Get a fire hydrant use permit

Steps to getting a fire hydrant use permit

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  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
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  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 hydrant@vancouver.ca

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  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 three full business days to inspect a hydrant before it can be used
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  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 assembly test report dated within the last year
  • Your stated purpose for using the hydrant

  B. Get application form

  Email Water Design at hydrant@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 3 business days in advance of when you require access to your hydrant

  Log in to your account. If you don't have an account, you will need to create one.

  Pay fees

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  Step 5: Begin use, return permit, and get deposit back

  • Use the hydrant 
  • Get your deposit back within 2 to 4 weeks after a City inspector confirms there is no damage to the hydrant

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