We are taking action to speed up our response and processing times and anticipate our first set of actions will save 10,000 hours.
Actions we are taking
To speed up response and processing times, we are temporarily:
- Relaxing our permit application regulations and review process
- Cutting steps from our process
Our goals:
- Process your permits faster
- Significantly reduce staff review times
- Provide you with more predictable results
City Manager's task force:
- Work is underway to identify the steps involved
- Phased, multi-month process
Addressing our development and building permitting process has been a top priority for the past three years. However, like to many other organizations, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed underlying challenges with our processes.
With the closure of the Service Centre, we have had an exponential increase in requests. Currently, wait times for an application review are increasingly unmanageable, as well as are our permit processing times.
To clear the permit and license backlog, we are taking action to speed up our response and processing times.
Progress underway
| Opportunity | Benefit | Anticipated savings | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Faster processing for some residential applications |
Temporary removal of conditional guidelines and reviews for one- and two-family dwellings in specific neighbourhoods. | 12 weeks processing time per application | Approved by Council |
| Pilot a 12-month partial relaxation of the Tree By-law |
Some tree permits for private property may be issued without an arborist review. Trees smaller than 30cm diameter may be removed without a tree permit. Existing trees may be removed if they impede the development of an accessory building (like a garage). |
Two weeks processing time per application | Approved by Council |
| Landscape maintenance |
Construction applicants are now responsible for landscape maintenance during demolitions, renovations, and field review. |
Three weeks processing time per application | Approved by Council |
| Improved data collection | Pilot new data collection to streamline energy compliance (ASHRAE) process. | Two weeks processing time per application | In progress |
| Waive penalties | Waive penalties for some instances of previously unpermitted work carried out, depending on the scope and age of the work. |
Reduction in staff research Two weeks processing time per application |
In progress |
| Online enquiry form |
Building and development enquiries can now be submitted through an online form, which provides a tracking number for status updates via 3-1-1. |
Significant savings in trips to City Hall, service levels, traceability of requests, and customer experience | Completed |
| Electronic plan submission (ePlan) |
Electronic plan submission (ePlan) accepts electronic plans for six of eight permit types, electronic seals, and signatures. |
Significantly reduced costs related to printing, courier, drop off wait time, and customer experience | Completed |
| Inspections |
Booking or cancelling an inspection is now a one-stop process with everything you need on one page. |
Improvements in efficiency, service levels, and customer experience | Completed |
| Excavation and shoring | Eligible new developments who require excavation or shoring may receive their building permit in advance of their development permit. | Increased flexibility to begin excavation or shoring while other components of the project are finalized | Approved by Council |
Note Our first round of updates relates to high volume residential applications. We will be reporting to Council in early fall with an update on the next items to implement.
Contact the Development and Building Services Centre
Phone: 604-873-7611
Note Access to the Services Centre is by appointment only. Walk-in service and drop-in appointments are not available.
Location and mailing address
Development and Building Services Centre
515 West 10th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5Z 4A8
Transit nearby
- Broadway-City Hall SkyTrain Station
- 99 B-line, #15, and #9 buses