Ottawa By-law 2013-416, s. 48 — Property Standards By-law

1) Basements, cellars or crawl spaces which are not served by a stairway leading from the building or from outside the building may have a dirt floor provided it is covered with a moisture-proof covering. 2) Basements or cellars which are served by a stairway leading from the building or from outside the building shall have a concrete floor, and when required for drainage, a floor drain shall be located at the lowest point of the said floor and connected to a sewage system. 3) A concrete floor in a basement or cellar shall be maintained free from cracks, breaks or other defects so as not to create an accident hazard or to permit the entry of water. FOUNDATIONS