# Gov Handbook: Richmond, British Columbia, Canada

> 24 answers about local government in Richmond. Hub page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/ · All answers as JSON: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/index.json · Full text: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/llms-full.txt

## Building, renovating and your property

- [Richmond building permits: when you need one and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/building-permit.md): In Richmond you need a City building permit before you build, add to, alter or repair a building, finish a basement, move or demolish a building, or change how a building is used. Apply online through MyPermit, or in person at the Permits Counter in City Hall.
- [Richmond fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/fence-rules.md): In Richmond a typical fence needs no building permit, but the City's Bulletin Building-44 says a fence with concrete foundations does. In residential zones the Zoning Bylaw allows up to 1.2 m in the front yard and 2.0 m elsewhere (2.4 m along a lot line next to a non-residential zone).
- [Richmond permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/deck-shed-garage-permit.md): In Richmond a garage or carport needs a building permit. A deck needs one if it is more than 600 mm (2 ft) above ground. One storage shed under 10 m² with no mechanical services does not, but it must still follow the Zoning Bylaw.
- [Richmond building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/building-permit-fees.md): A Richmond building permit costs a minimum of $98.25 for work valued up to $1,000, plus a plan processing fee when you apply ($759 for one or two dwelling units). The permit fee depends on construction value, and the City sets the value by floor area for homes. Fees rise each January 1.
- [Richmond zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/zoning-lookup.md): Search your address in the City of Richmond's online Richmond Interactive Map (RIM) to see your zoning and a link to the matching section of Zoning Bylaw 8500. For questions, call the Zoning Inquiry Line at 604-276-4017 or email zoning@richmond.ca.
- [Richmond secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/secondary-suite.md): Yes. Richmond allows one secondary suite inside a dwelling in zones that list it, never in a detached building, with a building permit and City inspection. A separate coach house is allowed only in certain zones (such as the Infill Residential zones RI1 and RI2); check your zone.
- [Richmond tree removal rules and permits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/tree-removal.md): Usually yes. Richmond's Tree Protection Bylaw 8057 requires a City permit to cut or remove a tree with a trunk 20 cm or more across at 1.4 m high, and any tree in an environmentally sensitive area. The application fee is $70 for one tree. Replacement trees are required.

## Garbage, recycling and waste

- [Richmond garbage collection: schedule, carts and limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/garbage-collection.md): The City of Richmond collects garbage every second week from single-family homes and some townhomes. Put the cart out no earlier than 8 p.m. the day before and by 7:30 a.m. on collection day. Find your day on the City's zone map and calendars. Each extra container needs a $2 tag.
- [Richmond yard waste collection and drop-off](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/yard-waste.md): In the City of Richmond, put yard and garden trimmings in your Green Cart for weekly curbside collection, or take them to the Richmond Recycling Depot at 5555 Lynas Lane. The first cubic yard is free for residents, then $25 per cubic yard. Yard trimmings are banned from garbage.

## Water, sewer, roads and snow

- [Richmond watering restrictions](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/water-restrictions.md): Yes. In the City of Richmond, Water Use Restriction Bylaw 7784 brings in Stage 1 on May 1 each year, and no stage stays in force after October 15 unless the regional Commissioner says so. In Stage 1, residential lawns may be watered one morning a week. Stages 2 to 4 ban lawn watering.

## Pets, animals and wildlife

- [Richmond dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/dog-licence.md): In the City of Richmond, every dog over eight weeks old needs a City licence each calendar year. A spayed or neutered dog costs $42, or $28.50 if paid before March 1. A dog that is not costs $95.50, or $68.75 before March 1.
- [Richmond dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/dog-leash-rules.md): In the City of Richmond, dogs must be on a leash on every street and in every public place, including parks, except inside a posted designated dog off-leash area. The City lists its off-leash parks and a map. Dogs are banned from some parks and sensitive areas.
- [Richmond rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/dangerous-dogs.md): In the City of Richmond, a "dangerous dog" is defined in Animal Control Regulation Bylaw 7932, including dogs that have hurt a person or animal and certain pit bull breeds. Off its property it must be muzzled and on a leash no longer than 1.2 metres. At home it must be securely confined.
- [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Richmond](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/how-many-pets.md): In the City of Richmond you may keep up to 3 dogs in a one- or two-family home and 2 dogs per unit in a multiple-family dwelling. There is no separate cat limit, but all household pets together are capped at 5 (one- or two-family) or 3 (multiple-family).
- [Richmond backyard chickens, bees and livestock rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/backyard-chickens.md): In the City of Richmond, poultry such as chickens are not allowed on a parcel under 2,000 square metres (21,529 square feet) or in any home, except where the provincial Right to Farm Act or Agricultural Land Commission Act permits. Bees are allowed with limits on hives.

## Parking, tickets and driving

- [Richmond RV, boat and trailer parking rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/rv-boat-trailer-parking.md): In the City of Richmond, a recreational vehicle may not be parked on any street between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., a trailer may not be parked on a street without its towing vehicle attached, and no vehicle may stay in one place on a street over 72 consecutive hours. No rule for RVs in yards was found.

## Bylaws, noise and complaints

- [Richmond noise bylaw: quiet hours, construction hours and fines](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/noise-rules.md): Richmond's Noise Regulation Bylaw 8856 sets no single set of quiet hours. It bans noise that disturbs neighbours, amplified music from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m., and animal noise lasting over half an hour. Report noise to Community Bylaws at 604-276-4345.
- [Richmond unsightly property rules and how to report](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/unsightly-property.md): To report an unsightly, rubbish-filled or overgrown property in the City of Richmond, use the City's online Report a Problem form and choose your concern from the drop-down menu. Owners and occupiers must keep grass to 20 cm or less and remove rubbish and graffiti.
- [Richmond backyard fire and burning rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/backyard-fire.md): No. In the City of Richmond, open-air fires of any kind, including campfires, bonfires and portable fire pits, are banned at any time of year. The only exception is an appliance designed and used for cooking food, such as a gas, propane or charcoal barbecue. Yard waste cannot be burned.
- [Richmond fireworks rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/fireworks.md): No. In the City of Richmond, Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw 8306 bans the public from buying, selling or possessing fireworks, and from setting them off, all year including Halloween and New Year's Eve. Only licensed professionals with a display permit may set them off.
- [Richmond bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/bylaw-fines.md): The City of Richmond uses two ticket systems. A Notice of Bylaw Violation (Bylaw 8122, Schedule A) has a penalty, a lower early-payment amount if paid within 28 days, and a higher late amount after 60 days. A municipal ticket (Bylaw 7321, Schedule B) has one fixed fine.

## Starting and running a business

- [Richmond business licences: who needs one, fees and how to apply](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/business-licence.md): Yes. Anyone carrying on a business in the City of Richmond, including home-based and out-of-town businesses, needs a City business licence and must post it. Apply online through MyBusiness, or by mail or in person. Complete applications take about 4 to 6 weeks.
- [Richmond home-based business rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/home-based-business.md): Yes, in Richmond if it fits one of the Zoning Bylaw's home business types and you hold a City business licence. A home business licence is issued only for licensed crafts and teaching, a residential registered office, a residential business office, or a child care program of up to 8 children.

## Housing and renting

- [Richmond short-term rental rules (Airbnb, Vrbo)](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/short-term-rental.md): In Richmond you can rent for under 90 days only as a bed and breakfast or short-term boarding and lodging, with a City licence, and you must also register with the Province. Renting a whole house or unit for under 90 days is not permitted. Richmond is on the Province's principal-residence list.

## Zoning

- [All 67 zones in Richmond, as JSON](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/zoning/index.json)
- Zone of an address: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/zoning/lookup?address=123+Main+St