Encapsulated mass timber buildings allowed up to 18 storeys
Ontario · O. Reg. 447/24 amending the 2024 Ontario Building Code
In force
Building codes
What changes
All law updatesThe regulation permits Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction up to 18 storeys, expands permitted occupancies and relaxes encapsulation requirements. It also carries forward provisions for Temporary Health and Residential Facilities and updates referenced standards.
- Law or regulation
- O. Reg. 447/24 amending the 2024 Ontario Building Code
- Jurisdiction
- Ontario
- In force
- Jan 1, 2025
- Official source
- Government of Ontario
Who it affects and how
Owners & developers
People and companies who own the property and commission the work, including homeowners renovating
Developers can choose mass timber for taller mid-rise and high-rise projects.
Contractors
General contractors, builders and construction business owners
Taller timber projects open up, and they need EMTC sequencing and fire-protection expertise.
Trades
Subcontractors and trade contractors
Timber erection and encapsulation trades have a larger market of tall buildings.
Suppliers
Sellers of materials, products and equipment
Demand opens for CLT and glulam on buildings up to 18 storeys.
Designers
Architects, engineers and designers
Architects and engineers can design EMTC to 18 storeys with relaxed encapsulation.
Not directly affected: homebuyers & customers, workers.
Plain-language summary by ArtBuild, checked against the official source on Oct 29, 2026. General information, not legal advice; you are responsible for how you use it. The official text governs: read it, and we recommend asking a lawyer or the regulator about your situation.