Richmond Hill

Sometimes, but it is narrow. Richmond Hill notes that minor landscaping may be exempt only if it is at least 0.6 metres from property lines, does not affect drainage on adjacent properties, and is accepted by the City as minor work.

Yes. Richmond Hill has specialized landscaping-related regulation. The biggest one is its Site Alteration By-law, and it is broad.

Yes. In Richmond Hill, private trees 15 centimetres DBH and larger are protected, and even work that injures a tree or enters its tree protection zone can require approval.

No. Front-yard fences are limited to 1.2 metres, side and rear-yard fences can go to 1.8 metres, and corner properties have additional provisions that need to be reviewed before construction.

Yes. Whether the work involves fence posts, deck footings, drainage improvements, planting, or other excavation, Ontario One Call should be contacted before digging so buried infrastructure can be identified and protected.

Because changing grading or surface levels can push water in the wrong direction, create ponding, or interfere with existing drainage patterns. In Richmond Hill, those impacts are serious enough that they are specifically tied to the site alteration permit process.

Yes. Richmond Hill's site alteration by-law is broad, and landscaping that changes grade, removes vegetative cover, creates impervious surface, or affects existing drainage patterns can trigger permit review. The City specifically points to examples such as side-yard walkways, flower beds, gardens, patio decks with retaining walls, sheds, and cabanas when drainage is affected.

Yes. Richmond Hill lists deck construction among the projects that require a building permit, and permit plans are reviewed for Building Code, zoning, and other applicable requirements before construction starts.