(1) A building classified as Group C, other than a retirement home, is permitted to conform to Sentence (2) provided,
(a) except as permitted by Sentence 3.2.2.7. (1), the building is sprinklered,
(b) it is not more than 6 storeys in building height, and
(c) it has a building area,
(i) that is not limited if the building is not more than 2 storeys in building height,
(ii) not more than 12 000 m2 if 3 storeys in building height,
(iii) not more than 9 000 m2 if 4 storeys in building height,
(iv) not more than 7 200 m2 if 5 storeys in building height, or
(v) not more than 6 000 m2 if 6 storeys in building height.
(2) Except as permitted by Article 3.2.2.16., the building referred to in Sentence (1) shall be of noncombustible construction, and,
(a) except as permitted by Sentence (3), floor assemblies shall be fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h,
(b) mezzanines shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(c) loadbearing walls, columns and arches shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported assembly.
(3) In a building that contains dwelling units that have more than 1 storey, subject to the requirements of Sentence 3.3.4.2. (3), the floor assemblies, including floors over basements, which are entirely contained within these dwelling units, shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h but need not be constructed as fire separations.