Property Standards

Property maintenance standards are essential to ensuring safe, livable, and vibrant communities. These guidelines require property owners to uphold structural integrity, maintain essential systems like plumbing and electricity, and keep exterior spaces clean and hazard-free. By enforcing these standards through inspections and compliance measures, the city protects public health, preserves neighborhood appeal, and fosters civic pride.

Election signs line a roadside with candidates' names and slogans. A traffic light is visible, and a highway and grass are in the background.

Keeping Our Roads Safe and Clutter-Free: Updated Rules for Signs on Regional Roads

York Region Council has updated its Signs on Regional Roads Bylaw to improve safety and reduce clutter. Over 35,000 illegal signs were removed last year, prompting clearer rules for business, real estate, and election signage. Key changes include designated intersections, limits on size and quantity, permit stickers, and higher fees. The bylaw aims to protect infrastructure, ensure fairness, and support safe, legal sign placement through ongoing education and outreach.

Property Standards

Oct 31

An abandoned, weathered white house with boarded-up windows sits in an overgrown yard under a clear blue sky, with power lines above.

Keeping Richmond Hill Safe: How the City Manages Neglected Properties

In Richmond Hill, all property owners must keep their properties clean, safe, and in good repair—whether occupied or vacant. By-laws set standards for lawns, garbage, structures, and exterior upkeep. If a property is neglected, the City can inspect, issue orders, perform repairs, and charge the owner. Serious safety risks may lead to demolition. However, legal steps and owner notice are always required before action is taken.

Property Standards

Oct 15

A walkway with white stepping stones on green grass, flanked by brick walls, leading to a closed black gate in a sunny backyard.

🔑 General Rules About Side Yards

Learn the essential rules about side yards for safety and compliance. Discover why yards must remain clear and accessible for fire and drainage.

Property Standards

Sep 12

Lit pathway at night, flanked by trees and illuminated by bright streetlights. The scene has a serene, quiet ambiance.

Do you know how to report a streetlight issue?

Learn how to report a streetlight issue in Richmond Hill. Keep your community safe by reporting streetlight problems easily and efficiently.

Property Standards

Sep 8

Blue recycling box with symbols on grass under blue sky. Text: "Blue Box Changes Starting January 1, 2026," plus program details and website.

♻️ Blue Box Program Update (Starting Jan 1, 2026)

Discover the latest Blue Box Program update for 2026. Learn how the Blue Box changes impact recycling and what stays the same. Read more now!

Property Standards

Sep 8

Permits: What Every Richmond Hill Homeowner Should Know

Thinking about finishing your basement, building a granny suite in the backyard, cutting down a tree, or interlocking your backyard? Before you grab your toolbox, it’s worth knowing which projects in Richmond Hill require permits — and which don’t.

Property Standards

Sep 8

Four images: rainwater dripping from a roof, water flowing from a concrete pipe, a street drain, and a stream in a forest setting.

What is Stormwater Management and why do we have to pay for it?

Stormwater management is the application of infrastructure to reduce and control the impacts of runoff from rainfall, snow and development.

Oak Ridges Naturally

Jun 16