Fire Inspections

Additional Residential Units may be permitted in the City of Richmond Hill, subject to zoning requirements and restrictions, and having obtained a building permit. The Fire Department only inspects those additional residential units constructed under permit and in existence before July 14, 1994. All other units constructed under permit will be inspected by the Building Department. See the additional residential unit page for more details. 

Note: the City does not offer on-site consultation services on design and construction of a unit. A Building permit must be obtained to initiate an inspection in all cases.

To ensure the safety of building occupants, the Fire Prevention Division conducts routine inspections for all premises and buildings, except buildings containing individual dwelling units.  These inspections are carried out based on the inspection frequency model set by the Fire Prevention Division, and as resources permit. Routine inspections of premises and buildings ensures the requirements of the Ontario Fire Code are being met by owners and occupants. 

Vulnerable Occupancies (Nursing homes, Retirement Homes, Group homes and Hospitals) are required to initiate routine annual inspections with the Fire Department. These routine inspections are a requirement of the Ontario Fire Code. Routine inspections of other occupancy types (i.e. schools) are completed based on the inspection frequency model set by the Fire Prevention Division.

A request for inspection can be made by any member of the community for the following:

• any inspection of a building, or occupancy inspection 
• a fire break release or fire break change request
• a home daycare or home based business
• a business clearance letter (ex. AGCO license)

To make a request, complete the online Inspection Request.

Building Permit Inspection

Requirements of both the Fire and Building Departments will have to be met prior to receiving Occupancy, as granted by the City’s Building Inspectors. Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services carries out inspections of work being completed under a building permit of fire protection systems and special processes pertaining to a building or premise for compliance with the Ontario Building Code and the Ontario Fire Code.

Some of the fire protection systems and special processes inspected by the Fire Service include (but are not limited to): fire extinguishers, fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, hood suppression systems, water supply, fire routes and the handling of flammable and combustible liquids.   

To request a building permit inspection:

• call 905-883-5444, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Statutory holidays excepted) or
• email fireprevention@richmondhill.ca - include permit number, address, unit number, and full contact information 

Note: Not all building permits require a Fire Service inspection as this is sometimes handled by our Building Services. Prior to making a request, refer to your building permit conditions to determine if a Fire Service inspection is required. Also, all acceptance testing/verification/installation reports required for the fire protection systems installed must be submitted to the Fire Service for review at least 48 hours prior to an inspection (attach to email request). 

A fire inspection is conducted to assess the potential fire safety hazards in a building that could threaten the life safety of the occupants. Fire Inspectors will check all areas of a building for issues and enforce violations found under the Ontario Fire Code.

These violations include items such as maintenance of fire safety equipment, blocked exits, breaches in or missing fire separations, missing or damaged fire doors, severe electrical problems, improperly used or stored flammable liquids or gases, unsafe accumulation of combustible materials, hazards related to industrial processes, failure to implement a fire safety plan, etc.

When a violation of the Ontario Fire Code is observed by the Fire Department, it is chargeable offence at that time. It is the responsibility of the homeowner, business owner, building owner, etc. to ensure that a building is in compliance with the Ontario Fire Code at all times.

Fire Prevention Inspectors will issue a Fire Safety Inspection Report or an Inspection Order to bring the violation(s) into compliance with the Fire Code. A compliance date will be set based on the threat to life safety, need for construction and applicable permits, requirement of certified documents, etc.

As the process is different depending on the type of inspection requested, please select the inspection type as listed above for details.

For general inquiries, or further questions, please contact us:

• calling 905-883-5444, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Statutory holidays excepted)
• emailing fireprevention@richmondhill.ca

• The following documents are available for review (as applicable, or as noted in approved fire safety plan):
  • Approved fire safety plan
  • Monthly and annual fire alarm reports
  • Monthly and annual emergency lighting reports
  • Monthly and annual fire extinguisher reports
  • Annual and required periodic sprinkler system reports
  • Semi-annual hood suppression system service & hood cleaning/ ecology unit reports (restaurants)
  • Where deficiencies were noted in above reports, documentation of all corrective measures
  • Exit doors and means of egress (corridors and aisles) are maintained and free of obstructions.
  • Fire separations have been maintained.
  • Fire doors are maintained, self-close and latch as required.
  • Exit signs are lit and emergency lighting is operational
  • Extension cords are not used so as to create a hazard
  • All electrical boxes have proper cover plates
  • Three foot clearance is provided around building services (electrical panels, transformers, furnaces, etc.)
  • Fire protection equipment is unobstructed
  • Elimination of hazards (flammables/ combustibles)

Note, this list is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of items required to satisfy the Ontario Fire Code, rather a list of the more commonly found violations noted during inspection.   

It is in your best interest to address the above items prior to the inspection. There is no fee for the initial and second inspection. However, fees may be applicable in accordance with the City of Richmond Hill Tariff of Fees By-Law for each subsequent inspection. Also, penalties for non-compliance with the Ontario Fire Code may apply.

When a violation of the Ontario Fire Code is observed by the Fire Department, it is chargeable offence at that time. It is the responsibility of the homeowner, business owner, building owner, etc. to ensure that a building is in compliance with the Ontario Fire Code at all times. Failure to do so could result in Part 1 “Tickets” or Part 3 “Charges”. Part 1 Tickets are issued for a variety of Fire Code Violations and Part 3 Charges are laid for more serious offences, violations observed at a fire, repeat offenders, when a party refuses to comply, etc. Part 3 Offences appear before the Provincial Offences Court.

If you have any questions relating to Fire Code compliance, please contact the Fire Prevention Division at 905-883-5444.

Can I still be charged or ticketed even if I fix the problem right away when it is pointed out?

Yes. Violations of the Ontario Fire Code are chargeable offences at the time of discovery.

My landlord left me a note saying that they are coming in my apartment tomorrow to check the smoke alarms. Do I have to let them in?