Tenant Improvement Program (TIPs)

Important note If your project requires a sprinkler permit, apply for it as soon as your TIPs building permit is issued to help work or your project to begin as soon as possible.

Requirements

Important note You will need to have your TIPs building permit issued before you can apply for your trades permits or begin any construction on the project.

A sprinkler coverage inspection will be part of your building permit inspection. If you are required to move or add up to 20 heads, a sprinkler contractor can apply for a sprinkler permit through their online account. 

To apply for a TIPS building permit, you must be located in a commercial office building that is on the TIPs list.

Important note If you don't qualify for the TIPs program, you will need a standard building permit. 

Ineligible for TIPs building permit

• Assembly occupancies that increase occupant load, impact exiting, or include work to kitchens and/or bathrooms
• Changes in major occupancy 
• Balcony enclosures 
• Most exterior alterations (except for minor repairs such as deck repair/resurfacing, stair repairs, cornice repairs, or small changes to store fronts)
• Floor area additions, including mezzanines
• Most major renovations
• Projects involving interconnecting floors, upgrading existing systems, fire alarms, sprinkler systems, or seismic upgrading

Important note All forms, documents, and drawings must be submitted at the time of your application. Make sure you have the necessary items completed and included with your application. Incomplete or inaccurate applications will result in a delay in processing your application. 

Prepare application package 

• Determine if a permit is needed 
• Review TIPs requirements and complete checklist PDF file (276 KB) to make sure you have all required items completed
• Complete application form PDF file (201 KB) 
• Make sure all documents and drawings are electronic
   

A. Submit application

Submit application

Important note Complete required fields, and upload all your required documents and drawings BEFORE you submit. 

B. Application intake and pay fees

When your application has been accepted for intake, we will contact you about payment through your online account, and you will receive a confirmation number.

Fees

 Review the schedule of fees and permits PDF file (1.2 MB)

How to pay fees

• Online by credit card (Note Only the permit holder/applicant can make online payments toward a permit.)
• In person at the Development and Building Services Centre, 515 W 10th Ave:
  • Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8:30am to 4:30pm
  • Tuesday and Thursday: 8:30am to 4pm
  • Closed on holidays
    Note There is a $200 maximum for cash payments.
• By mail at:
  Development and Building Services Centre
  515 West 10th Avenue
  Vancouver, BC V5Z 4A8
  Note Make sure that the permit number is noted on the cheque and the payee is made out to "City of Vancouver".

A. Permit processed

Important note We review resubmissions as quickly as we can; in the order they are received. Some applications may require additional information from you. We will contact you through your online account for any outstanding items. Make sure you read and respond completely to all comments to help avoid delays. 

1. Following a detailed review of the submitted plans and documents of your application by various staff teams, we will provide you with a list of any conditions and items to be discussed.
2. When those items are resolved and the review has been completed, we will let you know to book a field review inspection.
3. After the inspection is passed, the building inspector will issue you the permit within 1-2 business days.

B. Permit approved

You'll be notified by email when your permit is issued with instructions to download and print your permit and approved drawings through your online permit account.

Note One printed copy of the City-approved permit needs to be made available for viewing at the jobsite for City inspectors.

Note One paper set of City-approved drawings (full-sized and to scale), displaying the City accepted stamp, needs to be made available for viewing at the jobsite for City inspectors. If the City accepted stamp is missing, or the paper set isn’t at the jobsite, you will be required to reschedule your inspection and may be subject to a re-inspection fee.
 

If you have received your building permit

You can begin construction and apply for trades permits. Important note If your project requires a sprinkler permit, apply for it as soon as your TIPs building permit is issued to help make sure work or your project can begin as soon as possible.

If all work is completed

A final inspection will be required before occupancy is allowed. 

It is important that you start work on your project within 6 months from the date of when your permit was issued; otherwise, your permit will become void.

A. Apply for trade permits

Most construction may require separate trades permits, which are typically submitted by the trades contractor hired by the general contractor:

• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Gas
• Fire sprinkler 
  (Note Depending on the complexity of your project, you may be required to apply for a fire sprinkler permit before you can have a building permit issued to you.)

B. Request inspections

All work completed will need to be inspected at various stages of construction.

Get more information and book an inspection