Get copies of building plans

Steps to requesting copies of building plans

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  Step 1: Review what building plans will and won't show

  Submission requirements for building permit plans have changed over time. As a result, some sets of plans are less comprehensive and may not include various structural or mechanical drawings.

    We can't guarantee that the information you need will appear on the plans.

  Apartment or condo plans 

  Plans for apartments or condo complexes may not contain drawings for individual units. Often, only a typical plan of each floor will be submitted. Suites are usually not identified by their unit number on these typical floor plans; although, there may be drawings of specific unit types.

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  Step 2: Determine if you need to get permission to access the building plans

  • Only the current registered owners of a property may access and get copies of plans for their building, in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
  • Registered owners can authorize a representative to access plans and get copies on their behalf
  • If you plan to request building plans for a strata-titled building, you will need permission from the Strata Council or Property Management Company to access plans
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  Step 3: Submit application

  A. Fill out application form

  Download and complete:

  • Request copy of building plans application form PDF file (67 KB)

    Please ensure you are providing clear and concise information in your application form, so we can proceed with scanning the microfiche immediately after retrieving the records. If unclear information is provided in your application form, there may be delays as we will need to follow-up with you to clarify the request.

    Your online account name is required on the application form. If you don't already have an online account with us, please set one up using our instructional guide PDF file (723 KB).

  B. Fill out authorization form (if required)

  In addition to the application form, you may need to include an authorization form for the submission to be considered complete. 

  The form is required for applications that are submitted by:

  • A third-party (for example, anyone other than the registered property owner), OR
  • Someone in a strata-titled building

  Download and complete:

  • Release records authorization form PDF file (106 KB)

  C. Submit form(s)

  Email permitquestions@vancouver.ca your:

  • Application form
  • Authorization form (if required)
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  Step 4: Pay fees

  A. Receive email and setup online account (if required)

  Shortly after we receive your application, we will email you a link so you can pay your fees online.

  B. Review fees

  There is a minimum non-refundable fee of $46.50 required before we will begin processing your request. These fees are for the time spent researching and retrieving the requested microfiche. 

    We can’t guarantee being able to produce plans for your request, and the information you need may not appear on the plans even when records are available. If we are able to locate building plans for the relevant property, an additional fee of $12.80 will be charged for each microfilm image that you would like copied. 

  C. Pay fees

  Pay fees online (We will send you a link in our email.).

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  Step 5: Application processed and receive building plans

  A. Review processing time

  • For up to 10 copies, we will process your request in up to three business days
  • For more than 10 copies, we will process your request in up to five business days

  B. Application form reviewed

  We will review the information provided in your application form and search through microfiche records to locate the requested building plans. 

    Depending on the size of the requested file, additional file research fees may apply before we begin processing your request.

  C. Pay outstanding fees

  Once the records are scanned and the total number of copies are confirmed, we will:

  • Setup your outstanding fees
  • Contact you to request payment

  D. Building plans are emailed

  After we have received payment, the scanned building plans will be emailed to you. 

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