Permits 101 - An Overview for Home Owners

Permits are required before demolishing an existing home, building a new home and for many repair, renovation and addition projects in existing homes. Below is a brief description of permits you may require:

Development Permit (DE)

A development permit allows the applicant to use or develop property in accordance with the City's zoning regulations. It is often referred to as a DE by staff.

Building Permit (BU)

A building permit allows the applicant to carry out the development proposal (e.g., to demolish buildings, excavate a site or to carry out new construction, including alterations and renovations of existing buildings). It is often referred to as a BU by staff.

Combined Development/Building Permit (DB)

A combined development and building permit is issued to One and Two Family, Outright applications for new construction and to some home renovation applications. It is often referred to as a DB or a Combined Permit by staff.

Trade Permits - Plumbing, Gas and Electrical

Plumbing, gas and electrical permits give permission to carry out such work during the course of new home construction or renovation.

Demolition Permit

A demolition permit is required to demolish a house, but is not typically issued until a new development proposal for the site has been approved, unless the existing house is a hazard.

Other Permits

You may also require permits for unavoidable tree removal, new sewer and water connections or to reserve space on City streets for construction vehicles or materials.

When do I need a Permit?

No permits are needed to:

• replace fixtures, cabinets and flooring,
• paint the interior of your home,
• paint the exterior of your home or carry out any non-structural maintenance or minor repairs to the exterior of your home (including re-stuccoing, landscaping or installing roofing, gutters, drain-pipes, siding or walkways and driveways within the site, or
• 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.

Building permits and applicable trade permits are needed to:

• move interior walls and partitions,
• relocate or install new plumbing, electrical and gas lines,
• undertake structural repairs, renovations or additions that are permitted outright, and
• construct accessory buildings (garage, carport, garden shed etc.)that are permitted outright.

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, that are conditional,
• add a roof over an existing sundeck or enclose a balcony,
• construct accessory buildings (garage, carport, garden shed, etc.) that are conditional,
• raise a building or excavate a basement, and
• erect a fence if it is over height.

If you are in doubt as to what type of permit you need or why you need one, visit the Enquiry Centre  in the East Wing of City Hall or call the Phone Centre at 604.873.7611 or 604.873.7613 for more information.

This is not a legal document. It departs from the necessary legal and technical terminology used in the Vancouver Charter and applicable City by-laws. Any contradiction, dispute or difference between the contents of this document and applicable City by-laws, plans, policies or guidelines will be resolved by reference to the by-laws or other official documents.

 

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