Get a plumbing permit

Steps to getting a plumbing permit

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  Step 1: Determine if you can apply for a permit

  To apply for a plumbing permit, you must have either a:

  • Valid City of Vancouver business licence
  • Or, inter-municipal business licence

  Get a business licence

  Exception to being a licensed plumbing contractor

  You don't need to be licensed plumbing contractor:

  • If you are doing plumbing work on a single family detached home that you own and live in
  • Or, to install outside services or backflow preventors
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  Step 2:  Apply for a permit and pay fees

  A. Review fees

  Fees will be payable at the time of permit submission: Review the schedule of fees and permits PDF file (791 KB)

  B. Submit required documents and forms and pay fees 

  Note All trades permit applications are processed in the order they are received.

  Note We aim to process applications (that don't require a review of plans) the next business day.

  Submit and pay fees:

  1. Register for an online account (If you don't have an account.)
  2. Submit your application
  3. Pay fees

  Register and submit application

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  Step 3:  Receive your permit and begin work

  Once your permit is issued:

  • You will receive an email notification that it has been issued
  • You are able to begin work

  Note All work must be inspected to have your permit finalized.

  Book an inspection

  Need to to make changes to your permit?

  How to amend a permit

  1. Log into your online account.
  2. Select the permit you want to change.
  3. Select “request permit amendment” under the permit you want to change.
  4. Provide your reasons for amending the permit and request a refund in the amendment description.

  Note If you are withdrawing a permit provide your reason and request a refund in the amendment description.

  Application fee refund

  If you cancel or withdraw a permit, the fees you paid may be eligible for a refund, minus an administrative fee.

Resources

• Water Safety and Efficiency Requirements PDF file (195 KB)
• Vancouver Plumbing By-law External website, opens in new tab
• Detention tanks: Rainwater management on private property
• District Plumbing Inspectors Map and Phone Numbers PDF file (2.6 MB)
• Single Detached House or Duplex Inspection Stages Guide PDF file (2 MB)

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  Site services

  • Private property rainwater management
  • Get a commercial sewer and water connection permit
  • Download a sewer connection placard PDF file (128 KB) -  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.
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  Potable and non-potable pipe

  • VPBL 2.6.3. Size and Capacity of Pipes External website, opens in new tab
    • IAPMO Water Demand Calculator External website, opens in new tab
  • VPBL 2.6. Potable Water Systems External website, opens in new tab
  • VPBL 2.7. Non-Potable Water Systems External website, opens in new tab
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  Drainage

  Parkade Drainage Treatment Systems (PDTS) PDF file (229 KB)

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  Cross connection control

  Note All cross connections will be chosen and installed according to CSAB64.10. 

  Certified testers can register and submit test reports online through BSI Online External web site, opens in new tab.

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  Grease interceptors

  To reduce sewer blockages, grease interceptors are required in food sector establishments discharging fats, oils, or grease, such as in restaurants. Grease interceptors must conform to Metro Vancouver requirements External website, opens in new tab (an online sizing tool is available).

  • Food Sector Grease Interceptor Regulatory Program External website, opens in new tab
  • Grease Interceptor Sizing Tool External website, opens in new tab
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  Accessibility and adaptability

  • VBBL Article 9.5.2. Access for Persons with Disabilities External website, opens in new tab
  • VBBL Section 3.8. Accessibility External website, opens in new tab