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Alterations to Existing Buildings

This web page is intended to provide guidance for building owners and designers when determining the required level of Building By-law upgrade for an existing building.

Background

The Building By-law requires that when work is carried out to an existing building, the building must be upgraded to an “acceptable” level. Prior to April 20, 2004, this upgrade was primarily based on construction values. On April 20, 2004, Council approved a new upgrade mechanism.

Applicants may use either mechanism to determine the acceptable level of Building By-law upgrade for an existing building.

Please note that neither of the upgrade mechanisms are intended for existing one- and two-family dwelling buildings. For the upgrade requirements of this type of buildings applicants should refer to the City’s bulletin at: http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/LICANDINSP/bulletins/index.htm.