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Building and renovating

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) update

June 3, 2020: While the doors of Services Centre are closed, we are still open for business. We have limited staff onsite to help people with scheduled appointments or to take payment – all other enquires are available online or via email. Our staff 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.  

Questions or applications may be submitted online during this time - please contact us at permitquestions@vancouver.ca , and we will help you get started on your project. You may still need to submit physical drawings and plans for your project.

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

When you need a permit

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.

Determine if you need a permit and view the risks of working without a permit 

Build or renovate a house

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

Renovate a small business space

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

Apply for and manage permit

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

Forms, checklists, and bulletins

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

Inspections

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

Get copies of building plans

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

Request property research and copies of permits

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

Concerns about construction work

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

Contact the Development and Building Services Centre

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

Free 2-hour parking
West 10th Ave parking lot, 
between Cambie and Yukon

Have you submitted an application online?

We want to hear from you.

Complete survey