What does 'non-regulatory' imply in the context of Appendices A and B?

In the context of the Ontario Building Code and its appendices, the term 'non-regulatory' signifies that the content is intended to serve as guidance rather than as enforceable mandates. This means that while the information provided in Appendices A and B may be valuable for understanding best practices, it is not required to be followed by builders or designers in a legal sense. Users can utilize this guidance to inform their decisions and enhance their understanding of building processes, but they are not obliged to adhere to it in the same way they must follow specific regulations found elsewhere in the code.

This distinction is important for ensuring that industry professionals can exercise flexibility in their approaches while still maintaining awareness of recommended practices that may lead to safer and more efficient construction outcomes. Non-regulatory content is often developed to help illustrate complex ideas or provide examples, making it easier for practitioners to grasp relevant concepts without imposing strict compliance requirements.