Get a development permit

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  What is development?

  In Vancouver, development is "any change in the use of any land or building or the carrying out of any construction, engineering, or other operation in, on, over, or under land or land covered by water". 

  Development:

  • Applies to both construction/ renovation and changing the use of a building or part of a building
  • Is regulated by the Zoning and Development By-law 

  Find an active development application in your neighbourhood.

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  When you need a separate development permit before getting a building 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.  

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

Steps to getting a development permit

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  Step 1: Research your property, engage a designer, and contact City staff

  A. Research zoning, policies, and guidelines

  Learn about the Zoning and Development By-law and how to get details about the rules that apply to your property:

  • Your property’s zoning designation
  • The rules governing development
  • Review related policies and guidelines

  Find out more about your property: Review Archaeology in BC External website, opens in new tab and Archaeology for property owners and developers External website, opens in new tab

  B. Engage a design professional

  When a separate development permit is required, we recommend that you engage with a qualified design professional to help you navigate the process. 

  C. Contact City staff

  Are you looking for general advice on regulations or submission requirements? Please contact the Development and Building Services Centre.

  We strongly recommend that you get advice and feedback on how your proposed design or land use addresses applicable by-laws, policies, and guidelines before you submit a formal development permit application. We are available to answer your questions and provide guidance on your proposal at any time.

  If you are looking for feedback and guidance on whether your proposal adequately addresses discretionary aspects of zoning regulations or design guidelines, submit a development permit enquiry.

   Submit a development permit enquiry

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  Step 2: Submit development permit application and pay fees

  A. Prepare your application package

  Review the:

  • Development permit submission checklist and other resources needed to submit your application
  • Required application form PDF file (469 KB)

  B. Submit your application

  Include your application package with your submission.

  Submit your application

  Need assistance? Review the Development Permit Online Application Guide PDF file (3 MB)

  C. Payment

  When your application has been accepted for intake, we will contact you about payment.

  How to pay fees

  Pay fees:

  • Online by credit card (Important note Only the permit holder/applicant can make online payments toward a permit.)
  • In person at West Annex, 515 W 10th Ave:
    • Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
    • Tuesday and Thursday: 8:30am to 4pm
    • Closed on holidays
  • By mail at:
    Development and Building Services Centre
    515 West 10th Avenue
    Vancouver, BC V5Z 4A8
    (Alert icon    Make sure the permit number is noted on the cheque.)

  Important note There is a $200 maximum for cash payments

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  Step 3: Application is reviewed and next steps provided

  Following the submission of your application package, we will review it for completeness and the application fees will be calculated. Once all required application documents have been submitted and fees paid, we will conduct a detailed review of your application.

  Learn about sewer and water connection reviews that happen as part of a development permit.

  Committees or panels may engage in your proposal

  The Director of Planning or Development Permit Board may seek the advice from one or more committees or panels. If one or more of these committees or panels are engaged in your proposal, you will be provided with an outline of what specific materials you will need to provide and any other instruction.

  We ask for public feedback on your proposal in most cases

  In most cases, we also notify surrounding properties and other neighbourhood groups who may provide comment on your proposal depending on the overall impact to the surrounding area, and nature of any relaxations requested. These comments will be considered by the approving authority in their decision.

  If a public notification is part of your development permit, you may be asked to post signage on your property site that an application has been submitted.

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  Step 4: A decision is made on your application

  A decision will be made on your proposal after comments have been considered from various reviewers, advisory bodies, and/or members of the public. 

  In most cases, if your proposal is approved, any outstanding requirements/obligations and/or revisions must be reflected in your application before a permit can be issued.

  If your permit application is refused, or was approved with conditions you would like removed, you can appeal the decision. Learn how to appeal a decision to the Board of Variance or Parking Variance Board.

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  Step 5: Development permit issued and apply for a building permit

  Your development permit will be issued when all outstanding conditions of approval have been addressed.

  When your permit is issued, you will be notified by email with instructions to download and print your permit and approved drawings.

  After you have received your development permit, you will need to apply for a building permit. Your building permit application must be submitted within 12 months from the date of when the development permit was issued; otherwise, your development permit will expire.

  Note A building permit must be issued before any work can begin.
   

Steps to submitting an amendment to an issued development permit

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  Step 1: Submit development permit amendment application

  A. Prepare your application package

  Review the minor amendment to an an issued development permit:

  • Checklist PDF file (155 KB)
  • Application PDF file (134 KB)

  B. Submit your application

  Alert icon Include your application package with your submission.

  Submit your application

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  Step 2: Application is reviewed, and next steps provided

  Following the submission of your amendment application package, we will review it for completeness and the amendment application fees will be calculated.

  Once all required amendment application documents have been submitted and fees paid, we will conduct a detailed review of your amendment application.

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