Are there laws about outhouse placement?
There are a number of laws, under the Ontario Building Code, that dictate outhouse location. One that states all Class 1 Sewage Systems (“earth pit” privies) must be located at least three metres from any property line. If an outhouse has been around for many years, it is grandfathered and the three-metre rule doesn’t apply.
There are no laws about how often someone needs to move an outhouse. However, Code does say that the privy must be maintained. This applies to any class of sewage system. And although Code only governs new construction and any work on existing systems, if authorities deemed the old outhouse unsafe, you would be required to make it safe or bring it up to current standards—and possibly move it. Call your local building department for more information.
