Building and renovating

COVID-19 update: Development, Building, and Licensing

November 19, 2021: Services Centre access is by appointment only. Walk-in service and drop-in appointments are not available.

To help process your applications more quickly, we have moved to a digital approach for all applications, enquiries, and payments.

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 online form and receive a tracking number, which you can use to get real-time status updates from 3-1-1.
- We will aim to 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.

We are always working to make Vancouver's homes and buildings safer, healthier, and more accessible. We:

Work with the public to reduce the waste generated through building and renovating
Review permit applications, and enforce regulations in a fair and consistent manner
Work hard to decrease the length and complexity of the permit process by introducing online services and more efficient processes
Enforce procedures to protect historic buildings and our urban forest during development and renovations

Not all projects need a permit, find out when you don't need a permit.

There are risks to not having a permit. You could face serious – and potentially costly – consequences.

Review the steps to building or renovating a house, laneway house, or secondary suite.

Find out how we can help small business owners plan a renovation, move, or start a business.

Review regulations and apply for the required permits for your construction or renovation project.

View and download the building or development permit application forms and submission requirements.

Book or cancel an electrical, plumbing, building, fire sprinkler, gas, or sidewalk inspection for your construction or renovation project.

Get building plans for work done under permits for most commercial buildings, condos, and one- and two-family dwellings constructed since 1979.

Property research requests can be a formal letter that details information related to a property and/or copies of permitting related documents.

Report concerns about construction work, such as unpermitted or messy and unsafe construction.

Phone: 604-873-7611

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

We want to hear from you.