9.15.4.6. Extension above Ground Level
This Article sets the minimum extension of #foundation walls above ground level. The extension of a foundation above ground level is intended to avoid the entry of rainwater run-off and snow-melt over the top edge of the wall, and to protect water-sensitive materials supported on the foundation from prolonged wetting.
Foundation walls must extend a minimum of 150 mm (6 in.) above the ground. If a #cladding is used that is adversely affected by #moisture, such as wood or wood-based siding, clearance between the finished #ground level and the bottom of the cladding must be a minimum of 200 mm (8 in.) (NBC Article 9.27.2.4.). This also applies to #stucco over #wood-frame construction (NBC Article 9.28.1.4.). These conditions are illustrated in Figure 9.15.-15.
Quoted from Illustrated Users' Guide - NBC2015