Request or Repair Street Lights - Richmond Bylaw

Utilities and Infrastructure British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of British Columbia

Richmond, British Columbia maintains public street lighting through municipal services and engineering operations. This guide explains how residents, businesses, and contractors can request a new street light or report a damaged or non-functioning light, which departments handle requests, what forms or online systems to use, and how enforcement and appeals work under city practice. Use the steps below to report outages, request installations, or escalate unresolved problems to the appropriate Richmond office.

Before you request

Confirm the exact location (civic address or nearest intersection) and note the pole number if visible. Take a photo of the issue and record the date and time of the problem to help the city respond faster.

Photos and a precise location speed up repair scheduling.

How to request or report

Most street-light requests and outage reports are handled through the City of Richmond service request system. Use the online "Report a Problem" portal or call the city contact lines to submit details and any supporting photos. After you file a request, you will receive a service ticket and status updates according to the city's processes. [1]

  • Gather location details: civic address, intersection, pole ID.
  • Take photos showing the condition and any safety hazard.
  • Submit via the city's online report form or phone line; keep the service ticket number.
  • Note any deadlines for temporary safety measures near the site.
Use the City's online service request to create an official record for repairs.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement and inspection for street-lighting infrastructure and unauthorized work are managed by the City of Richmond's Engineering Operations and By-law Enforcement sections. For repairs and public-safety issues, Engineering coordinates contractors and utility partners; By-law Enforcement addresses unlawful alterations or obstruction of public lighting. [2]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to repair, restoration directions, stop-work orders, and court actions may apply; specific remedies not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer and inspection pathway: Engineering Operations for maintenance and By-law Enforcement for unlawful works; report faults via the service portal for inspection.
  • Appeals/review and time limits: not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences/discretion: exemptions for permitted works or approved variances may apply; specifics not specified on the cited page.
If a street light is a hazard, report it immediately and request temporary safety measures.

Applications & Forms

The City uses an online "Report a Problem" service request form for street light repairs and installation requests. The form purpose is to record outages, maintenance requests, and installation inquiries; fees or formal permit requirements for standard maintenance are not specified on the cited page. If you propose new lighting as part of development or private works you may need permits through Planning and Building. [1]

Action steps

  • Create the service request online with exact location and photos.
  • Keep your service ticket and follow up if no response within the city's published response window.
  • For planned new installations tied to development, contact Planning and Building for permit requirements.
  • If you receive an enforcement notice, follow the remediation steps and ask about appeal timelines on the notice or the enforcement page.

FAQ

Who do I contact to report a broken street light?
Use the City of Richmond's online "Report a Problem" service or the city's contact lines to file a service request; include the location and photos. [1]
How long does repair take?
Repair timelines vary by severity and contractor schedules; the city's pages do not specify standard repair timeframes.
Is there a fee to request a new street light?
No fee for reporting outages is specified on the city's service page; installation of new lights as part of development may involve charges determined through permit or development processes.

How-To

  1. Identify the exact location and pole ID if available.
  2. Take clear photos showing the fault or desired installation site.
  3. Submit a service request via the City's "Report a Problem" portal and attach photos. [1]
  4. Record the service ticket and contact the City if you need an update.
  5. For new installations tied to construction or development, contact Planning and Building for permits and approvals.
  6. If you receive an enforcement notice, follow instructions and inquire about appeal processes via the enforcement contact. [2]

Key Takeaways

  • Report outages through the City of Richmond service request system for official tracking.
  • Engineering handles repairs; By-law Enforcement handles unauthorized works.
  • Keep photos and the service ticket number for follow-up.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Richmond — Report a Problem
  2. [2] City of Richmond — By-law Enforcement

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