Home Renovations

Home renovations, although rewarding can be a daunting task. This page is intended to assist you through the permit process, whether you own a One and Two Family Dwelling, Condominium or Townhouse. Permits may be required for many repair, renovation and addition projects in existing homes. Below are some examples of when permits are and are not needed. Keep in mind that if you own a condominium or a townhouse, you may be subject to your strata rules.

No permits are needed to:

• replace fixtures, cabinets and flooring;
• paint the interior of your home;
• carry out non-structural maintenance or minor repairs to the exterior of your home, such as:
  • gutters
  • drain-ppes
  • replacing roofing with the same material & colour

If you are located in an RS-1 Zone, no permits are needed to:

• replace roofing with the same or different material & colour;
• repair existing walkways or driveways within the site (with no increase in the amount of hard surface);
• re-landscaping, except for tree removals which require a separate tree removal permit;
• erect a fence if it is not over four feet in height in the front yard or six feet in height in the side or rear yard.
  
  FOR ALL OTHER ZONES, contact the Enquiry Centre at 604.873.7611 or
  in person Monday to Friday 8:30 - 4:30 pm.

Building permits and applicable trade permits are needed to:

• move interior walls and partitions;
• relocate or install new plumbing, electrical and gas lines;
• reclad the exterior of your home (including upgrades for rainscreen);
• undertake structural repairs, and interior renovations;
• construct accessory buildings (garage, carport, garden shed etc.).

Both development and building permits, and applicable trade permits, are needed to:

• build a new home;
• undertake structural renovations or additions, such as dormers, lofts or decks;
• add a roof over an existing sundeck or enclose a balcony;
• create or legalize a secondary suite
• construct accessory buildings (garage, carport, garden shed etc.)that are conditional;
• raise a building or excavate a basement;
• erect an over-height fence.

For more information on the permitting process for One and Two Family Dwellings or Condominiums and Townhomes, please click on the links below:

• One and Two Family Dwellings
• Condominiums and Townhomes

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