Understanding the RIGS plan Markham process helps homeowners and developers get the right grading and servicing approval for residential infill or additions in Markham. It also builds trust by showing expertise in city regulations and engineering requirements.
Key Takeaways
RIGS plan Markham applies to infill and residential additions.
Requires detailed engineering submissions, including grading, servicing, and tree protection reports.
Involves tree permits and arborist plans before approval.
Engineering plans must be prepared by a licensed P.Eng to meet city standards and support Elmid Design Inc’s reliability in submissions.
What Is the RIGS Plan in Markham?
The RIGS plan Markham refers to the Residential (Infill) Grading & Servicing application required for any residential infill or addition project in Markham. It includes a detailed engineering review of grading, service connections, and site drainage.
Why You Need a RIGS Plan?
Without a proper RIGS‑plan Markham submission, projects can be delayed or rejected, especially if grading leads to improper stormwater flow or impacts neighboring properties. It also ensures compliance with the Ontario Building Code to avoid water pooling or damage.
Who Prepares the RIGS Plan?
A licensed Ontario Professional Engineer (P.Eng) must prepare and stamp the RIGS plan Markham documents. Firms like Elmid Design Inc deliver accurate, trusted plans that align with city engineering guidelines and enhance approval chances
Understanding the Detailed Process of a RIGS Plan Markham
The process for obtaining a RIGS plan Markham starts with a review of your property’s grading and servicing. A licensed Ontario Professional Engineer visits the site, collects topographical measurements, and designs grading elevations to direct water away from buildings. The City of Markham will reject plans if grading could drain water onto a neighbour’s property. The servicing portion ensures water, sanitary, and storm systems meet city engineering and Ontario Building Code standards. An arborist report may be needed if trees are affected.
After the drawings and reports are complete, the application is submitted to the City of Markham’s Development Services department. City engineers check that slopes, swales, drainage patterns, and servicing alignments comply with standards. If revisions are needed, your engineer must address them promptly. Approval is granted when the city confirms the design provides safe, functional drainage and servicing without harming nearby properties.
The Importance of Working with an Experienced Engineering Firm
Partnering with a reputable engineering firm like Elmid Design Inc, which holds a Certificate of Authorization from Professional Engineers Ontario, greatly increases the chances of fast and successful approval. Their team ensures every RIGS plan Markham submission is accurate, compliant, and ready for review. Furthermore, an experienced engineer anticipates possible objections, prepares precise grading elevations, and addresses city requirements before they become issues. In addition, they work closely with arborists and surveyors to coordinate all technical details. As a result, this attention to detail helps avoid delays, reduces costly revisions, and speeds up the approval process. Ultimately, choosing a qualified firm means your project moves forward smoothly while meeting all local regulations and engineering standards. At the same time, you benefit from high quality, professional reliability, and expert guidance from start to finish.
Timeframes and Common Pitfalls
The timeframe for RIGS plan Markham approval depends on project complexity, the completeness of the submission, and seasonal workload at the city. Approvals for straightforward projects may be completed in a few weeks. More complex or incomplete applications can extend the process to several months. Delays often occur when submissions are missing topographical data, have incomplete arborist reports, or contain inaccurate servicing details. Grading slopes that do not meet city standards are another common reason for rejection. Working with an experienced engineering firm reduces these risks. A skilled engineer ensures all documents are complete, accurate, and compliant before submission. This preparation prevents unnecessary revisions and helps projects move through the approval process faster. Choosing a qualified firm means fewer delays, lower costs, and smoother progress from start to finish.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
For homeowners, builders, and developers in Markham, the RIGS plan Markham process is essential for ensuring that infill or addition projects meet all local bylaws and engineering best practices. Every design must follow proper grading and servicing standards to avoid costly problems later. Whether you are planning a small addition or a complete new build, working with a licensed engineering firm is the safest way to achieve fast approval and prevent delays. Choosing a trusted company means your submission will be accurate, complete, and ready for review. Contact Elmid Design Inc today to begin your RIGS plan process. Their team combines technical expertise, deep local knowledge, and a strong commitment to client satisfaction. With their support, your project will move forward smoothly and meet every city requirement without unnecessary complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does RIGS stand for in Markham?
RIGS stands for Residential Infill Grading and Servicing. It is a mandatory engineering plan required by the City of Markham for new residential infill projects and additions to existing homes.
Do I need a RIGS plan for a small home renovation?
You only need a RIGS plan if your renovation changes the grading, drainage, or servicing of the property. Small interior-only renovations typically do not require it.
How long does it take to get a RIGS plan?
The approval time can range from a few weeks to several months depending on the completeness of the submission and the complexity of the project.
Can I prepare a RIGS plan myself?
No. The City of Markham requires that all RIGS plans be prepared, signed, and sealed by a licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario.
About Elmid Design Inc
Elmid Design Inc is a trusted Ontario engineering firm holding a Certificate of Authorization from Professional Engineers Ontario. Specializing in RIGS plan Markham approvals, the company delivers precise grading and servicing designs that meet all city standards. With extensive local expertise and a proven track record, Elmid Design Inc ensures faster approvals, fewer revisions, and fully compliant submissions. Their commitment to accuracy, professionalism, and client satisfaction makes them a top choice for homeowners, builders, and developers seeking reliable engineering solutions in Markham and across Ontario.
Geographic Locations That We Service:
Our Licensed Professional Engineers specializing in Engineered Site Grading Plans offer the best-engineered site grading plan, lot grading and erosion plan, and drainage plan to obtain site plan approval and building permits in Ontario, including a wide range of municipalities. Each area boasts unique features and requirements, making our tailored approach essential for success.
Toronto and Surrounding Areas
In the vibrant heart of Ontario, we service Toronto (City of Toronto) and surrounding areas. Additionally, we cover Oshawa (City of Oshawa), Pickering (City of Pickering), and Clarington (Municipality of Clarington). Furthermore, our expertise extends to Ajax (Town of Ajax), Whitby (Town of Whitby), Brock (Township of Brock), Scugog (Township of Scugog), and Uxbridge (Township of Uxbridge).
Halton Region
Moving to the Halton Region, our services encompass Burlington (City of Burlington) and Halton Hills (Town of Halton Hills). Also included are Milton (Town of Milton) and Oakville (Town of Oakville).
Peel Region
In the Peel Region, we provide services in Brampton (City of Brampton), Mississauga (City of Mississauga), and Caledon (Town of Caledon).
York Region
Our services in the York Region cover Vaughan (City of Vaughan), Aurora (Town of Aurora), and East Gwillimbury (Town of East Gwillimbury). We also cater to Georgina (Town of Georgina), Markham (City of Markham), Newmarket (Town of Newmarket), Richmond Hill (City of Richmond Hill), Whitchurch-Stouffville (Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville), King (Township of King), and Bradford-West Gwillimbury (Town of Bradford-West Gwillimbury). Each municipality here offers a distinct setting, requiring our specialized approach.
Other Southern Ontario Cities and Towns
We also serve many other cities and towns in Southern Ontario. These include Hamilton (City of Hamilton), St. Catharines (City of St. Catharines), Niagara on the Lake (Town of Niagara on the Lake), Brant (County of Brant), Cambridge (City of Cambridge), Kitchener (City of Kitchener), Waterloo (City of Waterloo), and Woodstock (City of Woodstock). Furthermore, we operate in Guelph (City of Guelph), Centre Wellington (Township of Centre Wellington), Shelburne (Town of Shelburne), Orangeville (Town of Orangeville), New Tecumseth (Town of New Tecumseth), Essa (Town of Essa), Collingwood (Town of Collingwood), Wasaga Beach (Town of Wasaga Beach), Barrie (City of Barrie), Midland (Town of Midland), Orillia (City of Orillia), Ramara (Town of Ramara), Minden Hills (Town of Minden Hills), North Kawartha (Town of North Kawartha), Kawartha Lakes (City of Kawartha Lakes), Peterborough (City of Peterborough), Selwyn (Town of Selwyn), and Brighton (Municipality of Brighton).
