

We are taking action to speed up our response and processing times. Actions to date are anticipated to save up to 13,800 weeks of processing.
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.
To clear the permit and license backlog, we are taking action to speed up our response and processing times.
Updates – Summer 2022
Staff are processing more than 35% more applications across all permitting streams compared to May 2021, despite the number of new permit and licence applications doubling over the same period.
- Businesses can now expect to receive their business licence in as little as six weeks, compared to 16 weeks last year.
- Homeowners and businesses can now expect to receive a permit for low-complexity renovations in as little as two weeks.
Next steps
- Take on an extensive review of the development permit process.
- Conduct a comprehensive review of the Protection of Trees By-law.
- Assess the implications of guaranteed permitting timelines.
Progress underway
Opportunity | Benefit | Anticipated savings | Status |
---|---|---|---|
Faster processing for some one- and two-family dwelling applications |
|
12 weeks processing time per application | Extended through June 2024 |
Pilot a 12-month partial relaxation of the Tree By-law (Lessons learned from this pilot will inform a fulsome review of the Tree By-law in 2023.) |
Some tree permits for private property may be issued without an arborist review. |
Two weeks processing time per application | Extended until December31, 2023 |
Pilot a 12-month partial relaxation of the Tree By-law (Lessons learned from this pilot will inform a fulsome review of the Tree By-law in 2023.) |
Trees smaller than 30centimetre diameter may be removed without a tree permit. |
Two weeks processing time per application |
Restored to 20 centimetre diametre |
Faster processing for single family houses, duplexes, and laneway applications |
|
|
Completed |
Faster processing for laneway applications | Standalone stream provides quicker initial review. | 12 weeks per application | Completed |
Faster processing for less-complex residential renovations | Streamlined approval | 7 weeks per application | Completed |
Landscape review |
Reduced landscape review for demolition permits, renovations, and field reviews. |
Three weeks processing time per application | Completed |
Improved data collection | Pilot new data collection to streamline energy compliance (ASHRAE) process. | Two weeks processing time per application |
Completed Eliminated a backlog of 3,000 applications. |
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, improved service levels, traceability of requests, and customer experience | Completed |
Electronic plan (ePlan) |
|
|
Completed |
Inspections |
Booking or cancelling an inspection is now a one-stop process with everything you need on one page. |
|
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 | Completed |
Reduce requirements and costs for businesses (24-month pilot program) |
|
|
Completed Dedicated fast-track online enquiry and application page launched in spring 2022 |
Reduced Vancouver Building Bylaw (24-month pilot program) |
|
Up to 17 weeks processing and review time per application | Completed |
Site drawings | Simplified site drawing requirements for eligible residential and commercial renovations. | One week processing and review per application | Completed |
On site review | Detailed review of commercial and residential renovation permits will now be completed by inspectors. |
|
Completed |
Waive penalties | Waive penalties for some instances of previously unpermitted work carried out, depending on the scope and age of the work. |
|
In progress |
Contact the Development and Building Services Centre
Note Access to the Services Centre is for those with scheduled appointments or looking to provide payment. Requests for appointments can be made online.
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