Site Alteration and Pool Enclosure Permit

Property owners in Richmond Hill must get a Site Alteration and Pool Enclosure Permit to install in-ground and above-ground swimming pools and hot tubs. A permit ensures that Richmond Hill zoning by-laws, tree preservation by-laws, fence by-law and site alteration by-law requirements are met.

The Pool Enclosure Permit is combined with a Site Alteration Permit. In cases where removal or injury of a tree(s) with a diameter at breast height of 20 cm or greater is proposed, a Tree Permit. You also need to provide Richmond Hill with a security deposit.

Contact our Development Engineering Division at 905-771-8800, ext. 6432 for more information.

Site Alteration Grading plan

Site Alteration and Pool Enclosure Permit applications need to include a Grading Plan. All existing trees within 6 metres of the work zone must be shown on this drawing. For trees that will be preserved, include the required Tree Protection Fencing on the drawing (all Construction Activity must be outside of the Minimum Tree Protection Zone, otherwise a Tree Permit will be required). Where removal or injury of a tree(s) with a diameter at breast height of 20 cm or greater is proposed, a Tree Permit must be obtained. Any proposed tree replanting should be shown on the Grading Plan.

Standard notes
Your grading plan drawing also requires the following standard notes.

Frequently asked questions

Below are the frequently asked questions about the Site Alteration and Pool Enclosure Permit.

How do I get a Site Alteration and Pool Enclosure permit?

A combined Site Alteration and Pool Enclosure Permit is issued by Richmond Hill's Development Engineering Division for below ground and some permanent above ground pools. Contact our Development Engineering Division at 905-771-8800, ext. 6432 for more information.

You are required to:

  • Provide a digital pdf copy of the Grading Plan
  • Pay any permit fees
  • Pay a security deposit
  • Submit a Site Alteration application form that can be provided to you by contacting either 905-771-8800 ext. 6432 or by emailing patricia.huke@richmondhill.ca.
How much does a permit cost?
Fees for a Site Alteration and Pool Enclosure Permit must be paid before you can get the permit. Fees include:
  • Site Alteration Permit Fee, $490 (no HST)
  • Landscape Inspection fee, $450 (HST applicable)
  • Pool Enclosure Fee, $79 (no HST)
  • Pool Security Deposit $3000 (refunded upon final certification and City inspection clearance)
  • Landscaping Security (only applicable where 5 or more trees are being removed and replanted on site, refunded upon inspection clearance. The Tree Replanting Fee in the City’s Tariff of Fees By-law is used to calculate this security)
  • Tree Permit application fee (only applicable where removal or injury of a tree(s) with a diameter at breast height of 20 cm or greater is proposed)
Is there anything else I need to do?
In some areas of Richmond Hill, you may need to meet some other requirements before you can get a permit, such as:
  • Properties that back onto open space, wetlands or watercourses may need a permit from the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority (TRCA), call 416-661-6600 for more information
  • A site plan agreement or amendment is needed before a Pool Enclosure Permit can be issued in Site Plan Control Areas of Richmond Hill, contact our Planning Department at 905-771-8910 to find out if your property is in a Site Plan Control Area
  • Lot grading must be certified by a developer's engineering consultant before a permit is issued to new subdivision home owners, contact your developer or builder about the lot grading status
What about above-ground pools and hot tubs?

Hot tubs and temporary above-ground pools that don't alter the grading or drainage patterns of the property do not require a Site Alteration Permit. Please contact By-law to ensure safety and security of the site.

Permanent above-ground pools require a Site Alteration Permit with the same fees as a below-ground pool.  A sketch of the proposed pool is required showing the setbacks of the pool from the property lines and the dimensions.