Important note To ensure that your proposal is on track without any serious conflicts(s) with by-laws and regulations, it is important that certain details are reviewed and approved prior to proceeding with a formal application for a building permit(s).
A. Engage a design professional
Designing a new house or laneway house can be complicated. We recommend that you engage with a qualified design professional to navigate this process.
B. Contact City staff
Certain property attributes and regulations can add complexity to the standard approval process. City staff are available to answer questions and provide guidance on your proposal at any time.
Certain site specific anomalies may require alternate processes and timelines. You can contact staff at the Development and Building Services Centre.
C. Apply for a sewer and water line connection
Important note You need to have previously applied for a sewer and water permit to have your new house or laneway house’s building permit application accepted.
To have your sewer and water proposal reviewed and approved for a new house or laneway house, you must provide:
- A signed, sealed, and certified legal survey plan prepared by a BC land surveyor
- A Fortis Gas servicing location diagram
Need assistance? Refer to the Sewer and Water Permit Online Application Guide PDF file (5 MB)
View the current fee rates for sewer and water connections (By-law 8093, Schedule A, page 41) PDF file (210 KB)
Register and submit sewer and water line application
Following the submission of the required application documents:
- Our staff will review the application for completeness and to calculate the initial fees.
- Once initial fees are paid, our staff will review the proposed service locations and configuration and provide feedback based on our standards to determine the optimal siting for the sanitary and storm sewer service sizes, location(s), available elevation range, and any pumping requirements of your sanitary, storm sewer, and water service, including size and estimated water pressures.
- When an agreed-upon location and configuration is determined, you will receive notification of approval. Note Additional fees may be required based on the final design.
- Submit signed and sealed final drawings to confirm the location and configuration before the permit is issued.
- When your drawings are reviewed and accepted, and any outstanding fees paid, your permit will be issued and available to download.
D. Apply to use street and sidewalk during construction
When building a new house or laneway house, a permit to use City property such as streets, sidewalks, and laneways is required on most construction projects.
City staff will advise you when one or more of the following permits is needed:
E. Prepare documentation for tree protection and removal(s)
To have your proposal reviewed, you must provide:
- A recent signed, sealed, and certified legal survey plan of the property prepared by a BC land surveyor
- A site plan drawing showing the proposed siting of all buildings in relation to existing trees
- A report prepared by a certified arborist to support any tree removal(s) proposed
- A signed arborist letter of assurance (Required if work is proposed within a tree protection zone.)
Submit your documentation together with your building permit application. The documentation will be forwarded to landscape staff who will review your proposal.
