Excavation activities can take place, if necessary, over the entirety of the subject property. Often excavation will go beyond the eventual building setback in order to properly pour a foundation, with other elements of the eventual design (e.g., stairwells or light wells) permitted to be closer to the property line than the main structure.
If an excavation removes material close to or up to the property line of a neighbouring property, shoring may be required, which may necessitate encroachment agreements. Developers must acquire the consent of the neighbouring property if encroachment is necessary.