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Home > Home, property, and development > Building and renovating > Permits and regulations > Apply for and manage your permit > Fire hydrant use permit
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A temporary hydrant use permit is required to operate and draw water from a City fire hydrant. The City only issues hydrant use permits for certain use 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
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.
Apply for a fire hydrant use permit
Confirm the hydrants you need are available
Phone the Sewer and Water Client Services Centre at 604-873-7357.
Where to apply
Client Service Centre, on the 5th floor of the Crossroads building at 507 West Broadway.
What to bring when you apply for your permit
- The exact location and serial number of the hydrants you want to use
- The backflow prevention assembly serial number and a copy of the assembly test report
- Your stated purpose for using the hydrant
Process
For obtaining and returning your permit:
- Fill out the application form and pay for the permit in person minimum two business days in advance of when you require access to your hydrant.
- Return your permit when you are done with the hydrants.
- Get your deposit back after a City inspector confirms there is no damage to the hydrant.
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.
Fire hydrant permit fees
Fees are due when you apply for the fire hydrant permit. You can pay by cash, cheque, credit card, or debit card.
| 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 |
Locate a fire hydrant
Find a fire hydrant using the City of Vancouver VanMap application.
- Fire hydrants show up as red or blue dots.
- A red dot indicates that the hydrant is for 'fire use only'. 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 the City uses to identify it.
Contact Client Services
Location
5th floor, Crossroads
507 West Broadway
(at Cambie St)
Vancouver BC, V5Z 0B4
Hours
Monday to Friday
(except holidays)
8:30am to 5:00pm
Phone: 604-871-6730
