Farm Structures That Require an Engineered Design
A Quick Guide to the Ontario Building Code

All building construction in Ontario must follow the Ontario Building Code (OBC), which describes the requirements that must be met for all new or expanding buildings in the province. The code specifically defines when a building permit is required and when the building is required to be designed by an Engineer and/or Architect. An engineered drawing is a drafted plan of the facility that has been designed, reviewed and sealed with a Professional Engineer's stamp with the original signature.

The Ontario Building Code also ensures that other applicable laws, such as the Nutrient Management Act are followed. This means municipal Chief Building Officials (CBO) are required to ensure that a Nutrient Management Strategy is approved before they issue a building permit for a livestock facility or manure storage.

The OBC defines farm buildings as all or part of a building,

1. that does not contain any areas used for residential occupancy,
2. that is associated with and located on land devoted to the practice of farming, and
3. that is used essentially for the housing of equipment or livestock or the production, storage or processing of agricultural and horticultural produce or feeds.

The construction of a farm building greater than 10 square metres requires a building permit. Any modification within an existing farm building that includes any changes to a structural component within the building will also require a building permit.

The following table is a general summary of the requirements for farm structures under the OBC. This table does not include all the situations that will require an Engineered Design. Contact your local municipal Chief Building Official for specifics.

This table does not include all the situations that will require an Engineered Design. Contact your local municipal Chief Building Official for specifics.

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