Get a fire hydrant use permit

A temporary hydrant use permit is required to operate and draw water from a City fire hydrant.

Steps to getting a fire hydrant use permit

Step 1: Determine if you can get a permit
Fire hydrant use permits are only issued for certain cases.

Examples of valid permit request:
- Filming - special effects
- Demolition or dust mitigation on properties with an existing service size that is less than 40mm (1 ½”)
Examples of permit requests not permitted:
- Concrete or cement mixing
- Coring or drilling
- Pavement or concrete cutting
- Soil compaction
- Irrigation or landscaping
- Hot tub or swimming pool fills
- Power or pressure washing
- Demolition or dust mitigation purposes on properties with an existing water service sized 40mm or greater
Step 2: Find a fire hydrant and confirm it's available
A. Find a fire hydrant using VanMap
- Fire hydrants show up as red or blue dots:
  - A red dot indicates that the hydrant is for 'fire use only' and a hydrant use permit cannot be issued for this hydrant
  - A blue dot indicates that a hydrant use permit can be issued for the hydrant
- Click on the dot to see the asset number we use to identify the hydrant
How to use VanMap to find a hydrant

Find a hydrant

B. Confirm that the hydrant you need is available

Email Water Design at watercommercialpermits@vancouver.ca
Step 3: Review conditions of use
- Use only one hydrant at a time, or you will affect the water pressure of the City's water system
- Install a tested backflow preventer on the hydrant and use a hydrant key to operate it
- In accordance with the Waterworks Bylaw 4848, unauthorized use of water or accessing a hydrant without a permit can result in a fines of up to $10,000
- City staff will require a minimum of two business days to inspect a hydrant before it can be used

Step 4: Apply for permit and pay fees

A. Review what you need to provide when applying

The exact location and hydrant ID number of the hydrant you want to use
A copy of a valid and up-to-date assembly test report
Your stated purpose for using the hydrant

B. Get application form

Email Water Design at watercommercialpermits@vancouver.ca to receive an application form.

C. Review fees

Item	Fee	Tax
Permit administration fee (up to 4 hydrants)	$125	5% GST
Inspection and maintenance fee (up to 4 hydrants)	$225	5% GST
Daily water access fee (maximum $125 per week) – per hydrant	$25	5% GST
Damage deposit	$500	No tax

D. Pay fees online by credit card

Fees:

Are due when you apply for the fire hydrant permit
Must be paid a minimum of two business days in advance of when you require access to your hydrant

Pay fees

Step 5: Begin use, return permit, and get deposit back
- Use the hydrant
- Get your deposit back after a City inspector confirms there is no damage to the hydrant (Please phone Water Design to get your deposit back.)