A separate entrance is one of the most common additions for legal basement apartments in Ontario. Ontario Design Studio prepares BCIN-certified permit drawings for basement separate entrances - the excavated stairwell (walkout), retaining walls, grading, waterproofing, drainage, and guard and handrail details - all engineered to the Ontario Building Code and ready for municipal submission.
Why Homeowners Add a Separate Basement Entrance
A dedicated exterior entrance is what turns a finished basement into a rentable, legal suite. It gives tenants privacy and their own access, satisfies the "separate means of egress" expectation for a second unit, and adds resale value. Because it involves excavation, structure, and drainage below grade, it is also one of the parts of a basement project most likely to be flagged by an examiner - which is exactly why the drawings need to be done properly the first time.
What's in Our Separate Entrance Package
- Site plan showing entrance location, grading direction, and surface drainage away from the opening
- Stairwell construction details - poured concrete retaining walls, reinforcing, and landing dimensions
- Waterproofing membrane, weeping tile, and drainage details to prevent water infiltration
- Guard and handrail specifications per OBC - height, load capacity, and spacing
- Insulated exterior door, frost-depth footings, and below-grade structural support
- Cross-section showing depth below grade and the connection to the existing foundation
- P.Eng structural design coordinated where the retaining walls or spans require it
Adding a separate basement entrance?
Ontario Design Studio delivers BCIN-certified, OBC-compliant drawings across Ontario and the GTA. Call 416-558-9607 or request your free quote - most packages are ready in 5–10 business days.
Ontario Building Code Requirements
A below-grade entrance carries specific structural and drainage requirements. Key items your drawings must address:
- Retaining walls: walls over 1 metre in height, or those retaining a surcharge, require engineered design and a P.Eng stamp
- Drainage: stairwell drains must connect to a sump or storm system - never to the sanitary sewer - with weeping tile and a filter sock
- Guards & handrails: a 900 mm–1070 mm guard where the drop exceeds 600 mm, plus a graspable handrail
- Stairs: OBC-compliant rise, run, and headroom, with slip-resistant treads
- Frost protection: footings below the local frost line and rigid insulation on the foundation
- Egress door: an insulated exterior door meeting OBC 9.7 forced-entry resistance
Walkout vs. Look-Out Entrances
A walkout is a fully excavated stairwell down to a below-grade door - the most common option for a legal basement apartment on a flat lot. A look-out (or grade-level) entrance suits sloped lots where the basement is partly above grade and needs less excavation. We assess your grade and foundation and recommend the approach that minimizes cost while meeting code.
Separate Entrance Costs
Drawing fees for a basement separate entrance typically range from $1,200 to $2,500, depending on retaining-wall height and whether structural engineering is required. This is separate from construction and municipal permit fees. See our 2026 cost guide for a full breakdown.
Cities We Serve
We prepare separate entrance drawings across the GTA and Ontario, including Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, and beyond. View all service areas →
Related Services
- Legal Basement Apartment Permits
- Basement Underpinning Permits
- Structural Engineering Drawings
- Building Permit Drawing Cost Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a separate entrance required for a legal basement apartment in Ontario?
A separate means of access is required, but it doesn't have to be an exterior entrance. The Ontario Building Code allows either an interior shared hallway or an exterior separate entrance. Many homeowners prefer an exterior walkout entrance for tenant privacy, convenience, and resale value.
Do I need a permit to add a separate basement entrance?
Yes. Excavating a stairwell, building retaining walls, cutting in a new exterior door, and altering grading all require a building permit with drawings prepared by a qualified designer. Building it without a permit risks a stop-work order and problems with insurance and resale.
Does a basement separate entrance need a structural engineer?
Often, yes. Retaining walls over 1 metre tall, or walls retaining a driveway or surcharge, require engineered design and a P.Eng stamp. Ontario Design Studio prepares the permit drawings and coordinates the structural engineering under one package.
How much does a basement separate entrance cost to design?
Drawing fees typically range from $1,200 to $2,500 depending on complexity and whether structural engineering is required. This is separate from construction and municipal permit fees. Contact us for a free quote on your project.