Risks of working without a permit when it is required
If you or your contractor do not have a permit for work that has already started, and it turns out you need a permit for that work, you could face serious – and potentially costly – consequences, including:
- A “work without permit” penalty (This is typically double the original permit fee.)
- A delay while your permit application is processed (All work must stop during this time and the original timeline and fees to process an application still apply.)
- A potential to remove work that was already commenced prior to obtaining a permit
- A potential to do more work than you had originally planned and budgeted for, such as adding fire sprinklers or making seismic upgrades
- Potential for future legal and/or financial issues when selling your property or filing an insurance claim
Note As the homeowner, you are responsible for paying these fees or penalties yourself even if you have hired a contractor who assured you that permits were not needed.
Generally, you'll be required to have a permit to begin construction, such as:
- Any new construction (new buildings and/or renovations to existing buildings that create a new area)
- Changing the land use of an existing commercial space
- Adding a secondary suite to an existing house
- Renovation projects that include moving interior walls and/or existing plumbing, electrical, or gas lines
- Structural repairs
- Drywall repairs to fire separations in multi-unit residential buildings
- Building or altering a garage, shed, or deck
- Renovating or tenant improvements for a new or existing commercial space
Not sure if you need a permit? When in doubt, contact the Development and Building Services Centre to determine if you are required to have a permit for your particular project.
Note You may get a partial application fee refund when you withdraw your permit application (if the fee is refundable in its applicable by-law). An $85 administration fee will be required to process your refund request.
Projects that don't require a permit
Many small projects and repairs do not require a permit. These include:
- Replacing fixtures, cabinets, or flooring
- Carry out non-structural maintenance and minor repairs to the exterior of your home
- Painting
- Unclogging drains
- Replacing an existing electric powered hot water tank
- Replacing defective fuses, receptacles, or switches
- Installing roofing, gutters, or drain-pipes
Contact the Development and Building Services Centre
Note Access to the Services Centre is for those with scheduled appointments or looking to provide payment. Requests for appointments can be made online.
Location and mailing address
Development and Building Services Centre
515 West 10th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5Z 4A8
Transit nearby
- Broadway-City Hall SkyTrain Station
- 99 B-line, #15, and #9 buses