Get a commercial sewer and water connection permit

Steps to getting a commercial sewer and water connection permit

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  Step 1: Apply for a development permit 

  Make an initial development permit application with the Development and Building Services Centre.

  As part of your development permit review, you will receive:

  • Comments from the Waterworks and Sewer Design Branches indicating some initial site-specific feedback for servicing your lot
  • Instructions for your mechanical engineer to contact the Water and Sewer Design Branches to apply for sewer and water connection permits. Each permit has its own separate application process. Proposed servicing applications with site plans and drawings must be submitted to each branch independently.

  Note On-going communication is common between your mechanical consultant and the Waterworks and Sewer Design Branches before deciding the location for your sewer and water connections.

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  Step 2: Review required supporting documentation for a sewer service connection permit and water service connection permit

  Sewer service connection permits

  We require a site plan that is prepared, signed, and sealed by your mechanical consultant.

  The site plan must show:

  1. The proposed invert elevation of both the sanitary and storm lines at the property line in geodetic datum. The inverts of both pipes must be the same with a typical orientation of the sanitary service being to the left of the storm service when facing the property from our sewer mains.
  2. The proposed property line offset from the nearest property line, such as distance in metres east of west
  3. The proposed pipe sizes for both the sanitary and storm line
  4. The pipes installed must have a 0.45 metres separation from centre to centre unless we require the installation of a new manhole
  5. All proposed non-City services should be shown on your plan

  The mechanical plan must also state:

  "The City of Vancouver shall provide sanitary and storm sewer service to the property line. Prior to installation of drainage/plumbing systems, the contractor must confirm sewer connection locations, invert elevations, and restrictions as stated on the sewer connection permit. Failure to do so may cause delays and additional costs. If you require more information, contact the phone number listed on the letter that you will have received from Engineering Services - Sewer Design Branch."

  ​​​​​​​Water service connection permits

  Important note To avoid any servicing delays, have your mechanical engineer apply for a commercial water permit to confirm the water servicing details, before obtaining the building permit.

  A water connection permit application should be submitted to the Waterworks Design Branch for review prior to obtaining a building permit. Plan review by the Permits and Licenses Department does not cover the Engineering Department’s requirements for obtaining water service. Water Design Branch requirements for water servicing includes both on-street and on-site plumbing details which must conform to the Water Works By-law 4848.

  Find detailed procedures for applying for a water connection permit, including submittal requirements and examples:​​​​​​​ Water connection permitting procedure and submittal requirements PDF file (565 KB)

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  Step 3: Apply for a sewer and water permit

  Follow this process for each required permit.

  1. Submit your development permit application to the Development and Building Services Centre.
  2. You will receive request letters from the Waterworks and Sewer Design branches requiring you to apply for a separate commercial water permit and commercial sewer permit.
  3. Submit your application for each required permit.
     ​​​​​​​Register and submit application
     Need assistance? Refer to the Sewer and Water Permit Online Application Guide PDF file (7 MB)
  4. Our staff review the proposed service locations and configuration, and provide feedback based on our standards to determine the optimal siting for the sanitary, storm, and water connections to your property.
  5. When an agreed-upon location and configuration is determined, you will receive notification of approval.
  6. Submit signed and sealed final drawings to confirm the location and configuration before the permit is issued.
  7. When your drawings are reviewed and accepted, you will receive notification that your permit is ready to be paid for.
  8. Pay fees online or in person at Engineering Client Services (see contact on this page). When payment is received and all conditions are satisfied, your permit will be issued and available to download.

  Note Installation of sewer and water connections is scheduled only after your permit fee is received. Installation can take up to eight weeks based on crew work volume and scheduling.

   

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