An occupancy permit must be issued prior to occupying space(s) in any commercial or multi-unit residential building. This includes:
Any new space created
Major renovations
A change to the proposed use of the space
Not sure if an occupancy permit is required? Please refer to the requirements listed on your associated building permit or contact the Development and Building Services Centre.
When you may not need an occupancy permit
In some cases we do not require an occupancy permit (such as for houses and laneway houses), but the property owner or their contractor may want to get an occupancy permit for other reasons. In these cases, additional fees will apply.
When an occupancy permit is not required under a City by-law (such as for houses and laneway houses) and the property owner or their contractor may want to get an occupancy permit for other reasons, a fee of $291 will apply.
If an occupancy permit is required under the by-law, you will not be required to pay any additional fees.
If you don't already have an online account with us and your project requires a fee, set up an online account prior to applying. The email used should be included in the application form.
Once your occupancy permit application has been submitted, we will provide you with the actions you will need to take to have your occupancy permit issued.
Approvals from our other departments and external agencies may also be required, which may include, but is not limited to:
Vancouver Coastal Health
Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services (for example fire prevention inspection)
Environmental Protection Office (for example grease interceptor inspection)
Note If no actions are required, we will issue you an occupancy permit. Go to step 4
Actions you may need to take
The type of actions you may need to take will depend on the type of space proposed and the requirements outlined in previous permit(s) that were issued to perform the work.
Do you have a large multi-residential or commercial property where required landscaping cannot be provided prior to the proposed occupancy date? You must arrange for an agreement to complete outstanding landscaping before an occupancy permit can be issued. Email occupancy@vancouver.ca for further details.
