Garage Fire Separation Requirements
Last updated: June 2026
Fire-resistance ratings between attached garages and dwelling units.
Detailed explanation
An attached garage must be separated from the dwelling by fire-resistance rated construction, including walls, ceilings, and doors. The rating depends on whether the garage is attached or built into the house.
Penetrations for ducts, pipes, and wiring must be fire-stopped. Doors from the garage to the house must be self-closing and may require a minimum fire-protection rating.
Detached garages have different separation rules, but fuel-fired appliances and storage of flammable materials still trigger code requirements when connected to the dwelling.
Ontario Building Code references
Ontario Building Code
Section 9.10.15. — Fire separations
Garage-to-house separation.
Ontario Building Code
Section 9.10.16. — Doors in fire separations
Door ratings and self-closing.
Examples
- Renovating a breezeway between garage and house may require upgrading the wall to a rated assembly.
- A door from the garage directly into a bedroom is generally not permitted without compliant separation and egress design.
Common mistakes
- Drywall-only walls between garage and living space without required rating.
- Propped-open self-closing garage entry doors.
- Unsealed gaps around garage-to-house door frames.
Have a specific question?
Ask Tenet for a source-backed answer tailored to your project.