The Ontario Building Code | Separation of Chases and Recesses
9.20.7.3. Separation of Chases and Recesses
(1) Chases and recesses shall be not less than,
(a) four times the wall thickness apart, and
(b) 600 mm away from any pilaster, cross wall, buttress or other vertical element providing required lateral support for the wall.
In Plain Language
Chases and recesses must be separated from each other as set out in this article, preventing too much material from being removed from one area of a wall.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.