Field review

Steps to getting a field review

Review the latest permit processing times

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  Step 1: Determine if you need a permit

  You DON'T need a building or trade permit for	You DO need a building and trade permit for
  Replacing fixtures, cabinets, and flooring Painting the interior of your home Carrying out non-structural maintenance or minor repairs to the exterior of your home	Moving interior walls and partitions Moving existing plumbing, electrical, or gas lines Installing new plumbing, electrical, or gas lines Making structural repairs or changes that are specifically allowed by your zoning Creating new spaces (rooms, basements, attics, etc.) that are specifically allowed by your zoning Creating most new "hard" landscaping features, such as fences or retaining walls

  Unsure if you need a permit and/or whether your project qualifies for a field review?

  Contact the Development and Building Services Centre and describe your proposal.

  Information icon 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
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  Step 2: Prepare your permit application

  A. Review application requirements

  To prepare your submission package:

  • Review the field review submission checklist PDF file (204 KB)

  B. Prepare your drawings (plans)

  • While we do require new plans showing the proposed work, it may be possible to get copies of buildings plans to use as a reference or starting point.
  • Review drawing requirements referenced in the field review submission checklist (step 2A).

  C. Prepare required documents

  • Fill out the building permit application form PDF file (201 KB).  The email address you reference as the “applicant” in the form should match the email in your online permit account. Note  If you do not have an online account, please create an online account before applying for your permit. 
  • Prepare an owner’s undertaking letter for applications on behalf of:
    • An owner, prepare a 2019 VBBL Schedule E-1 owner’s undertaking Letter PDF file (534 KB)
    • A tenant, prepare a 2019 VBBL Schedule E-2 owner’s and tenant’s undertaking letter PDF file (635 KB)
  • Review the document requirements in the field review submission checklist (step 2A).

  Find forms, checklists, and other resources.

  D. Review Building By-law part 10 and 11 requirements (formally referred to as energy requirements)

  Alteration projects are required to comply with requirements under part 10 and 11 of the Building By-law.  

  For more information refer to:

  • Energy requirements, forms, and checklists for all buildings 
  • Energy requirements for home renovations

  Questions? Contact the Development and Building Services Centre 

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  Step 3: Submit application

  A. Submit application

  Note Include your application form and all required documents listed in the field review submission checklist (step 2A) with your application submission.

  Submit application package 

  Need assistance? Refer to the building permit online account guide PDF file (4 MB)

  B. Application intake and pay fees

  When your application is reviewed and accepted, you will receive an email notification that the permit application fees and deposits (if applicable) are ready to be paid. 

  How to pay fees

  • Online by credit card (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
    Note Make sure that the permit number is noted on the cheque and the payee is made out to "City of Vancouver".

  C. Application reviewed

  After a detailed review of the submitted plans and documents 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
  • Advise you of any payments related to Development Cost Levies (DCL), Development Cost Charges (DCC), damage deposit(s), and sewer and water servicing fees

  D. Field review inspection

  When the processing of your application is complete, you will be notified by email to book your field review inspection. Learn more about inspections

  If the inspector approves the proposed work based on the findings of the inspection, your permit will be ready to be issued.

  E. Permit(s) approved

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

  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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  Step 4: Begin construction, get trade permits, and book inspections

  It is important that you start work on your project within 6 months from the date of when your permit was issued; otherwise, your permit will become void.

  A. Apply for trade permits

  Most construction may require separate trades permits, which are typically submitted by the trades contractor hired by the general contractor:

  • Plumbing
  • Electrical
  • Gas
  • Fire sprinkler 
    (Note 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. 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 5: 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

  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 PDF file (3 MB)

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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 a list of any conditions and items to be addressed before an updated permit can be issued

  When all conditions have been met, you'll receive notification that the amendment fees are ready to be paid.

  How to pay fees

  • Online by credit card (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
    Note Make sure 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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