The Ontario Building Code | Clearances
8.2.1.4. Clearances
(1) Unless it can be shown to be unnecessary, where the percolation time is 10 minutes or greater, the location of all components within a sewage system shall be in conformance with the clearances listed in Article 8.2.1.5. or 8.2.1.6.
(2) Unless it can be shown to be unnecessary, where the percolation time is less than 10 minutes, the clearances listed in Articles 8.2.1.5. and 8.2.1.6. for wells, lakes, ponds, reservoirs, rivers, springs or streams shall be increased to compensate for the lower percolation time.
(3) No building shall be constructed closer to any part of a sewage system than the clearances listed in Article 8.2.1.5. or 8.2.1.6.
(4) If more than one sewage system is located on a lot or parcel of land, there shall be no overlap of any part of the systems.
In Plain Language
This article sets minimum clearance distances a private sewage system must maintain from wells, property lines, buildings, and water bodies, protecting drinking water and neighbouring land from contamination.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.