Get a building permit

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.

  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.

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  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

  Alert icon  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 PDF file (3.9 MB)

  Alert icon 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 (Important note 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
      Note There is a $200 maximum for cash payments.
  • By mail at:
    Development and Building Services Centre
    515 West 10th Avenue
    Vancouver, BC V5Z 4A8
    Alert icon   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.

  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"

  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.

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

  Alert icon 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.

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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.

  Important note 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.

  Important note 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 
    (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

Steps to submitting an amendment to an issued building permit

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  Step 1: Submit building permit amendment request

  A. Fill out your amendment request form

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

  B. Submit your request

  If you are the listed permit applicant, you can submit an amendment by:

  1. Logging 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 PDF file (3 MB)

  Not a listed permit applicant

  If you are not the listed permit applicant, you can still submit an amendment request by contacting the Development and Building Services Centre online. Important note Include your amendment request form with your submission.

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  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 (Important note 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
      Note There is a $200 maximum for cash payments.
  • By mail at:
    Development and Building Services Centre
    515 West 10th Avenue
    Vancouver, BC V5Z 4A8
    Alert icon   Ensure that the permit number is noted on the cheque and the payee is made out to "City of Vancouver".
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  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

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

  Note 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.

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