Residential Grading and Drainage Inquiries
Grading or landscaping improvements that impact the surface drainage system of a property or adjacent properties are regulated under our Site Alteration By-law. Residents who experience impacts or have concerns about grading or landscaping within their property or adjacent properties may make an inquiry with the City. Residents may request the City to investigate a grading inquiry by completing the Grading and Drainage Inquiry Form. As part of this Form, residents will need to acknowledge that submitting this inquiry will result in the City conducting an investigation under our Site Alteration Bylaw including conducting inspections and making contact with all property owners. Residents are advised that anonymous complaints are not permitted as the City will need to make contact with adjacent property owners as part of our investigation.
Grading and Drainage Inquiry Form
The following is a list of typical improvements to properties that may cause drainage concerns.
- New swimming pool
- New residential home
- Walkways within side yards
- Flower beds, gardens or other landscaping
- Patio decks with retaining walls
- Garden sheds or Cabanas
Inquiry Processing
Once the Grading and Drainage Inquiry Form is completed and submitted to the City, staff will contact the resident within three working days and will arrange a time to inspect the property. City staff will undertake an investigation within two weeks to determine if there are any grading or drainage violations under our site alteration by-law. If violations are determined, a resident may be required to undertake some grading or drainage improvements within a reasonable timeframe. If the required improvements are not completed within the specified timeframe, an administrative penalty may be issued or the matter may be referred for By-law enforcement and legal action.
Requirements for Grading Improvements
Grading improvements such as landscaping that impact the surface drainage system of a property or adjacent properties, may require a Site Alteration Permit. Some grading improvements such as minor landscaping may be exempt from a permit in accordance with provisions in the Site Alteration Bylaw.
City staff will determine whether any grading improvements are minor in nature and/or are exempt from a permit. Drainage improvements should conform to the City approved grading plans for the property.
Grading Requirements – New Infill Residential Home
Owners of adjacent new infill residential homes are required to grade their property in accordance with a grading plan approved by the City. For infill residential lots, the grading plan is approved under a Site Alteration Permit. Under this permit, a security deposit is collected to ensure that the grading is completed in accordance with the approved plan. For properties subject to site plan approval, the approved grading plan and the security deposit are included in a Site Plan Agreement.
Grading Requirements – New Residential Subdivisions
The grading of lots within a new subdivision must be completed in accordance with approved grading plans for each lot. The design of the grading must conform to City standards and the approved overall area grading plans for the subdivision. The subdivision owner is required under their Subdivision Agreement to submit an individual detailed grading plan for each lot and to grade the lots in accordance with this plan. Under their Subdivision Agreement, the subdivision owner has provided a security deposit to ensure the new residential lots are graded in accordance with the approved plans.
An Approved Grading Plan for a Residential Property
Residents may obtain a copy of the approved grading plan for their property by contacting City staff via email at grading.inquiries@richmondhill.ca.