Laneway housing in Vancouver, BC

Build or renovate a house

COVID-19 update

June 1, 2021: The Services Centre is open for scheduled appointments and payments only. All other enquires are available online, by phone, or email.

We continue to process and review applications to help ensure buildings and development can continue to operate, generate employment, and meet urgent housing needs. Inspections continue daily with enhanced safety precautions.

Wearing a mask is required if you need to visit City, Park Board, and library facilities.

  • General enquiries: Phone 604-873-7611
  • Building, development, and application enquiries:
    • Use our new online form and receive a tracking number, which you can use to get real-time status updates from 3-1-1.
    • Email permitquestions@vancouver.ca. Submissions received through email will take longer to process and will not receive a tracking number. Please do not send multiple emails. 
    • We will respond to all enquiries within 10 business days.

You may still need to submit physical drawings and plans for your project through our online form or email.

There are many steps to building or renovating a house on your home's property.

Understand the process and review the steps involved. Get the required permits and inspections along the way.

Build a new house or laneway house

Review the steps you need to take and the permits and inspections required to build a new house or laneway house.

Renovate a house

If you are renovating your home, such as adding an addition, moving or installing interior walls, you will need a permit.

Create or legalize a secondary suite

Learn the rules for creating a suite in your home, and get help with the approval process.

Contact the Development and Building Services Centre

Contact us online

Phone: 604-873-7611

Email: permitquestions@vancouver.ca

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

Build a sustainable home

High performance building standards

Learn about high performance buildings that meet Passive House and Net Zero Energy certified standards.

Retain your character house

Learn about the guidelines and eligibility requirements for retaining your character home.

Solar photovoltaic panels

Learn about the permit process to install solar photovoltaic panels on your home.

Home renovation rebates

Learn about rebates offered to homeowners to lower energy bills, reduce environmental impact and access rebates to offset renovation costs.

Have you submitted an application online?

We want to hear from you.

Complete survey