Part 3: Apply for permit

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  Check if the site allows your housing project

  Select your housing type or saved project

  Log into the Development and Business Services website.

  On the homepage:

  1. For new projects, select ‘Build housing’, then the type of housing.
  2. For saved projects, select your project in the ‘My projects and applications’ section.

  

  Start your project

  On the project start page, select ‘Start’.

  

  Check if your project is allowed at this site

  On the project exploration page:

  1. Start typing your site address and choose the matching address in the list of results.
  2. The page will show a message about whether or not your project is allowed there.

  

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  Explore required permits and licences, then create project

  On the project exploration page:

  1. If your project is allowed, answer a few questions about your project. Most are optional if you're not sure yet.
  2. As you answer, the project plan on the right updates with the permits and licences you need to complete your project.
  3. When you're done, select 'Create project' to start applying for permits.

  REPLACE SCREENSHOT

  

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  Manage project

  On the project page, manage your project using the following tabs:

  1. Project plan – Apply for available development and building permits using the 'Apply' button. The plan shows the required permits and licences needed for your project, and is informed by your answers on the project form tab.
  2. Applications – Track existing applications and messages with our staff using the application links.
  3. Project form – Update your answers on the project exploration form if you need. This may change the required permits and licences needed for your project. You can't update answers once you finishing applying for a permit.
  4. Messages – View the complete set of messages with our staff for all of your applications, and link to an application that needs your attention.

  

  

  

  

Track application progress 

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  Check application status

  On the project page:

  • Select the 'Applications' tab to check the status of your applications.

  Statuses on the Development and business services website include a stage and state.

  The stage is a step in the application process, like apply, review, do approved work, and closed.

  The state is the application's current situation, like check in progress, review in progress, action needed, and approved.

  For example, after we receive your application, we might send you a message and email notification. In that case, your application stage will be review and state will be action needed.

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  Provide requested documents

  When we check your applications for minimum requirements, we may request that you provide replacement or additional documents. In this case, we'll post a message on your application in the 'Messages' tab and send you an email message.

  On the application page:

  1. In the 'Messages' tab, read the message. If you have questions or need to tell us anything, enter a reply and select 'Post'.
  2. In the 'Documents' tab, review the requested documents and instructions, provide the documents, and select 'Send documents'. 

  

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  Pay fees and address deficiencies

  After we check the completeness of your application, we will:

  1. Create your permit on the Permits website.
  2. Send you an email message from permits@vancouver.ca to pay the permit fees.

  Refer to the Building Permit Online Account Guide PDF file (3.9 MB) section 'How do I pay fees online?' on page 17.

  After you pay, we'll review your application and drawings, and create a list of deficiencies you'll need to address.

  Next, we'll send you an email message to view the deficiency list.

  Refer to the Building Permit Online Account Guide PDF file (3.9 MB) section ‘How do I submit a plan review response?’ on page 26.

  After we accept your response to all deficiencies and have all required information and payments, we'll issue your permit and approved drawings.