Measurement of Travel Distance in a Storage Garage

Date of Publication:  June 10, 2025 [2025.07.V-01.C]

Subject:  Measurement of Travel Distance in a Storage Garage.

Ontario Building Code Reference(s):

Subsection 3.4.2 of Div. B.

Article 3.3.1.17 of Div. B.

Article 3.3.1.17 of Div. B.

Incoming Request: 

A Part 3 building is proposed with an underground parking/storage garage. Travel distance has been measured from the most distant point on the parking garage to the nearest exit (enclosed stairs). Is it permissible for the travel distance to be measured along a path of travel that runs between the vehicle parking spaces?

Executive Summary:

In a storage garage, travel distances should be measured only along drive aisles and identified, demarcated pedestrian walkways where measures have been taken to ensure they are kept clear of vehicles and other obstructions.

Discussion & Considerations:

Maximum travel distance is regulated by provisions found in Subsection 3.4.2. For a storage garage (Group F, Division 3 occupancy), assuming a sprinklered building, the maximum travel distance to an exit would be 45m per Clause 3.4.2.5.(1)(c). Note that Clause 3.4.2.5.(1)(e) provides an exemption for open air storage garages, but it is not applicable to our scenario.

While travel distance is an undefined term, Sentence 3.4.2.4.(1) states that “...for the purposes of this Subsection, travel distance means the distance from any point in the floor area to an exit measured along the path of travel to the exit”. 

The 1995 NBC User’s Guide offers more guidance: 

“The travel distance in an access to exit governs the time necessary for a person to evacuate the space. There is no clear method of measuring travel distance. When a building is first designed and the floor area is open, without partitions and furniture, the travel distance could be measured in a straight line from the most remote point to the nearest exit. As partitions and furniture are installed, the routes become more complex and the travel distance increases. If the distance becomes excessive, alternate means of travelling to the exit should be provided.”

In normal use people may choose to access the exit by walking between parked vehicles - but in an emergency it should not be assumed that the path between the vehicles will maintain any minimum distances or be free from obstructions (eg: the minimum egress width of Article 3.3.1.17. or the minimum width for obstructions in a means of egress in Sentence 3.3.1.24.(1).)

Risk/Benefit Analysis:

Travel distances measured between vehicle parking spaces may reduce the number of required exits, or allow more flexibility in placement of the exits. There is a risk that vehicles may be improperly parked, obstruction may be in the way, or occupants may be hesitant to try to access the exit by walking between vehicles.

If travel distance is proposed to be measured in areas other than the drive aisles, it should only be via appropriately signed and demarcated walkways. Measures should be taken to ensure the walkway is kept free of vehicles and other obstructions by line painting, curbing or bollards.

The one exception to this is the “most remote point” where the travel distance measurement starts from. This point must be the most remote point from an exit and may, depending on the arrangement of the parking spaces, be located against a wall at the rear of a parking space. In this case the initial portion of the travel distance will be measured between the parking spaces to the drive aisle. 

Final Recommendation:

Travel distance to an exit in a storage garage should be measured along drive aisles and/or identified and separated pedestrian walkways only. Measuring a path of travel between parking spaces is not recommended.

Recommendation to Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing:

None at this time

Referenced Documents:

2024 Ontario Building Code:

User’s Guide – NBC 1995 Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility (Part 3)

Disclaimer:

This guidance document is intended to assist building officials by gathering relevant information to interpret the OBC Act and the prescriptive requirements of the Ontario Building Code, and is intended to be a best practice aid for building officials.

The views expressed within this guidance document should not be considered as the official interpretation of legislated requirements based on the Ontario Building Code, as the final responsibility for interpretation rests with the local Authority Having Jurisdiction. 

The views of this advisory committee should not be construed as legal advice.