Building Inspections

COVID-19 Update: Building inspections are available for occupied and unoccupied premises. Building Officials will follow COVID-19 safety protocols.

Building Inspection Section

Richmond Hill's Building Inspection Section regulates the construction, changes, repairs and demolition of buildings and other structures within our community. The Building Inspection Section uses the Richmond Hill by-laws, Building Code Act  and the Ontario Building Code to manage these projects. The section oversees various projects including:

• All commercial, industrial and institutional projects
• All commercial and industrial tenant projects
• All housing projects, including additions and renovations
• Change of Use projects
• Life safety systems
• One-site sewage systems
• Commercial kitchen exhaust systems and fire suppression systems
• Dust collection systems
• Site inspections of demolitions
• Investigations related to official complaints
• Spray booth exhaust systems and fire suppression systems

Request a Building Inspection

You can now use our online forms to submit a building inspection request. In order to book a building inspection, an issued building permit is required.

Please note that we require a minimum of two business days to arrange inspections. Requests received after 3 p.m. are considered as being received on the next business day.

Building Inspection

Building Inspection Request form

Building Complaint

Building Complaints form

Why do I need a building inspection?

A number of inspections and certifications are required throughout a construction project. This ensures that all work is being done according to the Ontario Building Code and building permit documents.

Building inspections ensure safe construction projects. Inspection records are kept on file for future reference. These records confirm sections or areas within a building or structure that can no longer be seen once construction is complete. Lending institutions, appraisers, lawyers and others use these records to determine the value of a building.

Inspections don't happen automatically. The permit holder is responsible for contacting the Building Inspection Division when they are ready for an inspection.

Building permit documents must be kept on the construction site at all times.

When do I need a building inspection?

According to the Ontario Building Code, building permit holders must notify the Building Division's inspectors at certain stages of construction. The division schedules inspections when each stage of construction is completed.

The person in charge of the construction project is responsible for making sure that the site is ready for inspection.

Inspection stages

There are different inspection stages for different types of buildings, including:

• Housing projects
• Commercial, industrial, institutional, assembly and large residential projects

Additional construction information

Lot grading

Grading ensures that there is proper water drainage away from your building without adversely effecting neighbouring properties.

Richmond Hill requires a security deposit from the building owner prior to building permit issuance. The security deposit is returned once your Professional Engineer or Surveyor provides a Lot Grading Certificate.

Occupancy during construction

No person can occupy or use any building until a final inspection has been done. Notice of the completion date must be given to Richmond Hill's Chief Building Official.

Building permit holders can request a partial occupancy permit of an unfinished building for the following projects:

• Commercial
• Industrial
• Institutional
• Assembly
• Large residential

Noise and other issues

According to our Noise By-law, construction noise is not permitted:

• Between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.
• On Sundays
• On statutory holidays

Roads must be kept clear and clean.

Open air burning is not allowed on construction sites.

Residential Construction Requirements and Guidelines

Residential infill in an in an existing neighbourhood brings many benefits to our community. However, unless a construction project is well planned and managed, it can result in disruptive and unfavourable situation. To protect the safety and continued enjoyment of our community, the City of Richmond Hill recommends that the Residential Project Guidelines are followed.

Email building@richmondhill.ca or call 905-771-8811 for more information.