Do Ottawa concrete steps need two handrails?

For exterior concrete steps serving a single dwelling unit, the 2024 Ontario Building Code requires only one handrail, not two, once the stair has more than 3 risers. Stairs with 3 risers or fewer do not require a handrail at all.

The relevant section is 9.8.7.1, which says handrails are not required on exterior stairs serving a single dwelling unit with not more than 3 risers, and that only one handrail is required on exterior stairs with more than 3 risers serving one dwelling unit. The required handrail must be between 865 mm and 1 070 mm high, per section 9.8.7.4(2).

A guard is a separate question from a handrail. Under section 9.8.8.1, a guard is required on each open side of steps, landings or porches where the difference in elevation between the walking surface and the adjacent surface within 1.2 m (3'-3") is more than 600 mm (2'-0"). Guards for a single dwelling unit are not less than 900 mm high where the walking surface is not more than 1 800 mm above finished ground, and not less than 1 070 mm above that height, per section 9.8.8.3.

A few other Code points apply to exterior concrete steps regardless of whether a permit is required. The rise must be between 125 mm and 200 mm, and the run between 255 mm and 355 mm, per Table 9.8.4.1. Risers must be uniform, with no more than 5 mm difference between adjacent treads and no more than 10 mm between the tallest and shortest risers in a flight, per section 9.8.4.4. The stair must be at least 860 mm wide per section 9.8.2.1(4). Treads and landings must be wear-resistant, slip-resistant, and smooth, even and free from open defects per section 9.8.9.6. Section 9.8.4.4 also notes that where the top or bottom riser adjoins a sloping walking surface, the riser height may vary across the stair by not more than 1 in 12.

If the steps serve a required egress and meet any of the elevation or grade conditions in the City's Building Code Services advisory on landscaping materials, a building permit may be required. The City's Landscaping Education Guide (March 2026) states that stairs and landings that provide access to a building may need a building permit. Ask the City's Building Code Services before work starts if you are replacing or rebuilding front entry steps.

The City of Ottawa's Hardscaping Contractor Licence, in place since March 1, 2026, is required for a business installing concrete steps on private property. Ask any contractor to show you their licence and check the City's published list yourself. Ottawa Concrete Pros does not verify anyone's licence or insurance.

Have a written contract that sets out the full scope and price, any required permit, and a copy of the City's Landscaping Education Guide, which a licensed hardscaping contractor is required to give you.