Alternative Solutions Development

Where a particular design from the consultant team does not meet the prescriptive requirements identified in the applicable Building Code or Building By-Law, these Codes permit the submission of an alternative solution that meets the life safety and fire protection objectives of the Building Code or Building By-Law.

Under previous Codes, these alternative solutions were identified as equivalencies. However, under the objective-based Building Code, an alternative solution permits owners and design consultants to achieve significant new innovation or design, or realize cost savings while meeting the life safety and fire protection requirements of the applicable Codes and Standards.

Under the objective-based Code system, all provisions of the Building Code are subject to a performance-based review. The submission of an alternative solution that meets the objective and intent of the Building Code is encouraged as it allows for more design flexibility and innovation.

When preparing alternative solutions, it is important to consider certain objectives in order to address innovative design configurations, new materials or systems that may not comply with the prescriptive requirements of the Building Code. These objectives include:

• Finding the most cost-effective method of applying the intent of the Building Code that meets the design goals of the project.
• Minimizing the impact of Code requirements on the design goals of the owner and architect.
• Communicating how life and fire safety considerations affect building and design use, and working with the project team to understand these considerations.
• Coordinating and facilitating approval of design concepts with Building and Fire officials.
• Providing alternate solutions to Building Code compliance to better serve the unique needs of the end user group.

By keeping these objectives in mind, alternative solutions can be prepared that effectively address innovative design configurations, new materials or systems that may not comply with the prescriptive requirements of the Building Code.