Daedalus ContractingDAEDALUSCONTRACTING
Service Area — metro-west

Hardscaping Contractor in Richmond

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

BroadmoorSeafairTerra NovaStevestonQuilchena / ThompsonGarden City (south)BlundellMcNair / Woodwards
Richmond Bylaws

Local Regulations You Should Know

Fence Heights — 2.0m Side/Rear (Highest in Region)

Richmond allows 2.0m fences in side and rear yards — the tallest standard residential fence in our coverage area. Front yard fences are 1.2m. RS1/A,K sub-zones with lane access have a slightly lower 1.83m limit in yards. Barbed, razor, and electrified wire are prohibited.

Source: Zoning Bylaw 8500, §6.8.1, §8.1.9.1

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

Fire Pits — Gas, Propane, and Charcoal Allowed

Richmond is one of the few municipalities that explicitly allows charcoal for cooking alongside gas and propane. Wood-burning fire pits and campfires remain prohibited. No permit required for cooking/heating appliances.

Source: Fire Protection Bylaw 8306, §4.5.1

Cost Estimates

Permit Fees in Richmond

Permit TypeEstimated 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.

Richmond FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions — Richmond

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