BuildRules/Richmond Hill/Basement apartment / secondary suite/Checklist

Richmond Hill, Ontario / Project checklist

Richmond Hill basement apartment / secondary suite permit checklist

Use a project-specific basement apartment / secondary suite permit checklist for Richmond Hill, Ontario: documents, next steps, source review date and official references.

Check this for your address
Focused project answerLast verified Oct 14, 2026
Use this before you submit

6 items to prepare for this project.

This page is the submission checklist. For permit thresholds, size rules, zoning and the full project decision, use the main guide.

Open the main Richmond Hill basement apartment / secondary suite rules

Project template

Your preparation checklist

Use it as a working list. The final submission still needs to match your actual scope and the City’s current requirements.

Your preparation progress

0 of 6 ready

Your progress is saved in this browser. Come back whenever you’re ready.

Preparation checklist · Reviewed 2026-10-14

What to do next

  1. Confirm the lot's zoning, municipal servicing, dwelling type and ARU eligibility under Richmond Hill's applicable rules.
  2. Identify whether the unit will be inside the main home or in a separate accessory building, and confirm the exact application path.
  3. Arrange qualified drawings and check which additional approvals and forms apply before submitting.
  4. Submit the building permit application with the current fee and respond to municipal review or inspection requests.

Official sources behind this page

Building permitRequired for proposed ARUs

Richmond Hill specifically lists a building permit for additional residential units, with permit drawings and applicable-law review.

Official sourceCity of Richmond HillAdditional Residential Unit
Verified2026-10-14Open proof
Zoning and densityProperty-specific review required

The City's By-law 143-24 guidance describes a maximum of three ARUs and four total dwelling units, subject to dwelling, servicing and development-standard restrictions.

Official sourceCity of Richmond HillAdditional Residential Unit
Verified2026-10-14Open proof
Application documentsProfessional drawings and forms

The City lists building permit and designer forms, applicable-law information, site plans and construction and mechanical drawings. Some extra approvals depend on the lot.

Official sourceCity of Richmond HillAdditional Residential Unit
Verified2026-10-14Open proof
Pre-approved plansPermit still needed

Even when using Richmond Hill's pre-approved detached ARU model, the City still requires a site-specific plan and building permit application.

Official sourceCity of Richmond HillAdditional Residential Unit
Verified2026-10-14Open proof

Need the full project answer?

The main guide keeps the permit trigger, zoning questions, documents, fees, timing and next steps together.

Open the basement apartment / secondary suite guide