Fire sprinkler permit

Requirements

Only licensed sprinkler contractors can apply for a sprinkler permit, and do the work covered under the permit.

Your sprinkler contractor must:

• Have a building permit before applying for the fire sprinkler permit
• Have a business license from the City of Vancouver
• Employ, as sprinkler fitters, only trade-qualified people registered with the Province of BC

Process and timeline

Online

Register for an online account and submit your application.​

In person

Prepare these forms and drawings

1. Download and complete the sprinkler permit application (61 KB).
2. Is the project for a minor renovation, head replacement, or returning a building to its shell? If so, create a sketch that includes:
   • Floor plans (all walls, doors, and windows)
   • Key plan (diagram of project location within building)
   • Existing and new sprinkler head make, model, and locations
   • Address (unit number and floor level)
   • Contractor information

   If not, skip this step.

3. Is the project for a new one- or two-family dwelling, with a maximum site size of ½ acre or 2,000 square metres? Hire a professional engineer to prepare sealed drawings and calculations.

   If not, skip this step.

4. Is the project for a new building or major renovation that requires adding or moving sprinkler heads?

   If so, hire a professional engineer to prepare:

   • Sealed drawings and calculations
   • A letter describing old and new sprinkler heads, if the project includes replacing sprinkler heads (for more information, see the National Fire Protection Association's standard, NFPA 25)
   • Schedule B1 form (66 KB) 
   • Schedule B2 form (70 KB) 
   • Sprinkler permit data sheet (58 KB) 

   If not, skip this step.

Submit the above forms

1. Bring your application, supporting documents, and payment to the Development and Building Services Centre (see contact on this page). (Please note: service wait times vary and may be up to 90 minutes.)

2. Did you skip steps 3 and 4 above? We will likely issue your permit immediately, if your submission is complete and correct.

   Otherwise, allow 2 to 4 weeks for us to process your application, depending on application volume. At this time, we may issue your permit or report back to you with project findings and deficiencies.

Required forms

• Sprinkler permit application  (188 KB)
• Schedule B  (180 KB) - revision effective January 1, 2018
• Sprinkler permit data sheet (58 KB)

Permit application fees

City of Vancouver bylaws state that application fees are applied on a building-by-building basis regardless of how many buildings exist on a site.

Fees are calculated separately for each building, enabling a separate permit and inspections.

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