Enclosure Permit for Swimming Pools

Below and above ground swimming pools require a combined pool enclosure and site alteration permit. An enclosure permit is required in accordance with Chapter 973 of the City Municipal Code. A pool enclosure is required for any body of water located outdoors, contained by artificial means in which the depth of water at any point can exceed 0.6 m (1.96ft).  

The requirements for pool enclosure fencing are outlined in Chapter 973 of the City Municipal Code. Generally, the enclosure fence shall be located a minimum of 1.5m from the water edge and shall range in height from 1.2m to 1.8m. Enclosure gates shall be self-closing or self-latching, and shall have a child-proof lock located 1.5m above the pool deck.

Swimming Pool Grading Plans shall indicate the location of the pool enclosure and details. City staff will also confirm that the proposed pool location conforms to the applicable zoning by-law for the property.

Additional information

In some areas of Richmond Hill, you may need to meet some other requirements before you can get a permit, such as:

• Properties that back onto open space, wetlands or watercourses may need a permit from the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority (TRCA)
• Lot grading must be certified by a developer's engineering consultant before a permit is issued to new subdivision homeowners, 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 pool enclosure requirement are satisfied.
• Permanent above-ground pools require a Site Alteration Permit with the same fees as a below-ground pool. Please contact City staff (patricia.huke@richmondhill.ca) to confirm submission requirements for an above-ground pool. If above-ground pool does not alter grading or drainage patterns a sketch of the proposed pool may be acceptable showing the setbacks of the pool from the property lines and the dimensions.
• Properties designated as a Heritage property or located adjacent to a designated Heritage property may require the submission of an acceptable Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment or Heritage Permit Application prior to permit issuance.
• Properties located within an Archaeologically Sensitive Area may require the submission of an acceptable Archaeological Assessment Report prior to permit issuance.
• Prior to submitting an application for a site alteration permit for a swimming pool, please contact Zoning Compliance ( zoninginfo@richmondhill.ca ) within our Building Section for guidance on setback requirements from property lines to a swimming pool.                                                                           

  Warning:  Constructing a swimming pool without obtaining a Site Alteration Permit is considered a violation under our Site Alteration Bylaw.  Swimming Pools constructed without a permit may result in issuance of administrative penalties to the property owner or referred for By-law enforcement and legal action.   Please be advised that any outstanding payments for administrative penalties will automatically be added to your property tax bill.                                                           

Payment of Permit Fees and Security

• After submission of a permit application, staff will confirm the applicable fees and securities and email an invoice to the applicant. Payment shall be made by the registered owner of the property (not by the applicant or contractor).
• Payment must be made by certified cheque or bank draft only (payment by credit card or personal cheque will not be accepted by City). Please ensure that a copy of the invoice is included with your payment and include the Site Alteration Permit Number on your certified cheque or bank draft.
• Payment may be made in person at the Access Richmond Hill counter on the Ground Floor at our City Office located at 225 East Beaver Creek Road. Access Richmond Hill will issue a receipt for payment made in person. Remember to bring a copy of the invoice for payment in person.
• Payment may also be made by mail, courier, or placed in the drop box located inside the front doors at the entrance to the City Office. Provide an envelope including a copy of the Invoice and the certified cheque or bank draft. Please use the following label on the front of the envelope and do not include any staff names.
• All applicable permit fees are non-refundable. The permit security deposit in refundable and will be released after City inspection and all deficiencies, repairs, or other obligations under the applicable permit and Site Alteration By-law have been completed.

For payment by mail, courier or by drop box, the receipt will be provided by the City with the final Site Alteration Permit.