Excavation & Underground Utilities

Site Work

Minimum Cover Depths (Ontario)

UtilityLandscapedUnder Roads
Water main / service1.5 m1.5–1.8 m
Sanitary sewer1.8 m1.8–2.4 m
Storm sewer0.6–1.2 m0.9–1.5 m
Natural gas (Enbridge)0.6 m0.75 m
Hydro / electrical duct0.6 m0.9 m
Telecom / fibre0.45–0.6 m0.6–0.9 m

Governing: OBC, OPSS 410/421/441, CSA B149.1, OESC, municipal standards.

Utility Separation Requirements

Utility PairHoriz.Vert.
Water & sanitary sewer3.0 m450 mm (water above)
Water & storm sewer3.0 m450 mm (water above)
Gas & water/sewer/elec.300 mm300 mm
Hydro & gas/water300 mm300 mm
Telecom & all others300 mm150 mm

If water/sewer separation not met: water in casing pipe or sanitary must be pressure-tested.

Trench Protection (O. Reg. 213/91)

ConditionRequirement
Any trench >1.2 m deepShore, slope, or trench box before entry
1.2–6.0 m depthManufacturer's tabulated data OK
>6.0 m depthP.Eng.-designed shoring mandatory
Trench box topMust extend 300 mm above grade
Stockpile setback≥1.0 m from trench edge
Shore vertical spacingMax 1.2 m centres

Slope Ratios by Soil Type

Soil TypeMin. Slope Ratio
Type 1 (rock)1/2:1
Type 2 (stiff clay/till)3/4:1
Type 3 & 4 (soft/granular)1:1

Municipal Service Lead Times

ServiceLead TimeEst. Cost
Water tap4–8 wks$8K–$25K
Sanitary sewer4–8 wks$10K–$30K
Storm sewer4–8 wks$8K–$25K
Gas (Enbridge)8–12 wks$3K–$15K
Hydro (LDC)12–20 wks$15K–$60K+
Telecom4–10 wks$2K–$8K

Submit ALL service applications within 2 weeks of site plan agreement. Do not wait for building permit.

Pipe Bedding & Backfill

Code References

Safety — Do Not Forget

Pro Tips