Field review

Steps to getting a field review

Note We are accepting field review building permit applications online. Refer to step 3 for more details.

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.  

  Field review applications no longer require the submission of the following energy checklists: 

  • Alterations to existing buildings
  • Alterations to residential suites 
  • Energy checklist for first TI

  The field review submission checklist (step 2A) has been updated with the revised requirements. Refer to the following document sections of the submission checklist, as applicable:

  • Residential projects - VBBL part 11 requirements
  • Non-residential projects or base-building work to part 3 residential buildings - VBBL part 10 and part 11 requirements

  Questions? Contact the Development and Building Services Centre 

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  Step 3: Submit application and book field review inspection

  A. Submit application package

  You can submit your application package:

  Online

  Submit application package 

  Through the online form, under “Type of enquiry”, select “Submit Permit Application”.

  Note Attach all required drawing and document files.  

  Note  All applications received through the online form will receive a reference number, which you can use to get real-time status updates by calling 3-1-1 (604-873-7000 outside Vancouver).

  In-person

  Drop-off a paper copy of your complete permit application package to "Attention: Enquiry Centre Officer - New field review hardcopy application" and drop it off at:

  Development and Building Services Centre
  515 West 10^th Ave
  Vancouver, BC V5Z 4A8

  B. Pay application fee

  • Your application will be screened.
  • If complete, a permit application number will be created and linked to your online account’s email address that is on the building permit application form. 

  Pay permit application fee

  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.

  D. Field review inspection

  Once the processing of your application is complete, you will be notified 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.

  We will inform you when a permit has been issued.

  E. Permit(s) approved

  Once your permit(s) is issued, you are able to begin the work defined in the permit(s).

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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 six 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

  Note 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).

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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

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