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OFM Plan Approval Program

OCCUPANCY OFM APPROVAL REQUIRED
Schools All projects involving elementary and secondary schools operated by public and separate school boards including portables with shared exit facilities (see exemptions in notes No.1 and No.2 below)
Colleges and Universities All projects involving college and university facilities (see exemptions in notes No.1 and No.2 below)
Hospitals All projects in public and private hospitals including Children's Treatment Centres, Detox Centres, but excluding Community Health Units (see exemption in note No.2 below)
Long Term Care Facilities All projects in Long Term Care Facilities, Nursing Homes and Homes for the Aged licensed by the province (see exemption in note No.2 below)
Social Services Buildings On request from the Ministry of Community and Social Services for projects involving Adult Facilities, Children's Facilities and Rehabilitation Workshops
Government Buildings On specific request from the Management Board Secretariat for government owned or operated buildings such as Psychiatric Hospitals, Correctional Facilities, Court Houses, etc.

1. Exemptions for Schools, Colleges and Universities in Designated Municipalities

Projects involving additions or renovations to existing buildings in designated municipalities require submission for a conceptual review by the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM).

Drawings for new, stand-alone buildings in designated municipalities need not be submitted to the OFM, however, staff are available for consultation respecting fire safety issues on all projects.

Designated municipalities for schools, colleges and universities are current members of the Large Municipalities Chief Building Officials group (LMCBO) and are subject to change with changes in LMCBO membership. Please refer to the LMCBO membership list for the most up to date information. The following are designated municipalities as of May 1, 2001:

Ajax Markham Sarnia
Barrie Mississauga Sault Ste Marie
Brampton Newmarket Stoney Creek
Brantford Niagara Falls (Greater) Sudbury
Burlington Norfolk County Thunder Bay
Cambridge North Bay Timmins
Chatham-Kent Oakville Toronto
Clarington Oshawa Vaughan
Guelph Ottawa Waterloo
Hamilton Peterborough Welland
Kingston Pickering Whitby
Kitchener Richmond Hill Windsor
London St. Catharines  

2. Exemptions for Minor Renovation Projects

The following projects do not require OFM approval:

asbestos removal boiler/furnace replacement
ceiling replacement barrier-free provisions (except elevators and exit stairs)
re-roofing mechanical systems upgrading
window replacement lighting systems

A guideline relating to fire safety issues for these projects is available from the OFM.

NOTE: For additional information or assistance regarding this program, please contact the Fire Safety Standards Section of the OFM at (416) 325-3100.