COVID-19

Waste collection

• At this time, garbage, recycling, organics and large appliance collection continue as scheduled.
• To prioritize essential services, yard waste collection is delayed until May 19. Please store yard waste on your property (preferably in your garage or shed) until collection begins.
• Garbage tags are not available for purchase while our facilities are closed. As a result, the garbage limit has been increased from 3 items to 6 during this time.
• Sales and exchanges of green bins and blue boxes are suspended until further notice.

York Region Public Waste Depots

• Effective Friday, March 27, York Region’s Public Waste Depots are only accepting garbage and Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) at their respective sites. In addition, to protect customers and staff, the depots are no longer accepting cash until further notice. Debit, MasterCard and Visa continue to be accepted. Please visit york.ca/wastedepots for more information.

Waste collection safety guidelines

To help keep our residents and contracted waste collection staff safe, please:

• Continue to carefully bag and tie all garbage and green bin materials in plastic bags.
• Dispose of masks, gloves, wipes and other hygiene products in the garbage, not the blue box. If these items are found in the blue box, your recycling will not be collected. 
• Do not flush any wipes down the toilet. Sewer blockages can occur.
• If someone in your home is ill, place all items they use in the garbage, not the blue box or green bin. 
• Wash your hands before and after handling waste and waste containers. Regularly clean your containers using soap and water.
• Support our collection staff by keeping the required 2 meter physical distancing. 

Visit the Garbage and Recycling page.

• Residents and businesses who are able should pay their property taxes on the scheduled due dates as this will help Richmond Hill to continue providing essential services. However, the City recognizes under the current unique circumstances some residents and businesses may require additional time.
• Richmond Hill has moved the May 1 property tax installment due date to June 1.
• Richmond Hill has waived penalties and interest on late property tax payments through January 1, 2021 to support individuals and businesses struggling financially due to COVID-19.
• Account holders on the pre-authorized debit program who wish to withdraw from the program should visit the pre-authorized debit program page for more information.
• The City’s NSF (non-sufficient funds) fee of $45 is waived for the remainder of 2020. 

Visit the Property Tax Billings page.

• Residents and businesses who are able should pay their water bills on the scheduled due dates to help Richmond Hill continue to provide essential services.
• Richmond Hill will continue to distribute water bills but there will be no penalties for late payments through January 1, 2021 to support individuals and businesses struggling financially due to COVID-19. 
• Richmond Hill is maintaining 2019 stormwater, wastewater and water rates until 2021.
• Account holders on the pre-authorized debit program who wish to withdraw from the program should visit the pre-authorized debit program page for more information.
• The City’s NSF (non-sufficient funds) fee of $45 is waived for the remainder of 2020.
• Water meter maintenance involving entering an occupied residence is on hold until further notice. 

• The City has suspended enforcement of prohibitions against overnight street parking, and cancelled the Temporary Parking Permit program. Residents can now park overnight on streets without the need to purchase a permit provided vehicles are parked in accordance with other parking rules posted on the Parking page.
• The City has suspended enforcement of the 3 hour maximum on-street parking regulation which applies between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• The City has suspended enforcement of parking regulations in school zones (this includes Monday to Friday restrictions on stopping, parking and standing within 500 metres of schools).
• The City has suspended enforcement of Noise By-law prohibitions which apply to after-hour delivery of supplies to retailers.
• Until further notice, all in-person Screening Review appointments will be conducted by phone interview.

Visit the Parking page.

• The City will continue to accept and review development applications. Applicants are asked to submit documentation via courier.
• The City will continue to issue all development application related documents (including Site Plan Agreements, Pre-Submission Letters, Circulation Comment Summaries, etc.).  This documentation will be forwarded via Canada Post or courier.
• The City will continue to execute agreements and accept executed agreements by scheduled appointments.
• Development Engineering and Transportation staff will continue to do limited inspections of Grading Inquiries, Traffic Inquiries and Site Alteration/Single Family Permits, provided no public contact is involved

Visit the Planning Development page.

• Building and sign permit applications can be made by mail, courier or drop-off. City staff will contact individuals regarding building permits that are ready for pick-up. Appointments will be scheduled and will take place at the Access Richmond Hill counter (ground floor, 225 East Beaver Creek Road). We will advise of any outstanding fees, charges, etc. when the permit is ready to be issued.

Visit the Building Permits page or the Sign Permit page.

• There will be no inspections related to dwelling units for interior alterations, additions, finishing a basement etc. until April 6.
• There will be no inspections related to other occupancies where a premise, suite or unit is occupied by the public until April 6.
• Inspections of non-occupied premises may occur; however, the Building Official may refuse to conduct an inspection if they believe that their personal health and safety is at risk.

Visit the Building Inspections page.

To determine how your property is zoned and the applicable by-law please see the zoning index map. For additional zoning by-law information, please email us at planning@richmondhill.ca. Phone service is not available at this time.

Compliance letters and related requests are available. Contact us at 905-771-8810 or building@richmondhill.ca. Please note, we cannot offer expedited service at this time.