Municipal Addressing and Street Naming
The City of Richmond Hill’s Development Planning Division is responsible for the assignment, management, and administration of municipal addresses and street names throughout the City of Richmond Hill. This includes the naming and renaming of public and private streets, the assignment of addresses to new developments and properties, and the re-addressing of existing properties when necessary.
Accurate addressing helps residents, visitors, businesses, emergency services, utility providers, delivery services, and municipal departments locate properties quickly and efficiently. Proper addressing supports public safety by helping emergency responders identify and reach locations without delay during emergencies.
To ensure consistency across the municipality and York Region, the City of Richmond Hill has established policies and procedures through Municipal Street Naming and Addressing Guide.
Municipal Street Naming and Addressing Guide
The guide outlines how street names and municipal addresses are assigned, administered, and maintained throughout the community. The City’s Municipal Street Naming and Addressing Guide provides direction on:
- The selection and assignment of names for new public and private streets;
- The use of names from Richmond Hill's Approved Street Name List;
- The criteria and process for proposing and evaluating new street names;
- Address assignment standards for new developments and individual properties;
- Procedures for readdressing existing properties;
- Numbering and renumbering policies designed to maintain logical sequencing, minimize duplication and conflicts, and ensure continuity throughout neighbourhoods.
Residents, property owners, developers, consultants, and landowners are encouraged to review the guide before submitting an application or request.
View the Municipal Street Naming and Addressing Guide for complete policies, requirements, and application information.
Municipal Addressing
Municipal addresses are assigned to new lots, properties, buildings, and developments through an established review process. Depending on the type of property or development, different submission requirements may apply.
Applications for municipal addressing help ensure that every property within Richmond Hill is assigned a unique and logical address that aligns with City policies and emergency response requirements. Outlined below are the processes for the Addressing Vacant Lands, New Plans of Subdivision, and Municipal Address Changes.
Addressing Vacant Lands |
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This process applies to:
Application Process Step 1: Submit an Application Complete and submit a Municipal Addressing Application Form. Step 2: Provide Supporting Documentation Applicants must provide a Reference Plan, survey, or other acceptable documentation identifying the location and configuration of the subject lands. Step 3: Municipal Review The Development Planning Division reviews the application and assigns a municipal address in accordance with the City's addressing policies and standards. Step 4: Address Confirmation Upon completion of the review, the applicant and relevant agencies will receive an Assignment of Street Number Letter confirming the approved municipal address. |
Addressing New Plans of Subdivision |
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Municipal addresses for lots and blocks within a registered Plan of Subdivision are assigned through a coordinated review process. Application Process Step 1: Submit a Written Request Developers or their authorized representatives must submit a written request for municipal address assignment. Step 2: Provide Development Information The submission must include:
Step 3: Municipal Address Assignment Following subdivision registration, the Development Planning Division assigns municipal addresses to lots, blocks, and units in accordance with Council-approved addressing policies. Step 4: Notification The applicant and applicable agencies will receive an Assignment of Street Number Letter identifying the approved addresses. |
Municipal Address Changes (Readdressing) |
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Property owners may request a change to an existing municipal address in specific circumstances. Address changes are reviewed carefully to ensure consistency within the City's addressing system and to avoid confusion for emergency services, service providers, and the public.Please note that approval is not guaranteed, and all requests are evaluated based on City policies and operational considerations. Application Process Step 1: Submit an Application Complete and submit a Municipal Addressing Application Form along with the applicable fee. Step 2: Provide Supporting Documentation Applicants must provide a property survey, Reference Plan, or other documentation that clearly identifies the property and affected lands. Step 3: Review of Request The Development Planning Division reviews the request to determine whether the proposed address change is appropriate and complies with municipal addressing policies. Step 4: Decision and Notification If the request is approved, the applicant and relevant agencies will receive a Re-Assignment of Street Number Letter confirming the new address. |
Apply for a Municipal Address |
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Municipal Addressing Application Form
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Street Naming
All new public and private streets within Richmond Hill are generally assigned names from the City's Approved Street Name List, maintained by the City’s Development Planning Division. The list helps ensure consistency, avoids duplication, and reflects the City's heritage, culture, geography, and community identity.
Developers may request the use of an approved street name within a development proposal. Members of the public may also propose new street names for consideration and inclusion on the Approved Street Name List for future developments.
Proposed street names must comply with the City's naming policies and are evaluated to ensure they:
- Are distinct and easily identifiable;
- Do not create confusion with existing street names;
- Support efficient emergency response and wayfinding;
- Reflect community character and municipal naming objectives;
- Meet applicable municipal standards and conventions.
Outlined below are the processes for requesting a new street name and assigning an approved Street Name to a Development.
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Requesting a New Street Name |
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Individuals, organizations, and development proponents may submit a request to add a new name to Richmond Hill's Approved Street Name List. Step 1: Submit a Written Request Provide a written submission to the Development Planning Division identifying the proposed street name and the rationale for its consideration. Step 2: Staff Review The Development Planning Division reviews the proposed name to confirm that it complies with Richmond Hill's street naming policies and naming conventions. Step 3: Council Consideration City staff prepare a report for Committee of the Whole outlining the proposal and providing recommendations regarding approval or refusal of the proposed street name. Step 4: Approved Street Name List If approved by Council, the street name is added to Richmond Hill's Approved Street Name List. Approved names may be reserved for a specific development or retained for future municipal use. |
| Assigning an Approved Street Name to a Development |
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Once a street name has been approved and included on the City's Approved Street Name List, developers may request its assignment to a public or private street within a development proposal. To request the use of an approved street name, complete and submit the Street Naming Application Form. |
Need Assistance?
For questions about municipal addressing, street naming policies, application requirements, or the status of an application, please contact the Development Planning Division at planning@richmondhill.ca. Staff are available to provide guidance and assist applicants throughout the review process.