The proposed regulations, which would be made under the Building Code Act, 1992, would establish interim amendments to the existing Building Code (O. Reg. 332/12) and the interim amendments could be included in the next Building Code

Description of regulation

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs (MMA) is proposing amendments to Ontario Regulation 332/12 (Building Code) under the Building Code Act, 1992 in a two-phased consultation.

In the first phase, MMA is consulting on proposed interim amendments to the current Building Code (O. Reg. 332/12) that support the Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy update, which was released in March 2016. Phase one would also seek input on proposed changes that would form the next edition of the Building Code. Additionally, MMA is seeking advice on preliminary changes the government should consider to improve energy efficiency and water conservation that could be implemented quickly and over time.

In addition to these government priorities, MMA has been developing changes to the Building Code as it relates to the construction of buildings generally, including the construction of sewage systems.

As part of the first phase of consultation, potential changes to the current Building Code that are being considered regarding on-site sewage systems include:

• Restricting the use of holding tanks in house renovations;
• Clarifying requirements for homeowners regarding sampling of septic systems (where applicable)
• Incorporating new effluent distribution technology (e.g. chamber systems)
• Also as part of the first phase of consultation, MMA is seeking input on current requirements in the Building Code regarding maintenance of on-site sewage systems, and whether any potential changes are needed.

The second phase of the consultation will seek input on proposed amendments to the Building Code to support the implementation of the government’s Climate Change Action Plan, which was released in June 2016.

Purpose of regulation

Building Code regulation of on-site sewage systems contributes to public health and safety, and environmental protection by reducing the risk of pathogens entering into ground water and water bodies.

Potential Building Code changes that are being considered would also recognize current industry-based standards, as well as concerns regarding compliance with pump-out and maintenance requirements.

Public consultation

This proposal was posted for a 60 day public review and comment period starting October 21, 2016. Comments were to be received by December 20, 2016.

All comments received during the comment period are being considered as part of the decision-making process by the Ministry.

Please Note: All comments and submissions received have become part of the public record.

Other public consultation opportunities

As part of the proposed amendments to the current Building Code (O. Reg. 332/12) and the proposed next edition of the Building Code, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs is also consulting on other potential changes. If you have any questions or would like to submit your comments on these other proposed changes, including timeframes for in-effect dates, please visit the Building Code website, in order to participate in the web-based consultation.

More information on potential changes to the Building Code is available on the Building Code website.

When submitting your feedback please remember to include:

• Your name
• Your mailing address
• Whether you are responding on behalf of yourself or an organization
• Code Change number

Any questions on the consultation process, collection of information and access to the consultation document may be directed to: buildingcode.consultation@ontario.ca