Field review

Steps to getting a field review

Note  Due to COVID-19, we are currently accepting field review building permit applications by e-mail - please 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.

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  Step 2: Review energy requirements

  Note Alterations projects are required to comply with the applicable energy requirements of the Vancouver Building By-law:

  • Effective June 3, 2019: Energy requirements (June2019) for tenant improvement projects PDF file (113 KB)
  • Effective 2015 to June 2, 2019: Energy requirements (2015-May2019) for tenant improvement projects PDF file (55 KB)

  Energy requirements for multi-family buildings

  • In-suite alteration requirements (interior work only): Alterations to any interior portion of a residential suite must comply with the requirements laid out in the alterations to residential suites checklist.
  • Base building alteration requirements: Alterations to any part of a building (such as the exterior wall, roof and glazing systems), excluding interior work of residential suites, must comply with the requirements laid out in the alterations to existing buildings checklist.

  Review energy requirements for all building types

  Review energy requirements for renovations to 1&2 family dwellings and 1-3 storey residential buildings

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  Step 3: Submit application and book field review inspection

  A. Prepare your application package

  Refer to the field review submission checklist PDF file (119 KB) to prepare your submission package. 

  ​Find application forms, checklists, and other resources

  B. Fill out and submit your application form

  1. Fill out the building permit application form  (258 KB)
  2. ​​​​​​​Send the form to the Development and Building Services Centre:
     •  If sending the form and attachments:
       • Through email, the maximum file size is 20MB
       • Through our new online form, the maximum file is 25MB per file with a maximum of 12 files
       • Larger than specified, please phone 604-873-7611 to set up a SharePoint folder

  Note An application must include all attachments.

  Note Our policy is to not accept applications that are incomplete and where fees are unpaid.

  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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