Date of Publication: June 9, 2026   [2023.26.V-02.C]

Subject: Rebar inspections for foundation walls 2024 OBC UPDATE

2024 Ontario Building Code [O.Reg. 163/24 Amended to 5/25] References: 

BCA, s.10.2(1), s.12(1), s.18(1)

OBC Div C, Articles 1.3.5.1. and 1.3.5.2.

OBC Div. B, Articles 9.15.4.5.,

OBC Div B, Subsections 9.20.15, 9.20.17. and 9.40.1.

Summary of changes: Updated code references, editorial.

Incoming Request:

An applicant has obtained a building permit for a house with an insulating concrete form (ICF) basement, and has proposed reinforcement as per Article 9.15.4.5. 

Is the builder required to call for inspection of wall rebar before placing the concrete?

Executive Summary:

Inspection of rebar in an ICF foundation wall is not a mandatory inspection under Article 1.3.5.1. of Div C. and builders are not required to provide notice prior to placing concrete. Municipalities do have authority under the BCA to perform a non-mandatory inspection, or to request a report from an expert person. 

Considerations:

Subsection 10.2 (1) of the Building Code Act (BCA) states that notice must be given to the Chief Building Official (CBO) when various stages of construction are ready to be inspected. Article 1.3.5.1. of Div C of the Building Code (OBC) specifies exactly which stages of construction, i.e. “readiness to construct footings”, “substantial completion of structural framing”, etc. Article 1.3.5.1. does not include “at completion of reinforcing bar placement” or “readiness to place structural concrete”, therefore one can only conclude that it is not a mandatory inspection under the OBC.

Article 1.3.5.2. of Div C also allows a Municipality to pass by-laws requiring inspections at other stages of construction, but inspection of rebar prior to placing concrete is not among them.

Risk/Benefit Analysis:

At the time of this guidance, the BCAS working group was not aware if a Municipality has ever been found at fault for deficiencies if a rebar inspection had not been conducted. However, reinforcing within an ICF wall is a critical component of a foundation.  While a builder is not required to notify the CBO prior to pouring the concrete, s.12(1) of the BCA does permit an inspector to enter onto a site at any reasonable time to conduct an inspection for compliance with the OBC and the Act. An inspector can also request a report from any expert person (e.g. designer, manufacturer and P.Eng) under the power of s.18(1) of the BCA, although consideration of delays in construction to require an external inspection and report should be carefully weighed. 

Final Recommendation(s):

Builders are not required to provide notice, nor are Municipalities required to perform an inspection for rebar in a foundation wall. However, a Municipality may consider having a policy that involves any of the following safeguards:

• Require installers of ICF foundation walls to provide evidence of successful completion of a training or certification course by the appropriate manufacturer;
• Inform permit holders that inspection of rebar in an ICF foundation wall is not mandatory, but that the Municipality has the right to conduct an unscheduled inspection to confirm compliance;
• If inspections are done, have a written scope of inspection, keep records of inspections, and ensure it is consistently enforced; and
• Request a report under s.18(1) where inspectors have concerns. 

Recommendation to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing:

Change Article 1.3.5.2. of Div C “Additional Notices” to add the following:

(k)    substantial completion of reinforcing bar required by Subsections 9.15.4., 9.20.15, 9.20.17. and 9.40.1. prior to placing concrete.

Referenced Documents:

2024 Ontario Building Code [O.Reg. 163/24 Amended to 5/25]

Disclaimer:

This guidance document is intended to assist building officials by gathering relevant information to interpret the OBC Act and the prescriptive requirements of the Ontario Building Code, and is intended to be a best practice aid for building officials. The views expressed within this guidance document should not be considered as the official interpretation of legislated requirements based on the Ontario Building Code, as the final responsibility for interpretation rests with the local Authority Having Jurisdiction. 

The views of this advisory committee should not be construed as legal advice.