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Richmond Hill landscaping and grading permits: documents and payment
Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
Richmond Hill requires a site-alteration permit for landscaping, fill or excavation that changes existing drainage patterns.
Key information
Richmond Hill requires a site-alteration permit for landscaping, fill or excavation that changes existing drainage patterns. Ask sitealteration@richmondhill.ca which application applies before arranging grading work. This guide covers the excavate, filling and landscaping category.
On this page
Plan your next step
| Task or feature | What to know |
|---|---|
| Before work | Confirm permit category and drainage effects |
| Submission | Complete application plus professionalPDF plan |
| Payment | Owner’s certified cheque or bank draft |
Your next steps at a glance
- Check the work
Confirm the permit category and drainage effects.
- Prepare the plan
Submit the application and professional PDF grading plan.
- Complete the process
Follow payment and security-release instructions.
Decide whether the work is an alteration
The city definition includes placing fill, removing topsoil, changing grade, removing vegetation, compacting soil and creating impervious surfaces. Landscaping that affects drainage can need a permit even without a new building.
Garden cultivation that does not adversely affect neighbouring drainage is exempt. Minor landscaping may be exempt only where the city determines it qualifies, is at least 0.6 m from a property line and does not affect adjoining drainage. Ask the city rather than assuming every small project is exempt.
Prepare the application and grading plan
Apply through the customer-service portal with a complete application. The excavate/fill/landscaping category requires aPDF grading plan prepared by a Professional Engineer or Ontario Land Surveyor. It must follow ScheduleB of the by-law and city standards.
The reviewed permit fee is $673.06. A $650 landscaping inspection fee applies where protected-tree removal or injury is involved. The city sets the security deposit for the specific work scope. It is refundable after inspection clearance, unlike the permit fee.
Pay correctly and request security release
After submission, staff confirm fees and grading security by invoice. Payment must come from the registered owner, not the contractor, using a certified cheque or bank draft. Credit cards and personal cheques are not accepted for these payments.
Include the invoice and permit number. Pay at Access Richmond Hill,225 East Beaver Creek Road, or use the stated mail, courier or indoor drop-box route. When work is complete, email the city for inspection and security release. Deficiencies and damage to municipal infrastructure must be resolved before release. Properties in site-plan control, the Oak Ridges Moraine or heritage/archaeological areas can require additional review.
Places covered by this guide
Access Richmond Hill
225 East Beaver Creek Road, Richmond Hill, Ontario
The ground-floor city counter accepts site-alteration permit fees and security payments. Bring the city invoice; payment must be from the owner by certified cheque or bank draft.
- Purpose
- In-person permit payment
Map points and address queries identify the recorded place. They do not certify a visitor entrance, accessible route or current operating status.
Useful questions and answers
Which work does this guide cover?
Excavation, fill and landscaping site alterations, particularly changes to existing drainage. Other building and development categories have separate requirements.
Can garden cultivation be exempt?
Yes, where it does not adversely affect drainage on adjacent properties.
Is all minor landscaping automatically exempt?
No. The city must determine it qualifies, with at least 0.6 m from the property line and no adverse adjoining drainage impact.
What plan is required?
A digitalPDF grading plan prepared by a Professional Engineer or Ontario Land Surveyor.
What is the reviewed category fee?
$673.06 for excavate, filling or landscaping.
When does the $650 inspection fee apply?
Where the proposed alteration involves removal or injury to a tree protected by the tree by-law.
Who must pay the invoice?
The registered property owner, rather than the applicant or contractor.
Can I use a credit card or personal cheque?
No. The city requires a certified cheque or bank draft for these fees and security payments.
Where can I pay in person?
Access Richmond Hill on the ground floor of the city office at 225 East Beaver Creek Road. Bring the invoice and include the permit number.
How is the grading security returned?
Email sitealteration@richmondhill.ca after completion. Mandatory inspections and correction of deficiencies must be completed before security release.
Official information and next steps
Facts checked on October 14, 2026. Seasonal conditions and available appointments can change.