Get an electrical permit

Steps to getting an electrical permit

Review the latest permit processing times

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  Step 1: Determine if you can apply for a permit

  You must be a licensed electrical contractor with a valid City of Vancouver or inter-municipal business licence to apply for an electrical permit. 

  Get a business licence

  Exceptions

  You don’t need a licensed electrical contractor to do electrical work on a detached single-family home if all of the following are true:

  • You own, and currently reside in the home
  • The home does not contain a secondary suite
  • No part of the home is rented to another person
  • Your electrical service is not above 200amp, 120/240
  • You will be doing all of the electrical work yourself
  • You are knowledgeable about this type of work (and are prepared to meet with and get  approval from an electrical inspector)
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  Step 2:  Apply for a permit and pay fees

  A. Review fees

  Fees will be payable at the time of permit submission: 

  • View the schedule of fees and permits PDF file (791 KB)

  B. Submit forms and pay fees 

  Please note:

  • All trades permit applications are processed in the order they are received
  • We aim to process applications (that do not require a review of plans) within five business days

  Submit and pay fees online

  1. Register for an online account (If you don't have an account.)
  2. Submit your application
  3. Pay fees

  Register and submit application

  Homeowner's declaration form PDF file (100 KB)

     Drawings are required where the application involves new construction (except in the case of a new house or laneway house).

  Need to withdraw your permit?

  To withdraw a permit:

  1. Log into your online account
  2. Select the permit you want to withdraw
  3. Select “withdraw permit” under the permit you want to change
  4. Permit will automatically be withdrawn

  Application fee refund

     You may get a partial application fee refund when you withdraw your permit application (if the fee is refundable in its applicable by-law). Please note that an $85 administration fee will be required to process your refund request. 

  To request a partial application refund, please phone 604-871-6060. 

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  Step 3:  Receive your permit and begin work

   If your project requires a building permit, an electrical permit will not be issued until after your building permit has been issued. 

  Once your permit is issued:

  • You will receive an email notification that it has been issued
  • You are able to begin work

  All work must be inspected to have your permit finalized.

  Book an inspection

  Need to make a change to your issued permit?

  We understand that things change and that you may need to make changes to the scope of your permit after it has been issued.

  To request a change to an issued permit:

  1. Log into your online account
  2. Select the permit you want to change
  3. Select “request amendment” under the permit you want to change

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