Print
Infographic of where a cooling tower, building water treatment, municipal water supply, rainwater harvesting, and decorative fountain are featured near a building

Get an operating permit

To enhance public safety, mandatory operating permits will be required for certain new and existing building water systems in Vancouver.

To more effectively respond to incidents, mitigate health risks by pathogens (such as Legionella pneumophila), and ensure compliance with updated standards, operating permits help us and health authorities track new and existing:

  • Cooling towers
  • Water features
  • Non-potable water systems and other building water systems

Get the details

Looking for an electrical annual permit? Review the steps and get an electrical annual permit

Ready to get your permit?

  1. Review what systems require an operating permit and when the permit will become available through our online permitting system
  2. Review our guide on how to use the online permit system for operating permits (1 MB)
  3. Register for an online account (If you don't have an account.)
  4. Submit your application

Register and submit application

When you can get an operating permit

For additional information, contact: operatingpermit@vancouver.ca