Planning & Development

The Building Approvals Division consists of two sections: Permits and Inspections.

Permits

Responsible for receiving and reviewing construction drawings for all types of buildings and structures, prior to permit issuance. The drawings are reviewed for compliance to the BC Building Code, as well as City Zoning and Development and Building Regulations. For large and complex buildings, the section undertakes reviews on plumbing and mechanical systems.

This review process involves different areas within the City, such as Health, Fire and Planning. Comments from the various areas are reviewed, complied and forwarded to the applicant. When all issues from the various areas are resolved, a permit is issued.

Inspections

Responsible for on the site construction of the building, and the associated plumbing and gas work.

The Inspectors are responsible for inspecting the various stages of building construction and associated plumbing/gas installation to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and bylaws. By using the reviewed drawings, the inspector is able to assist the builder in identifying areas of concerns or unusual/new construction techniques which may require special attention.

The Permits and Inspection sections of the Building Approvals Department work together to ensure the minimum standards with respect to public health, fire protection, life safety, and structural sufficiency is uniformly addressed, on all buildings and structures within the City of Richmond.

Related Topics:

• Planning, Building & Development (point your mouse on Building in the menu)
• Inspection Requests
• Richmond Official Community Plan
• Planning & Zoning
• Homeowner Guide
• Publications List
• Tenders, Quotations, Proposals
• City Bylaws
• Richmond Interactive Map (RIM)
• Creating Child Care Spaces

The Development Applications Department is responsible for:

• Reviewing all development applications (i.e. rezoning, development permits, development variance permits, subdivisions, etc.)
• Assessing and collecting Development Cost Charges and other development related fees;
• Coordinating the design and installation of infrastructure improvements for all new developments as required;
• Providing advice on engineering matters in the community planning process;
• Naming streets and providing street addresses; and
• Maintenance of property records.

The Development Applications Department works with other City divisions including: Transportation, Policy Planning, Engineering and Public Works, Clerk's, Law, Zoning, Building Approvals, Community Bylaws, Finance and Richmond City Council.

The division also consults directly with property owners, residents, developers, architects, engineers, planners, other government bodies as part of the development application review process.

Related Topics:

• Planning, Building & Development (point your mouse on Development in the menu)
• Richmond Official Community Plan
• Planning & Zoning
• Development Permit: A Guide to Obtaining a Development Permit in Richmond
• Subdivision Guide: A Guide to Subdividing Property in Richmond
• Rezoning Guide: A Guide to Rezoning Property in Richmond
• Publications List
• Sustainability & Environment (browse the fly-out menu for topics)
• City Bylaws (see Zoning Bylaw)
• Richmond Interactive Map (RIM)

Mandate

Policy Planning specializes in establishing long range community planning policies, and develops and implements land use and environmental policies and urban design guideline policies in consultation with the community to make Richmond "the most appealing, livable and well managed community in Canada".

Clients

Policy Planning clients are external clients: communities, residents, organizations, land owners, and developers; and internal clients: Council, committees and City staff.

Partners

Policy Planning partners include Federal, Provincial, Regional and Municipal organizations, businesses, community organizations, institutions and consultants.

Expertise

Planning is the process of managing interests and change. In assisting the City of Richmond to be the most appealing, livable and well managed community in Canada, the Policy Planning staff is comprised of community, land use and environmental planners who provide a wide range of professional services including: visioning, options analysis, policy development, co-ordination, organizational development, urban design, research, data management, training, promotion, project management and community development.

Services

Policy Planning provides the following services:

• Plan Preparation and Monitoring (e.g., OCP, area plans);
• Long Range Research and Policy Development:
  • Urban design issues;
  • Physical, land use issues (e.g., Agriculture Viability Strategy);
  • Environmental issues (e.g., ESA Review);
• Data Management:
  • Census data management;
  • OCP data;
  • City "Hot Facts;"
  • Other;
• Community Group Liaison and Support (e.g., ACE, Heritage Commission)
• City Liaison on Committees:
  • Port Authorities;
  • GVRD Committees;
  • FREMP;
  • Regional Committees;
• Internal Services:
  • Front Counter Client inquiries;
  • Land use information;
  • Strategic Team support;
  • Integrated Service Team support

The City maintains communication with the port and harbour authorities through the Urban Development Department. The following authorities and commissions are responsible for managing government lands, water lots, and the Fraser River waters for public benefit, e.g. navigation, commercial traffic, dredging, ports, and related concerns:

 

• Port Metro Vancouver
• Steveston Harbour Authority
  

Richmond has a strong tradition of addressing social issues in its planning and service delivery – a tradition of listening, engaging and collaboratively responding to resident’s social concerns. Community Social Development focuses on working cooperatively with other agencies in the development of networks, programs and processes to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations, promote cultural enrichment, and nurture and enhance the community’s social capital.

Examples of the City’s commitment to social development include:

• Direct service delivery
• Adoption of policies
• Development of plans to address targeted population groups or identified community concerns
• Advocacy to other levels of government
• Support of community agencies and partners
• Securing child care facilities, affordable housing and other community amenities from private development through the rezoning process

The following sections make up the Community Social Development Department:

• Social Planning
• Affordable Housing
• Child Care
• Youth Planning
• Seniors Planning
• Accessibility and Poverty Reduction
• Inclusion
• Homelessness
  

Social Development Strategy

The Social Development Strategy guides the City’s community social development work. This strategy envisions Richmond as an inclusive, engaged, and caring community—one that considers the needs of the present and future generations, values and builds on its diversity, nurtures its social capital, and treats its citizens with fairness and respect.

Other Plans and Policies

Community Social Development is grounded by a solid foundation of plans and policies that guide its work. In addition to the Social Development Strategy, the following plans and strategies help guide the department’s work:

• Affordable Housing Strategy
• Homelessness Strategy
• Collaborative Action Plan to Reduce and Prevent Poverty
• Richmond Child Care Needs Assessment and Strategy
• Seniors Strategy
• Dementia-Friendly Community Action Plan
• Child Care Action Plan
• Youth Strategy
• Cultural Harmony Plan
• Richmond Community Wellness Strategy

Advisory Committees

Four of the City of Richmond’s Council-appointed Advisory Committees are involved in the work of community social development:

• Child Care Development Advisory Committee
• Community Services Advisory Committee
• Intercultural Advisory Committee
• Seniors Advisory Committee
  
• Accessibility Advisory Committee

If you are interested in volunteering your time and expertise on any of the following committees, information can be found on the Advisory Bodies page.

Related Topics:

• City Grant Program