Licences and Inspections

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Licences and Inspections Department

Will Johnston, P.Eng., Director, Chief Building Official, Chief Licence Inspector and City Electrician

Welcome to the City of Vancouver's Licences and Inspections Department. The Licences and Inspections Department is responsible for a wide range of services which includes animal control, licensing, coordinated by-law enforcement, inspection services (building, electrical, environmental protection, plumbing, fire sprinkler & gas, and sewer separation program) building and licence policy, and liquor control. The Department works closely and in collaboration with other departments such as Development Services and Planning through the delivery of services and the development of policy.

The Licences and Inspections Department is comprised of the following Divisions and Office:



Inspections Division

Inspections Services Division
Carli Edwards, P.Eng., Assistant Director

The Inspections Division provides inspection services for building construction, installations of electrical, gas, plumbing, fire sprinkler systems and environmental protection. Inspectors provide site inspection services in response to requests for inspections by the holders of building and trade permits. This Division also responds to complaints regarding relevant safety hazards such as structural, fire, electric shock, gas and environmental emergencies. The Division consists of the following Branches:



Licences & Animal Control Division

Licences and Animal Control Division
Tom Hammel, P.Eng., Assistant Director & Deputy Chief Licence Inspector

The Licence and Animal Control Division processes licence applications and renewals. The Licence Office provides information on requirements prior to the issuance of licences and ensures that businesses comply with relevant City by-laws. Animal Control provides food, shelter and medicinal treatment to lost, abandoned or abused pets and funds education and pet adoption. The Division consists of the following Branches:



Building Policy Office

Building Policy Office
Will Johnston, P.Eng., Director, Chief Building Official, Chief Licence Inspector and City Electrician

Under the direct leadership of the Chief Building Official and as directed by City Council, the Building Policy Office is responsible for carrying out policy work related to the design and construction of buildings as well as the review of alternative solutions to prescriptive requirements of the City’s Building By-law.



Crime Free Multi-Housing Program

Crime Free Multi-Housing Program

The Crime Free Multi-Housing (CFMH) Program is a crime prevention program working with people who manage and live in rental properties. The program is administered by the City of Vancouver and Vancouver Police. The goal is to reduce crime and nuisance in rental properties and encourage active management.



Administration Branch

ByLaw Administration Branch
Catherine Wong, Manager

This branch offers administrative support regarding by-law compliance and maintains detailed property records.