completion of the R-Plan. More information regarding this process can be discussed with our Survey Team.  

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Project Profile: Using Carbon Fibre to Restore Brockville’s Sabre Jet Memorial

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Carbon Fibre Repair of Concrete

Restoring Brockville’s RCAF Memorial, the ‘Sabre Jet’

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Memorial to the RCAF 

The Golden Hawk Sabre Jet located on brockville’s Waterfront is a war memorial for Royal Canadian Air Force members who have lost their lives and have served Canada. The memorial features a Canadair CF86 Mark VI aircraft on a concrete pedestal with a small plaque. The small plaque lists the names of 76 RCAF members who lost their lives. 

The monument was constructed in 1968 and has undergone some repairs in 2005. An engineering report in 2020 recommended that the pedestal the airplane rests on be replaced with a new pile foundation. 

The cost for the replacement of the pier and foundation was tendered and determined to be well in excess of the project budget. The total project budget including landscaping and aesthetics is $150,000.

2018 Rededication Ceremony of the Royal Canadian Air Force Monument

2018 Rededication Ceremony of the Royal Canadian Air Force Monument

The Carbon Fibre Solution

An innovative solution was required to keep the project on-budget. Engineering solutions are often confined by the limitations of budgets and have the flexibility to propose innovative solutions.

Our team recommended reinforcing the pier with carbon fibre strips.

The initial engineering estimate to wrap the column with carbon fibre came to $55,000. Carbon Fibre Strips are often used for seismic reinforcing of concrete structure such as bridge piers and critical infrastructure. 

By wrapping the a concrete column in GFRP, the axial strength can be increased by up to 30%. The GFRP will compress the concrete similar to a post-tensioning system. Compressed concrete performs better due it’s ability to resist tensile forces. The carbon fibre and epoxy will also help by waterproofing the pier and limiting the amount of corrosion due to water penetration. 

IMG_20200629_124017

Rebar Scanning by XRADAR

Project Profile: Using Carbon Fibre to Restore Brockville’s Sabre Jet Memorial

Most of the documentation from 1968 is no longer available. In order to determine the existing rebar layout and inform the rehabilitaiton design, a radar scan of the pier was necessary. 

Xradar sent a team to use Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) survey methods to determine the internal rebar arrangement and detect and voids or corrosion. 

The results determined that the pier was in good condition and no voids, cracks or corrosion was detected on the inside. 

If you have to determine the layout or condition of rebar, be sure to contact Xradar for their services. 

Project Profile: Using Carbon Fibre to Restore Brockville’s Sabre Jet Memorial

SikaWrap 230C

SikaWrap 230 is a carbon fibre tissue used for repairing concrete. There are two different instalation methods Wrap: Dry Lay-Up or Wet Lay-Up. With a dry FRP strip, the material is 70% lighter with the same strength, and was recommended for this project. 

Since the monument is exposed to the elements, the Carbon fibers will need to be protected against UV rays. The wrap will be covered with SiaWrap Peel-Ply and coated in Sikagard Elastic textured base coat and Sikagard 550W Elastic. 

By doing an in-situ repair with a product that is relatively easy to install, the monument can be restored for a fraction of the price than a complete replacement of the pier. 

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Conclusion

Our team is pleased to provide an innovative solution to the RCAF memorial in Brockville. The president of IN Engineering + Surveying has a unique connection to this project. His grandfather, Willem Melchers, was the person who manufactured and installed the connection between the plan and the pier.  

Engineering Services

We can help you with your project. Our team provides integrated land surveying, land-use planning, engineering, design, and construction services. 

Contact Us

Office:

INEAS, P. O. Box 403 , Brockville, ON, K6V 5V6
613-342-2611
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Constructability Reviews

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Constructability Reviews

Optimize your project with the expertise of a Professional Engineer

Constructability review is a comprehensive assessment process that evaluates the feasibility and practicality of a construction project’s design, identifying potential challenges and proposing solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce costs during the construction phase.

Save Time and Money

Constructability reviews can save time and money by identifying potential design issues, streamlining construction processes, minimizing rework, and optimizing resource allocation, ultimately ensuring a more efficient and cost-effective execution of the project.

Having a professional engineer optimize your project will minimize the construction deficiencies during construction, reduce change orders, and ultimately reduce extra costs. 

Constructability Reviews
Constructability Reviews

Constructability

Performance Based Engineering

Prescriptive based codes often have over designed structural elements that are expensive and inefficient during construction. 

Optimize Layouts

Ensuring structural and architectural elements are efficiently laid out results in reduced project costs

Code Compliance

Ensuring that acceptable solutions and alternative solutions are adequately applied to a project ensures that project meets standards while meeting project goals. 

Constructability Reviews
Constructability Reviews
Constructability Reviews
Constructability Reviews

Our team can help you with your project with Constructability Review services. 

Site Reviews, Structural Reviews, Architectural Reviews

 

  • Land Development, Site Plans, Grading Plans
  • Architectural Plans
  • Commercial Plans
  • Industrial Plans

Office:

INEAS, P. O. Box 403 , Brockville, ON, K6V 5V6
613-342-2611
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Construction Engineering Services

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Construction Engineering Services

Constrution Engineering Services

Cost estimating & cost control

Scheduling

Quality verification engineering

construction layout and record drawings

General Reviews by an engineer

3D model, virtual design construction and renderings

Cost Estimating and Cost Control

Engineers can provide various classes of estimates. The most common class of estimate is the Class 5 estimate or Class D estimate. This estimate ensure that the project is feasible before you go see a contractor or tender it. During the design development, quoting and construction of the project our team can review the budgets to ensure the project is on track. 

Scheduling

Taking a project from idea to construction requires indepth knowledge of every stage of the project. Our team will act as the construction manager where we will come up with a schedule for the design, permitting and construction phases of the project. Comparing the schedule to how the project develops in real-time will assist with ensuring the budget and schedule are met and any changes to the schedule are anticipated. 

Quality Verification Engineering

Throughout the course of the project you may need general reviews completed by an engineer. These reviews will ensure that the contractor is meeting the design intent and any construction stage engineering is completed. Quality verification engineering ensures that the project meets the design intent and required standards. At the end of the project we can provide a General Conformance Review having completed the general reviews during construction. 

Construction Layout and Record Drawings

Our team of surveyors can provide legal surveys and building layout services to ensure that all property requirements are met and the building is laid out accurately. These services greatly reduce the risk of placing the building in the wrong location or errors due to inaccurate layout. 

General Reviews by an Engineer

If you have an engineered permit package then general reviews by an engineer will be required. These should not be confused with inspections provided by a building official. General reviews ensure certain aspects of your project met the design intent and are required under the building code to be completed by a professional engineer. 

3D model, Virtual Design Construction and Renderings

3D Models and Renderings are great for marketing materials if you are a contractor or showing off the proposed construction. Virtual Design Construction is more practical where an exact digital twin of the project is made to catch any construction issues on a computer instead of on the project. By completing a virtual design construction model you can avoid costly delays and change orders during the construction phase of th eproject. 

Construction Engineering Services
Construction Engineering Services
Construction Engineering Services

Pre-designed plans are now available on our website. Explore our online store

ONLINE STORE

Construction Stage Engineering Services

We provide construction engineering services to Eastern Ontario including Brockville, Ottawa, Kingston, and Cornwall. 

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Office:

INEAS, P. O. Box 403 , Brockville, ON, K6V 5V6
613-342-2611
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Making Sense of SB12: Energy Efficiency and the Ontario Building Code

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When submitting a permit application for renovations, an addition, or a new build construction project, a document that is often overlooked is the Energy Efficiency Design Summary (EEDS). This document is not always required for a permit, however, it is a great way to summarize the information that is required by your local building inspector.

Within the Ontario Building code (OBC), there are requirements for how energy efficient a building must be. These requirements include specifications for the required thickness of insulation, maximum number and size of windows, and how efficient new mechanical systems must be. To determine what the OBC says about your specific project you must consult a few supplemental sections of code. The required sections vary depending on the project but may include SB1, and SB10 or SB12.

Section SB1 outlines the average number of Heating Degree Days (HDD) below 18 degrees Celsius expected for a given geographic location in table 1.2. Determine the closest location to your project and find the number of degree days for your area. If the tabulated value for HDD is under 5000 your project is located in what the code refers to as zone 1, if it is over 5000 you are located in zone 2.

Once you know which zone you are located you must determine what type of heating system you plan to use, electric, or fossil fuel. Remember, requirements for how much insulation you need and what type of windows you can use are based on your heating system and its efficiency.

The next step is determining a window to wall ratio (WWR) for your project. This common metric is used to identify how much of the “wall” surface is window and how much is the wall. As long as you are at or below 17% WWR the next steps are relatively simple. Look for part 2 of the article for information on performance paths or contact us if your project has a window to wall ratio over 17%

Once the mechanical system, zone, and WWR are determined, you can look up your project’s energy efficiency requirements using a prescriptive compliance package. Use section 3.1.1.2 if you are in zone 1 and 3.1.1.3 if you are in zone 2. Next choose the appropriate package to determine insulation, window, and mechanical equipment requirements.

iN Engineering can help you make sense of the code requirements for your project. We offer a range of services for energy-efficient buildings new and old.

Before You Buy That Property

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With interest rates at near record lows and the Bank of Canada indicating they will remain low until at least 2023, homeowners in Ontario have been buying and selling property in historic numbers. With ongoing lockdowns due to Covid-19 and a shift towards work-from-home, homeowners are looking to leave the city to buy property in smaller towns and rural settings.

Before you buy that property you should ensure the property is suited for your needs and goals. Some questions to ask yourself:

  1. Is the property zoned for the intended use?
  2. Will the setbacks give you enough room?
  3. Do you know all the setbacks that could affect your property?
  4. What is the soil and terrain like in the property?
  5. Is your property going to require a site plan control agreement?
  6. Will there be any minor variances?
  7. Will developing the property be profitable?

If you need help answering these questions then ask our team about a Property Consultation Report.

What is a Property Consultation Report?

Unfortunately, many Ontarians are making property purchases with intentions to build or to hold the property as an investment, without fully understanding some of the hurdles they may face in doing so. Similarly, those selling often do not realize that they may be able to better maximize the value of their sale through severing their property.

 Professional Property Advisory Services

 Before purchasing, selling, or severing a property, how is a homeowner or seller able to understand options to maximize the value of their property, or identify potential challenges before they arise? Buyers and sellers usually consult a real estate agent who may advise them on aspects of these considerations. However, most real estate agents will simply provide market value for a similar property without considering other potential impacts. Similar to the advice that an investor would seek through an independent financial advisor, consulting firms that offer integrated Planning, Surveying and Engineering services can provide a Property Consultation Report to provide professional property advisory services.

 Property Consultation Report

 A Property Consultation Report should be the first step before considering buying or selling property in Ontario. A Property Consultation Report can advise purchasers or sellers about:

  • Additional expected costs such as surveying, studies and reports, engineering and geotechnical;
  • Zoning regulations and Official Plan restrictions that may limit building options;
  • A requirement for future studies prior to building or severing such as an Environmental Impact Assessment;
  • Nearby proposed development or construction which may limit or affect the property value or intended use of the property;
  • Are there some other considerations we are missing?

 Providing Peace of Mind

For most Canadians, the sale or purchase of a home or property may be the biggest financial decision of their lives. To maximize the value of a property and provide peace of mind, contact a professional advisory service that can assist.

Using Ungraded Lumber for Construction

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Using Ungraded Lumber for Construction

Using Ungraded Lumber for Construction

Obtaining a building permit under the Ontario Building Code with ungraded lumber specified can be difficult 

Ungraded sawn lumber has been used as a construction material in North America since it was first colonized. Timbers, logs, and lumber were a valuable commodity from the settlements of the new world. These materials were used regularly in construction. Following the construction boom after the Second World War, building codes required more controls of the quality of lumber used for light framed construction. This ensured that engineering and construction standards could be maintained to meet safety requirements. After the introduction of building codes, the National Lumber Grading Authority (NLGA) was created in the 1970s to maintain lumber grading rules and standards.

Lumber grading and the requirement to use graded lumber in prescriptive construction is a relatively new code requirement. An issue arises when the general population wants to use locally sourced and ungraded lumber for their construction project. It is not possible to get lumber graded outside of a manufacturing facility due to limitations of NLGA and the availability of certified lumber graders. To the general population they see countless old buildings constructed from locally sourced lumber that was ungraded, but their project cannot proceed in a similar way.

When it comes to the use of ungraded lumber in construction and obtaining a building permit it usually involves multiple parties including the property owner, general contractor, design engineer and chief building official. The main parties involve the design engineer and the chief building official and generally they review the acceptable solutions under the building code at the permitting stage of a project.

Most structural engineers are familiar with the CSA design codes required for wood engineering. The design codes and the building code require the use of graded lumber to adhere to the acceptable solutions provisions of the building code. An engineer knowledgeable in the engineering design of wood and lumber grading can use engineering first principles to meet the objectives and functional statements of the building code. To obtain a permit the engineer can demonstrate building code compliance through performance based structural engineering and alternative solutions. Ultimately, it is up to the CBO to decide on whether the use of ungraded lumber meets building code requirements. This has been achieved by engineers using acceptable solutions and a letter or by using alternative solutions and performance-based design.

Using Ungraded Lumber for Construction

The use of ungraded lumber can be used in construction provide an engineer completes a performance-based design and grades the lumber. It can be a challenge to obtain a permit when ungraded lumber is specified as CBOs are unfamiliar with code compliance other than acceptable solutions. The alternative solutions compliance path will require an understanding of the building code objectives and functional statements. An experienced engineer will also be required to prepare performance-based design documentation and general reviews to visually grade the lumber.

For design engineers that want to specify locally sourced and ungraded lumber for construction projects they should prepare the alternative solutions compliance path prior to submitting for permit. This will inform the CBO that other than an acceptable solutions approach will be used by the design engineer to ensure building code compliance. To ensure code compliance is met, the engineer will need to be knowledgeable in engineering design in wood and provide general review and field services to visually grade the lumber.

Our team can help you use ungraded lumber to get a building permit and start your construction project. 

Office:

INEAS, P. O. Box 403 , Brockville, ON, K6V 5V6
613-342-2611
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