Swimming pool site alteration and enclosure permits

Check whether you need a permit

• Property owners in Richmond Hill must apply for a Swimming Pool Site Alteration Permit to install below-ground and above-ground swimming pools.
• A permit ensures that Richmond Hill zoning by-laws, tree preservation by-laws, fence by-laws, and site alteration by-law requirements are met.
• Below and above ground swimming pools require a combined pool enclosure and site alteration permit.
• Permanent above-ground pools require a Site Alteration Permit with the same fees as a below-ground pool.
• Property owners must follow the regulations of Richmond Hill's Site Alteration and Pool Enclosure Permit when installing a swimming pool, hot tub, decorative ponds, fish ponds and spas.
• Constructing a swimming pool without obtaining a Site Alteration Permit is considered a violation under the Site Alteration Bylaw. Swimming Pools constructed without a permit may result in issuance of administrative penalties to the property owner or referred for By-law enforcement and legal action.
• Any outstanding payments for administrative penalties will automatically be added to your property tax bill.

Check other requirements before you apply

In some areas of Richmond Hill, you may need to meet some other requirements before you can get a permit, such as:

• Properties that back onto open space, wetlands or watercourses may need a permit from the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority (TRCA)
• Lot grading must be certified by a developer's engineering consultant before a permit is issued to new subdivision homeowners, contact your developer or builder about the lot grading status
• Properties designated as a Heritage property or located adjacent to a designated Heritage property may require the submission of an acceptable Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment or Heritage Permit Application prior to permit issuance.
• Properties located within an Archaeologically Sensitive Area may require the submission of an acceptable Archaeological Assessment Report prior to permit issuance.
• Prior to submitting an application for a site alteration permit for a swimming pool, please contact Zoning Compliance (zoninginfo@richmondhill.ca) within the Building Section for guidance on setback requirements from property lines to a swimming pool.

Prepare your plans0 of 8

• Submission requirements for Swimming Pools6Swimming Pool Site Alteration Permit applications need to include a Grading Plan and Submission Checklist.
• Permanent above-ground pools2Permanent above-ground pools require a Site Alteration Permit with the same fees as a below-ground pool.

You need an account to see these 8 items.It’s free. Use Sign in at the top of the page to create one, then tick the items off on any device and print them as a checklist.

Complete the forms1Download the set3 forms

• Submission ChecklistView a summary list of requirements to be included on the Grading Plan and the Submission ChecklistChecklist

Enclosure Permit for Swimming Pools

• An enclosure permit is required in accordance with Chapter 973 of the City Municipal Code.
• A pool enclosure is required for any body of water located outdoors, contained by artificial means in which the depth of water at any point can exceed 0.6 m (≈ 1 ft 11⅝ in) (1.96ft (≈ 597 mm)).
• Generally, the enclosure fence shall be located a minimum of 1.5m (≈ 4 ft 11 in) from the water edge and shall range in height from 1.2m (≈ 3 ft 11¼ in) to 1.8m (≈ 5 ft 10⅞ in).
• Enclosure gates shall be self-closing or self-latching, and shall have a child-proof lock located 1.5m (≈ 4 ft 11 in) above the pool deck.
• Fences must be constructed in accordance with the provisions of the fence by-law pertaining to pool enclosures.
• Swimming Pool Grading Plans shall indicate the location of the pool enclosure and details.
• City staff will also confirm that the proposed pool location conforms to the applicable zoning by-law for the property.

Submit your application

• Apply for Swimming Pool Site Alteration Permit
• After submission of a permit application, staff will confirm the applicable fees and securities and email an invoice to the applicant.

Pay the fees and security

• Permit Fee: $673.06. Applicable to all site alterations except for above-ground swimming pools or hot tubs with no site grading alterations
• Swimming Pool Enclosure Fee - Applicable to swimming pool or hot tub alterations only *Contact By-law if you have any inquiries
• Landscaping Review Fee: $650.00. Only applicable if proposed alteration involves removal or injury to an existing tree subject to the Tree Bylaw
• Site Alteration Security: $5,000.00. This refundable deposit will be released after City inspection and all deficiencies, repairs, or other obligations under the applicable permit and Site Alteration By-law have been completed
• Payment shall be made by the registered owner of the property (not by the applicant or contractor).
• Payment must be made by certified cheque or bank draft only (payment by credit card or personal cheque will not be accepted by City).
• Please ensure that a copy of the invoice is included with your payment and include the Site Alteration Permit Number on your certified cheque or bank draft.
• Payment may be made in person at the Access Richmond Hill counter on the Ground Floor at our City Office located at 225 East Beaver Creek Road.
• Access Richmond Hill will issue a receipt for payment made in person. Remember to bring a copy of the invoice for payment in person.
• Payment may also be made by mail, courier, or placed in the drop box located inside the front doors at the entrance to the City Office.
• Provide an envelope including a copy of the Invoice and the certified cheque or bank draft.
• All applicable permit fees are non-refundable.
• Access Richmond Hill
• Site Alteration Permit Payment
• City of Richmond Hill Ground Floor
• 225 East Beaver Creek Road
• Richmond Hill, Ontario
• L4B 3P4
• For payment by mail, courier or by drop box, the receipt will be provided by the City with the final Site Alteration Permit.

Release of Security Deposit

• Once the site alteration is complete, the property owner shall notify the City via email at sitealteration@richmondhill.ca and request the release of the security deposit.
• Staff will then arrange for mandatory inspections of the site alteration.
• Owners must advise the City if they wish to meet with staff at their property during the inspections. Staff will arrange for a mutual time to meet with the owner.
• After the inspection is completed, staff will advise the owner in writing of any deficiencies that require repair to conform to the site alteration plan, permit requirements, and any damages to municipal services (e.g. concrete sidewalks or curbs, boulevards, etc.) that require repair due to construction.
• Additional inspections may be required after the owner has remediated the identified deficiencies.
• The security deposit will be released once all deficiencies, repairs, or other obligations under the applicable permit and Site Alteration By-law have been completed to the satisfaction of the City.