Trade Permits
Trade permits are permits for any of the building trades: Electrical, Gas, Plumbing, as well as for Sprinklers. Each type of permit has its own requirements, as shown below.
Electrical Permit
Electrical Permits can be obtained on the Second Floor, East Wing of City Hall
2675 Yukon Street
604.873.7608 or 604.873.7600
Hours: 8:30 to 4:30 Monday to Friday
What is an electrical permit and when is one required?
An electrical permit is a permission or authorization in writing by the City Electrician to perform work regulated by the Electrical By-law. Except for the exemptions listed below, all electrical work performed in the City of Vancouver must be done under permit. Permit is not required for:
- the replacement of defective fuses, receptacles, switches or lamps with usable units of he similar type and rating;
- minor alterations, repairs or additions to an installation covered by a subsisting annual permit issued pursuant to this Electrical By-law;
- the connection of household and personal electrical appliances to a standard wall or floor receptacle.
Who can obtain an electrical permit?
The person or company who is actually doing the work takes out the electrical permit: either a licenced electrical trades person, or the homeowner of a detached single family dwelling only. The homeowner must be residing in the single family dwelling and will need approval from the Electrical Inspector to do the work.
View the Electrical Permit Fee Schedule 
(19kb)
Gas Permit
Gas Permits can be obtained on the Second Floor, East Wing of City Hall
2675 Yukon Street
604.873.7062 or 604.873.7052
Hours: 8:30 to 4:30 Monday to Friday
What is a gas permit and when is it required?
A gas permit gives permission or authorization in writing to perform work regulated by the Provincial Gas Safety Act & Regulations for gas piping, appliances and venting. No person shall commence an installation or alteration of any gas system unless they have delivered an application for a permit to the trades counter and paid the applicable fees. No work is permitted on any gas system unless a permit has been applied for.
Who can take out a gas permit?
Applications may be made for a gas permit by a gas contractor, an agent of a gas contractor, or the owner of a detached single family dwelling who resides in that dwelling.
Who can do the work?
No person shall install or alter a gas system unless he is the holder of a valid Vancouver Business Licence to do the installation and is employed by a gas contractor, or he is working as an assistant to and under the constant supervision of the holder of a valid Business Licence to do the installation and is employed by a gas contractor.
The owner of a detached single family dwelling who resides or intends to reside in that dwelling, may do the work of a gas fitter in that dwelling provided that:
- there is no other dwelling or premises directly attached to the single family dwelling,
- no person is being paid to do or assist the owner in doing the work, and
- no part of the dwelling is rented or intended to be rented to any person.
View the Gas & Plumbing Permit Fee Schedule (12kb)
Plumbing Permit
Plumbing Permits can be obtained on the Second Floor, East Wing of City Hall
2675 Yukon Street
604.873.7062 or 604.873.7052
Hours: 8:30 to 4:30 Monday to Friday
When do I need a Plumbing Permit?
A plumbing permit is required if you intend to construct, extend, alter, renew or repair a plumbing system. A permit is also required for any new installation and the replacement of gas appliances such as hot water tanks. A permit is not required to repair or replace a valve, faucet, fitting, fixture, or fixture outlet pipe unless it requires the opening of walls and/or relocation of piping. The repair of minor leaks or a blocked drain does not require a permit either as long as no change to other piping is necessary.
Who can apply?
Only a certified Plumbing Contractor can obtain a permit, unless the work is being done by the owner of a detached single family dwelling where the owner resides. In this case we would issue a permit to the home owner after they have signed a “Homeowner’s Declaration”.
View the Gas & Plumbing Permit Fee Schedule (12kb)
In addition to getting the appropriate permit for trades work, inspections must also be arranged.
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