Looking to have an entrance in your side or backyard?

You’ve got some zoning requirements to consider, but no worries, we’ve got you covered!

To ensure compliance with the Ontario Building Code, it's essential that your side entrance adheres to certain guidelines. The good news is, it's entirely feasible!

The key is to guarantee that none of the stairs, including the foundation wall, infringes on the minimum required side yard setback. In simpler terms, this refers to the minimum distance your house should be from the side lot line.

To determine your specific minimum required side yard setback, we can check your property's zoning. Armed with this information, we'll ensure that your below-grade side entrance meets all the necessary criteria.

If you're ready to turn your side yard entrance vision into reality, let's get started and make sure everything aligns with the regulations. We're here to assist you every step of the way!

Where can you build it?

As per the Ontario Building Code, there are explicit regulations dictating where you can build or alter a basement entrance, be it a below-grade entrance or a side door.

Side entrance permit – Specifications and Guidelines

1. Professional Engineer Design Requirement: When constructing foundations below the level of adjacent building footings and within the angle of repose of the soil, or when underpinning exceeds 1200mm of laterally unsupported height, or when dealing with clay or silt soil, a professional engineer must design the underpinning and related construction.

2. Excavation Standards: Excavation must be carried out in a manner that prevents movement causing damage to adjacent property, structures, utilities, roads, and before commencing excavation.

3. Minimum Concrete Strength for Underpinning: The minimum concrete strength for underpinning shall be 15MPa at 28 days. All exterior concrete shall be 32MPa with 5%-8% air entrainment.

4. Concrete Curing: Concrete shall be cured for a minimum of 48 hours before grouting and proceeding to the next stage.

5. Shoring and Bracing: Shoring and bracing are necessary where required to ensure the safety and stability of the existing structure during underpinning.

6. Weeping Tile Drainage: Weeping tile is to drain to the storm sewer, ditch, drywell, or be installed in a covered sump pit with an automatic pump.

7. Footing Specifications: Footings shall be 450mm x 100mm poured concrete, resting on natural undisturbed soil or compacted granular fill.

8. Concrete Compressive Strength: Concrete used must have a minimum compressive strength of 32MPa at 28 days with 5%-8% air entrainment.

9. Insulation Requirements: Minimum RSI 2.11 (R12) insulation and vapor barrier on the inside face of the exposed foundation wall. Minimum RSI 1.41 (R8) insulation for 600mm below grade at walkout landing.

10. Retaining Wall Standards: Retaining walls can be 250mm masonry or poured concrete with no reinforcing required for wall height up to a maximum of 1200mm. Provide 25M vertical reinforcement at 600mm intervals and a bond beam containing at least one 15M reinforcement for backfill heights up to a maximum of 2400mm.