Draft Plan of Subdivision

A draft Plan of Subdivision is used to divide property into two or more parcels. Section 51 of the Planning Act outlines what is needed to prepare a draft Plan of Subdivision.

Some of the most important considerations when Richmond Hill reviews applications for approval of a draft Plan of Subdivision include:

• Does the plan reflect Provincial Policy Statements and other Provincial Plans?
• Does the plan reflect the policies of Richmond Hill Official Plan and Region of York Official Plan?
• Is the proposed use suitable for the land and compatible with nearby land uses?
• Will the development be accessible and provide for necessary municipal services?

How to Apply

Please note that all applications submitted after January 1, 2023 are subject to Tariff of Fees by-law 83-22. Please contact the Development Planning Division at planning@richmondhill.ca for confirmation of applicable fees.

Under the Planning Act, Richmond Hill has the authority to approve applications for draft Plan of Subdivision and to register the final plans. The Application process is as follows:

1. A Pre-Submission Meeting must be held with Development Planning Staff prior to the submission of a formal application. Following the meeting, the Development Planning Section issues a Submission Requirements letter.
2. the City receives a completed Consolidated Development Application Form, including a response to Richmond Hill's Submission Requirements letter and all other development planning application requirements.
3. Once the application is deemed complete, the Development Planning Section circulates your application to other City departments and applicable external agencies for review and comment.
4. A statutory Council Public Meeting is held to review the application and receive comments from Council and the public.
5. Following the Council Public Meeting, Development Planning Section prepares a recommendation report for the Committee of the Whole and Council decides to approve, deny or defer the application.
6. If the application is approved, the Development Planning Section prepares conditions of draft approval for Council's consideration (if the application is denied or referred back to staff, an appeal or referral of the application to the Ontario Land Tribunal can be made).
7. Council approves the conditions of draft approval at a Council Meeting.
8. Planning and Infrastructure Department issues a Notice of the Draft Approval and a 20-day appeal period begins.
9. If there are no appeals received within the 20-day period, your draft Plan of Subdivision and related conditions of the draft approval become final and binding.

View the Consolidated Development Application Guide for more information.

Email the Planning Division or call 905-771-8910, if you have any questions about your application. You can also visit the Planning and Infrastructure Department in person at the City of Richmond Hill's main Municipal Offices located at:

225 East Beaver Creek Road, 4th Floor
Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3P4