Get a building permit

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  COVID-19  update: Development, Building, and Licensing

  Topics: Appointment requirement, digital submissions, and masks

  Last updated: November 19, 2021

  Services Centre access

  Services Centre access is by appointment only. Walk-in service and drop-in appointments are not available. 

  Digital submissions

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

  • Contact licensing: Contact the Business Licence Office online

  Masks

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

  Enquiries

  • 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.

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

Steps to getting a building permit

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  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.

  Unsure on whether your project requires a separate development permit? Contact the Development and Building Services Centre.

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  Step 2: Submit application and pay fees

  A. Prepare your application package

  Refer to the application submission checklists and other resources needed to prepare your submission package. 

  B. Fill out and submit your application form

  1. Fill out the building permit application form  (258 KB). 
  2. Schedule an appointment to go over your submission by contacting the Development and Building Services Centre.

  Alert icon Our policy is to not accept applications that are incomplete and where fees are unpaid.

  C. 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.

  Alert icon 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"  

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  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.

  Alert icon We understand that certain parts of your project may change after work has started. Please contact the Development and Building Services Centre to have your changes approved on your permit (changes are subject to additional fees).

  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 
    (Alert icon 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

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  Step 4: Occupy building(s)

  Even though the work under the building permit is considered complete when a final inspection has been passed, you may require an occupancy permit  to occupy the space in the building(s). 

  Learn more and apply for an occupancy permit

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