Vancouver Council and staff are always working to make the City's homes and buildings safer, healthier, and more accessible for all residents.
We work with other departments, levels of government, professional associations, and the public to:
- Reduce the carbon footprint created by Vancouver's homes
- Reduce the waste generated through building and renovating
- Enhance the safety and comfort of all residents, through inspections, permits, and regulations
- Enable improved design, construction, and operation of buildings
- Review alternate solutions to requirements in the City's building code
How we make Vancouver's homes and buildings safer, healthier, and more accessible
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.
Permits and regulations
Permits and regulations for building and renovating play an important role in supporting life safety and neighbourhood compatibility. Learn more here.
Inspections
Book or cancel an inspection for your construction or renovation project.
Get copies of plans, permits, and records
Get copies of approved building plans, permits, and property records.
Utilities locations and construction
Find out how utilities locations can impact your construction project, and what you can do.
Green building and renovating
Access guidelines, policies, grants, and resources about green building and renovating to lower your energy costs.
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.
Housing Renovation Centre
Get a development or building permit for exterior renovations or additions and major interior alterations (renovation to stud) to a house or laneway house.
Building and renovating guides
Heritage homes and Bylaws
Own a heritage home or character home and want to do a renovation, restoration, or addition? Read our guide to learn about possible requirements of the 2014 Vancouver Building Bylaw and to plan your project.
Read the bylaw guidePassive Design Toolkit
The Passive Design Toolkit for Homes helps you build a home that harnesses the sun, wind, and other elements to maintain consistent room temperatures and comfort, without expensive mechanical systems.
Get the Toolkit
