Partial Occupancy Plans Canada
The National Construction Code of Australia, through performance-based design, and the Ontario Building Code permit staged building occupancy in large buildings provided sufficient fire safety measures are implemented.
Vortex Fire has developed partial occupancy plans to assist building owners, contractors, and project teams in identifying key building features and systems that need to be operational to permit partial occupancy.
These plans are particularly beneficial in high-rise or mixed-use developments where full completion of the building may be staged across different floors or zones. Implementing these plans enables developers to obtain a temporary occupation license or a permit for occupancy in Canada allowing certain areas to be legally used or occupied while construction continues elsewhere in the building.
In Canada, and specifically in Toronto, applying for an occupancy permit in Toronto or an occupancy permit in Ontario requires detailed documentation to confirm that life safety systems are functional and compliant. This includes ensuring that fire alarm and sprinkler systems are fully operational in the occupied zones and that proper fire separations exist between completed and under-construction areas.
To facilitate a successful occupancy certificate Canada application, our experts conduct rigorous site inspections and help prepare documentation demonstrating compliance with applicable provincial and municipal regulations. This includes evaluation of:
- National Construction Code of Australia (for international projects)
- Ontario Building Code requirements for occupancy of an unfinished building
- Detailed review of occupancy stages
- Fire alarm requirements in occupied areas
- Sprinkler system requirements for coverage and zoning
- Verified fire separations between occupied and active construction zones
- Health and sanitation requirements for partial use
- Site safety reviews, including crane swing zones and hoisting routes
- Fire service access routes for emergency responders
- General technical advice to help secure a permit occupancy in Canada
A temporary occupation license is often issued when conditions for full certification have not yet been met. Still, the partially completed space meets minimum standards for health, safety, and accessibility. Our role is to ensure that all temporary or staged occupancy measures remain compliant and justifiable under the code.
We work closely with authorities with jurisdiction (AHJ) and construction teams to streamline the approval process and help secure occupancy permit Ontario or occupancy certificate Canada approvals with minimal delays.
Whether you require assistance with documentation, occupancy of building review, or full coordination with code officials, Vortex Fire offers end-to-end support tailored to meet the specific demands of partial occupancy in Canada.
