Pool Enclosure Permit

• Lot Number, Registered Plan Number and the Municipal Address of your project
• Pool location drawn to scale (1:200 or 1:250 metric)
• Pool deck, landscaping, equipment pad and accessory structure locations
• Existing and proposed grade elevations
• Swale length and grade, easements, retaining walls, and catch basins, if applicable
• 0.6 m of undisturbed area to remain at all lot lines
• Location of existing trees
• Existing drainage patterns to remain unaltered
• Setback to all property lines
• Location and set-back of all accessory structures
• Set-back from rear of dwelling to the edge of pool water (minimum 1.2 m)
• Set-back to septic system, if applicable (minimum 5 m from bed and 1.5 m from tank)
• Fence location (minimum 1.5 m from the edge of water)
• Fence height and type (minimum 1.2 m, maximum 1.8 m)
• Gate locations (gates must be self-closing and self-latching)
• Access points to the pool area from the dwelling must have child proof locks (Minimum 1.5 m above the ground);
• For new subdivision home owners, Richmond Hill may require a lot grading certificate from the developers engineering consultant
• A certificate on the drawing from a registered professional engineer or Ontario land surveyor, using the following example:

"I have reviewed the plans for the construction of a swimming pool located at (insert the municipal address) and have prepared this plan indicating the compatibility of the proposal to existing adjacent properties and municipal services. It is my belief that adherence to the proposed elevations and gradients as shown will produce adequate surface drainage without detrimental effect to the existing drainage patterns or adjacent properties."

• All elevations and setbacks need to be confirmed by a registered professional engineer or registered Ontario land surveyor before placing any concrete
• Before the work on your swimming pool gets to the final release stage, the owners consultant must certify in writing that all elevations conform with the grading plan reviewed by Richmond Hill staff
• Existing boundary elevations along the site perimeter must remain undisturbed, drainage received from adjacent properties must be accommodated and drainage from the subject lands must be self-contained
• You must contact the City arborist for permission to remove any tree
• You are responsible for ensuring that all construction activity and final product conforms to all Richmond Hill by-laws

• Provide a Grading Plan (view the grading plan checklist)
• Pay any permit fees
• Pay a security deposit
• Submit a Site Alteration Permit application form
• Submit a tree declaration form

• Site Alteration Permit Fee, $467 (no HST)
• Pool Enclosure Fee, $75 (no HST)
• Pool Security Deposit $3000 (refunded upon final certification)

• Properties that back onto open space, wetlands or watercourse 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

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.

225 East Beaver Creek Drive, 4th Floor
Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3P4

Hours of Operation: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday

You can also request forms by email.