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Inspections

Inspections ensure that construction and trades work:

  • Matches the work described under the permit
  • ​Complies with the relevant bylaws
  • Meets safety, accessibility, and green building goals

Because of the complexity of modern buildings and technologies, several inspections at different stages of construction are often required.

Building a new house or doing an renovation? Find out when to request an inspection  (246 KB)

You can book an inspection online if you have an existing online account and are the permit applicant or contractor.

Book an inspection

You can also phone 3-1-1 (outside Vancouver 604-873-7000) to book an inspection. When you request an inspection from 3-1-1, please have the following information ready:

  • Permit number
  • Address of inspection site
  • Type of inspection required

For more information and resources during the inspection process, view type of inspections.

Booking timeline

If an inspection request is received before 2 pm on a business day (Monday to Friday), excluding holidays, we will aim to book the inspection for the following business day. Otherwise, the inspection will be booked two business days later.

We understand that plans change. If you cancel by 2pm on a business day (Monday to Friday) before your scheduled inspection, there will be no charge.

You can cancel an inspection online if you have an existing online account and are the permit applicant or contractor.

Cancel an inspection

You can also phone 3-1-1 (outside Vancouver 604-873-7000) to cancel an inspection.

Inspection fees are included in the overall permit fees. An additional fee will apply if:

  • The site or building is inaccessible to the inspector
  • The inspector finds incomplete work that had been identified on a previous inspection
  • A further inspection(s) is required to address non-compliances

Types of inspections

Building inspectors:

  • Ensure that the work described under a building permit or sign permit matches the work that is done
  • Comply with relevant bylaws
  • Verify site and/or building conditions before a permit is issued
  • Provide advice to permit holders, contractors, and owners
  • Inspect the site following a complaint from the public

Need advice? Find an inspector

Find and contact your site's inspector using our map of inspectors PDF file (216 KB). The map provides the area inspector's name, office hours, and contact information.

Electrical inspectors:

  • Ensure that the work described under an electrical permit, which includes approvals for construction, special events, filming, and ongoing electrical operations of buildings, matches the work that is done  
  • Inspect the site following a complaint from the public

Need advice?  Find an inspector

Find and contact your site's inspector using our map of inspectors PDF file (256 KB). The map provides the area inspector's name, office hours, and contact information.

Electrical inspection related documents and information

A fire sprinkler permit is inspected by a plumbing inspector. They ensure that:

  • The work described under a fire sprinkler permit matches the work that is done
  • Renovations to a building with fire sprinklers do not compromise the design of the existing sprinkler system (when no work to the existing sprinkler system is proposed)

Need advice? Find an inspector

You can find and contact your site's inspector by checking this map of inspectors PDF file (186 KB). The map provides the area inspector's name, office hours, and contact information.

A gas permit is inspected by a plumbing and gas inspector; they:

  • Ensure that the work described under a gas permit matches the work that is done  
  • Inspect the site following a complaint from the public

Need advice? Find an inspector

You can find and contact your site's inspector by checking this map of inspectors PDF file (186 KB). The map provides the area inspector's name, office hours, and contact information.

Plumbing inspectors:

  • Ensure that the work described under a plumbing permit matches the work that is done
  • Ensure that there is a successful connection to City plumbing systems
  • Inspect the site following a complaint from the public

Need advice? Find an inspector

You can find and contact your site's inspector by checking this map of inspectors PDF file (186 KB). The map provides the area inspector's name, office hours, and contact information.

Related plumbing inspection documents

Sewer connection placardSewer connection placard to reduce delays and expedite inspections

To reduce delays in sewer connections and to expedite inspections, we have implemented a connection placard program.

Effective March 1, 2018, all sewer and storm inspections will require a connection placard to be clearly visible and attached to the stakes that identify the capped end of each connection.

The connection placard must be completed by the installing contractor and all details must match those as installed.

The district plumbing inspector will compare the data on the connection placard against the sewer design data for conformity.

Placards that do not match the most current version of the sewer connection permit will be failed. The contractor can call 3-1-1 to speak with Sewer Design for resolution.

Download a connection placard  (128 KB)

When do you need a sidewalk inspection?

Any construction of sidewalks, curbs, crossings, gutters, and asphalt aprons on City property requires a sidewalk inspection.

 The inspection must be completed before any concrete or asphalt is poured, to check the forms and base.