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Home > Home, property, and development > Building and renovating > Permits and regulations

Home, property, and development

Permits and regulations

Commercial renovation centre

Are you a small business owner planning a renovation or looking to move or start a business in Vancouver? Learn how we can help you.

Building permits and regulations are enforced by the City of Vancouver to ensure safety and livability for you, your neighbours, and future property owners and residents.

To keep Vancouver safe and liveable, we:

Reviews permit applications, and enforces regulations in a fair and consistent manner
Is working hard to decrease the length and complexity of the permit process by introducing online services and more efficient processes
Enforces procedures to protect historic buildings and our urban forest during development and renovations

Development and Building Services Centre

More services, one location

Our Services Centre has moved from City Hall East Wing to 515 West 10th Ave (at the northwest corner of Cambie St and West 10th Ave). The East Wing is now closed.

Free 2-hour parking is offered at the surface parking lot on West 10th Ave between Cambie St and Yukon St.

When you arrive at the Services Centre

Select 'Show more' for a full list of the services available at the Services Centre.

Check in with staff on the ground floor about:

Commercial parking permits
Commercial renovation centre
Courier drop-offs
Development and building enquiries, including general enquiries about inspections, planning, rezoning, landscaping, and building code
Development and building permit application intakes for all projects, including one- and two-family dwellings, with pre-booked appointments
Development cost levy and development cost charge payments
Building plan copies
Business licence applications and changes
- Renew licences online or in person at Revenue Services, City Hall, ground floor
Field review submissions for minor permit alterations
Inspector appointments
- Appointment required, phone 3-1-1
Pickup of permits with pre-booked appointments
Property research, sign permits and subdivision inquiries
Taxi and limo licences
- Appointment required, phone 604-873-7555
Tenant improvement program permit application submissions
Trades permits
Tree enquiries

For complex developments including multiple dwellings, heritage buildings, and laneway houses, learn about the process and timeline.

How we can help you

Trying to avoid getting a permit to save money can end up costing you time, and money. If you are unsure whether or not you need a permit, call the Development and Building Services Centre at 604-873-7611.

The pages in this section will prepare you, so you can speak with your contractor with confidence, and have the information you need to get started.

Contact the Development and Building Services Centre about building and zoning

Phone
604-873-7611

Location and mailing address
Development and Building Services Centre
Ground floor
515 West 10th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5Z 4A8

Hours
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
8:30am to 4:30pm

Tuesday, Thursday
8:30am to 4:00pm

See when your queue number is called

Free 2-hour parking
West 10th Ave parking lot,
between Cambie and Yukon

Do you need an inspection?

Inspections

City inspectors can help you make sure that construction or renovation work is done safely, and complies with relevant bylaws.

Learn about inspections

Have a construction concern?

The City encourages safe and tidy construction activity that is—when necessary—approved with permits.

Tell the City about a construction concern

Get a permit

Apply for and manage your permit

Find out what permits you need, how to apply for them, how much they cost, and more.

Risks of working without a permit

Renovation or construction work done without a permit can be costly, if you should have had a permit for that work. Learn more here.

Application forms and checklists

View and download the application forms or checklists for projects which will require a development permit, building permit, or development-building (combined permit).