Richmond sits on an island in the Fraser River delta — a flat, low-lying landscape just one to two metres above sea level. That geography defines every hardscaping project in the city. There are virtually no retaining walls to build here, but drainage engineering, proper base preparation for saturated soils, and managing a high water table are critical on every job. From the established estates of Broadmoor and Seafair to the newer custom homes near Steveston, Richmond homeowners invest heavily in decorative driveways, elaborate front entries, and outdoor entertaining areas.
The RS1/RS2 zones cap impervious surfaces at 70% of the lot — buildings, driveways, patios, and walkways combined. Live landscaping requirements range from 20% to 30% depending on the sub-zone. Maximum driveway width is 6.0m in most zones. These constraints shape every design, and we calculate coverage before starting any project. Richmond also has unique fence rules — side and rear fences can reach 2.0m, the highest residential fence limit in our coverage area.
Richmond's clay-heavy soil compacts but does not drain well. The water table is high year-round, and parts of the city sit below Fraser River high-tide levels (protected by the dyke system). Every patio, driveway, and walkway we install in Richmond starts with drainage design — because on an island at sea level, water management is not optional.
Neighbourhoods We Serve
Local Regulations You Should Know
Retaining Walls — 1.0m Permit Threshold (Lower Than Most)
Richmond's retaining wall permit threshold is 1.0m — lower than the 1.2m standard in Vancouver, Surrey, and Burnaby. Walls under 1.0m can follow the city's Wood Retaining Wall Design guidelines without a permit. Walls over 1.0m must be designed by a Registered Professional Engineer. Plumbing permit required for drain tile.
Source: Bulletin BUILDING-07; Zoning Bylaw 8500
70% Maximum Impervious Surface
No more than 70% of a residential lot may be occupied by buildings, structures, and non-porous surfaces combined. Live landscaping requirements add another constraint: 20% in RS1/A,K sub-zones, up to 30% in RS1/D-H sub-zones. We calculate both coverage limits before design.
Source: Zoning Bylaw 8500, §8.1.5.2, §8.1.5.3
Tree Protection — 20cm+ DBH, $50,000 Penalty
All trees 20cm+ DBH are protected. Removal of 1 tree per parcel per year costs $65.25. Two or more trees cost $78.75 each. Topping is explicitly prohibited on both private and city trees. Penalties can reach $50,000 per tree — significantly higher than most other cities.
Source: Tree Protection Bylaw 8057, §4.2; Fees Bylaw 8636
Permit Fees in Richmond
| Permit Type | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Building Permit (up to $1,000 value) | $81.75 flat |
| Building Permit ($10,000 value) | ~$201 |
| Building Permit ($50,000 value) | ~$744 |
| Tree Removal (1 tree/parcel/year) | $65.25 |
Fees are approximate and may change. Contact 604-276-4118 for current rates.
What We Build in Richmond
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