Council Public Meeting September 2 - Richmond Hill Zoning Update & Feedback
- Marian
- Aug 26
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 16
Council Public Meeting Tuesday September 2, 2025 at 6pm.
(Note the new start time for Council Public Meetings)
View Meeting Agenda: Agenda
Watch Meeting: View Video
On the Agenda:
The City is creating a single, city-wide zoning by-law to replace older by-laws (like By-law 30-25). Zoning rules govern what can be built where, how tall, how dense, and for what use (housing, commercial, parks, etc.).
Why it’s happening:
Ontario law requires zoning by-laws to be updated within three years of a new Official Plan. Richmond Hill is updating its Official Plan now.
This new by-law will simplify, modernize, and consolidate zoning across the whole city.
It also ties into the Housing Accelerator Fund, aiming to speed up housing (including affordable housing).
Areas covered:
Centres and Corridors (e.g., Richmond Hill Centre, Yonge & Carrville, Yonge & Bernard, Village Centre, Newkirk, Oak Ridges).
Neighbourhoods (including North Leslie and West Gormley).
Greenway System (Oak Ridges Moraine, Greenbelt, open space).
Employment Lands (business/industrial parks).
Utility Corridors (infrastructure corridors).
Leslie Street Institutional Area.
Key points:
This will repeal By-law 30-25 (currently under appeal at the Ontario Land Tribunal) and replace it with one unified by-law.
Zoning for Richmond Hill Centre is now fully integrated.
Rules will align with provincial growth targets, York Region’s plan, and Richmond Hill’s Official Plan.
Focus on intensification around transit (subway, BRT stations), creating complete communities, and protecting green/environmental lands.
Public concerns raised include parking rules, front yard landscaping, exceptions for special areas, and how new zoning interacts with existing uses.
Next steps:
This is a request for comments – Council and the public can give feedback.
More public engagement is planned before Council finalizes the Comprehensive Zoning By-law.
👉 In short: Richmond Hill is moving from a patchwork of old zoning rules to one modern, city-wide zoning by-law that supports growth (especially housing near transit), protects green space, and aligns with provincial and regional policies.
Public Comments: The public may submit written correspondence regarding agenda matters by email to clerks@richmondhill.ca. Written correspondence must be submitted by 12 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Comments submitted will be provided to all Members of Council, considered as public information and noted in the public record.
Delegations: No prior registration is required to make an in-person Delegation, but is encouraged. Prior registration is required should the public intend to make an electronic delegation by video conference or telephone. Applications to appear as a delegation must be submitted by 12 p.m. on the day of the meeting by email to clerks@richmondhill.ca or by using the on-line application form found on Richmondhill.ca. The Office of the Clerk will provide instructions on appearing as a delegation.
