Concrete Steps

The 2024 Ontario Building Code treats concrete steps by height. Steps with 1 or 2 risers can be laid at ground level. Exterior concrete stairs with more than 2 risers and 2 treads must be supported on concrete or masonry walls or piers at least 150 mm across, or cantilevered from the main foundation wall, and their foundations must go to the depths in Section 9.12 (Div. B, 9.8.9.2. and 9.12.2.2.). In clay soils that table says 1.2 m but not less than the depth of frost penetration. We found no single Ottawa frost-depth figure, so the depth belongs in your contractor's drawings.

For steps serving one house, each rise must be 125 to 200 mm and each run 255 to 355 mm (Table 9.8.4.1), and adjacent risers may differ by no more than 5 mm, with no more than 10 mm between the tallest and shortest in a flight. A handrail is not required on exterior steps of 3 risers or fewer; above that, one handrail 865 to 1 070 mm high is required. A guard is required where the drop is more than 600 mm within 1.2 m.

The City of Ottawa's Landscaping Education Guide says stairs and landings that provide access to a building can need a building permit, so ask the City before steps are rebuilt. Since March 1, 2026 the City of Ottawa requires a hardscaping contractor licence for any business that installs or alters concrete pads, patios, walkways, steps, driveways or retaining walls on private property. Ask to see the licence and check the City's list of licensed hardscaping contractors yourself; we do not check it for you.