Zoning By-Law Amendment

Richmond Hill's Zoning By-laws are required to conform with the Richmond Hill Official Plan. These by-laws contain detailed requirements for how land can be used and what can be built on land, such as:

• Permitted land uses;
• Where buildings or other structures can be located;
• Types of buildings that are permitted and how they can be used;
• Minimum lot dimensions;
• Parking requirements; and,
• Building height and setbacks.

The Zoning Index Maps identify the zoning category and applicable by-law that applies to your property or property of interest.

You can apply for relief from the Zoning By-law, also known as a Zoning By-law Amendment, when you are planning a development proposal that does not comply with the Zoning By-law. Council will only consider changes to the Zoning By-law that conform with the City of Richmond Hill Official Plan.

Comprehensive Zoning By-law Review Project

The City of Richmond Hill is undertaking a comprehensive review of all the in force Zoning By-laws.

Application Process

Please note that all applications submitted after January 1, 2023 are subject to Tariff of Fees by-law 83-22.  Please contact the Development Planning Division at planning@richmondhill.ca for confirmation of applicable fees.

The Zoning By-law Amendment application process is as follows:

1. A Pre-Submission Meeting must be held with Development Planning Staff prior to submission of a formal application. Following the meeting, the Development Planning Section issues a Submission Requirements letter.
2. the City receives a completed Consolidated Development Application Form to the Development Planning Section, including a response to Richmond Hill's Submission Requirements letter.
3. Once the application is deemed complete, the Development Planning Section circulates the application to other City departments and applicable external agencies for review and comment.
4. A statutory Council Public Meeting is held to review the application and receive comments from Council and the public.
5. Following the Council Public Meeting, Development Planning Section prepares a recommendation report for the Committee of the Whole, and Council decides to approve, deny or defer the application.
6. If the application is approved, the Development Planning Section prepares a draft Zoning By-law Amendment for Council's consideration (if the application is denied or referred back to staff, an appeal or referral of the application to the Ontario Land Tribunal can be made).
7. The Zoning By-law is approved at a Council Meeting.
8. A Notice of Approval is published in the newspaper and a 20-day appeal period begins.
9. If there are no appeals during the 20-day period, the Zoning By-law is final and binding.

View the Consolidated Development Application Guide for more information.

Email the Planning Division or call 905-771-8910, if you have any questions about your application. You can also visit the Planning and Infrastructure Department in person at the City of Richmond Hill's main Municipal Offices located at:

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