Get a building permit

Construction projects and any change of land use or occupancy on private property will require a building permit.

It is important that your project complies with the Vancouver Building By-law to meet life safety, livability, accessibility, and sustainability requirements. A building permit is the tool we use to achieve these requirements.

Not sure if you need a building permit? Review when you need a permit

Confirm if a building permit application has been received or permit issued

Find a permit or application by address, number, or date.

Search for a permit or application

We are making changes to speed up permitting, reduce wait times, and streamlining some building permits. Learn about the changes

Don’t follow the steps to getting a building permit if you:

Are renovating or building a house or laneway house: Review the steps to renovating or building a house or laneway house
Are a small business owner planning a renovation or looking to start a business: Find out how the Small Business Renovation Centre can help
Have a small renovation project that doesn’t trigger major upgrades: Review the “field review” process for getting a building permit

Review the steps to getting a building permit before submitting an application.

Submit application package

Steps to getting a building permit

Step 1: Determine if you need a separate development permit

In the case of large scale projects, and/or where zoning relaxations or particular types of land uses are proposed, a separate development permit is required before a building permit application can be submitted. Please review the steps to getting a development permit.

Review what you're obligated to do to contain the Japanese beetle.

Unsure on whether your project requires a separate development permit? Contact the Development and Building Services Centre.
Step 2: Submit application and pay fees
A. Prepare your application package
1. Refer to the list of application submission checklists and other resources to find what drawings, forms, and documents you need to submit an application. Use the checklist that applies to your project.
2. Fill out the building permit application form (258 KB).
B. Submit your application package

Include your application form and all required documents listed in the checklist with your application submission.

Submit your application

Need assistance? Refer to the building permit online account guide (3.9 MB)

Our policy is to not accept applications that are incomplete.

C. Application intake and pay fees

An application assessment will be performed on your application package. You may be asked to provide additional documents to support the intake of your application. Once it is determined the application package is complete, we will request that you pay the fees.

Fees

Once all conditions have been met, you will receive notification that the fees are ready to be paid.

How to pay fees
- Online by credit card ( Only the permit holder/applicant can make online payments toward a permit.)
- In person at the Development and Building Services Centre, 515 W 10th Ave:
  - Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
  - Tuesday and Thursday: 8:30am to 4pm
  - Closed on holidays
    There is a $200 maximum for cash payments.
- By mail at:
  Development and Building Services Centre
  515 West 10th Avenue
  Vancouver, BC V5Z 4A8
  Ensure that the permit number is noted on the cheque and the payee is made out to "City of Vancouver"
D. Application reviewed

Following a detailed review of the submitted plans and documents of your application by various staff teams, we will provide you with a list of any conditions and items to be addressed before a permit can be issued.

In certain cases, there may be different ways to meet the intent of the Vancouver Building By-law. Learn more about applying for an “alternative solution"

E. Permit approved

You will be notified by email once your permit is issued with instructions to download and print your permit and approved drawings through your online permit account.

One printed copy of the City-approved permit needs to be made available for viewing at the jobsite for City inspectors.

One paper set of City-approved drawings (full-sized and to scale), displaying the City accepted stamp, needs to be made available for viewing at the jobsite for City inspectors. If the City accepted stamp is missing, or the paper set isn’t at the jobsite, you will be required to reschedule your inspection and may be subject to a re-inspection fee.
Step 3: Begin construction, get trade permits, and book inspections
Once your building permit has been issued, you can begin work and get the required trade permits and book inspections.

It is important that you start work on your project within six months from the date of when your permit was issued; otherwise, your permit will become void.

Moving soil, green waste, or plant materials? Contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to get a Movement Certificate before moving soil, green waste, or plant materials outside of a regulated area to prevent the spread of the Japanese beetle. Learn more and find out how to contact the CFIA

A. Apply for trade permits

Most construction is likely to require separate trades permits, which are typically submitted by the trades contractor hired by the general contractor:
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Gas
- Fire sprinkler
  ( Depending on the complexity of your project, you may be required to apply for a fire sprinkler permit before you can have a building permit issued to you.)
B. Apply to use street and sidewalk during construction

Most construction projects require permits to use City property such as streets, sidewalks, and laneways.

You may be required to apply for one or more of the following:
- Construction street use permit
- Temporary street occupancy permit
C. Request inspections

All work completed will need to be inspected at various stages of construction.

Get more information and book an inspection
Step 4: Occupy building(s)

Steps to submitting an amendment to an issued building permit

Step 1: Submit building permit amendment request
A. Fill out your amendment request form

Refer to the amendment request form (48 KB) to find out what information to include with your amendment request.

B. Submit your request
1. Log into your online account.
2. Select the permit you want to submit an amendment for.
3. Select the "Request Amendment" as the next action on the permit overview page.
4. Provide a detailed description of the amendment request and uploading any supporting documents, including your amendment request form.
Need assistance? Refer to the building permit online account guide (3 MB)

Include your amendment request form with your submission.
Step 2: Request is reviewed, and next steps provided
Following a detailed review of the amendment request, we will:
- Ask additional questions, and/or
- Provide you with a list of any conditions and items to be addressed before an updated permit can be issued
Fees

Once all conditions have been met, you will receive notification that the amendment fees are ready to be paid.

How to pay fees
- Online by credit card ( Only the permit holder/applicant can make online payments toward a permit.)
- In person at the Development and Building Services Centre, 515 W 10th Ave:
  - Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
  - Tuesday and Thursday: 8:30am to 4pm
  - Closed on holidays
    There is a $200 maximum for cash payments.
- By mail at:
  Development and Building Services Centre
  515 West 10th Avenue
  Vancouver, BC V5Z 4A8
  Ensure that the permit number is noted on the cheque and the payee is made out to "City of Vancouver".
Step 3: Amendment issued
When your amendment is issued, you:
- Will be notified by email with instructions to download and print your permit and approved drawings
- Are able to begin the work defined in the permit
One printed copy of the City-approved permit needs to be made available for viewing at the jobsite for City inspectors.

One paper set of City-approved drawings (full-sized and to scale), displaying the City accepted stamp, needs to be made available for viewing at the jobsite for City inspectors. If the City accepted stamp is missing, or the paper set isn’t at the jobsite, you will be required to reschedule your inspection and may be subject to a re-inspection fee.