What is the minimum area a structure must occupy to be classified as a building according to the Building Code Act?

A structure is classified as a building according to the Building Code Act if it occupies a minimum area of ten square metres. This specification establishes a clear threshold to differentiate between minor structures and those that require compliance with the more comprehensive requirements of the Building Code. The ten square metre standard ensures that buildings are large enough to have the potential for significant occupancy or use, thereby necessitating adherence to safety, structural integrity, and regulatory standards that protect health and welfare.

Smaller structures, under this size, may not have the same level of usage intensity or risk associated with them, allowing for a more streamlined set of regulations or exemptions. Using ten square metres as a benchmark simplifies the regulatory framework while ensuring that larger, more complex structures are subject to stricter compliance measures.