Get a fire hydrant use permit

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

New fees in effect

We are committed to encouraging the responsible use of drinking water and maintaining the water system infrastructure in good working condition to support potable water demands and fire protection needs.

Effective September 4, 2018, we have adjusted the fee structure and administrative requirements for customers requesting temporary fire hydrant use permits.

The purpose of this change is to ensure full cost recovery for the issuance, inspection and maintenance costs associated with permitting fire hydrants for use. It also includes a fee to compensate for water consumption in lieu of metering.

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 its 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
- Hover your mouse over the dot to see the number we use to identify it
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

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.)