Apply for a single room accommodation (SRA) conversion and demolition permit

How to apply

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  Step 1: Request a pre-application meeting

  Contact the SRA Bylaw coordinator to request a meeting and site visit to discuss your project.

  For complex projects, we consult with staff from relevant City departments like Planning and Heritage to process your applications in parallel so your project can start promptly.

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  Step 2: Submit your permit application (and tenant relocation plan, if required)

  Complete and send the following items to the SRA Bylaw coordinator:

  1. SRA conversion/demolition permit application form PDF file (3 MB)
  2. Sworn affidavit PDF file (30 KB) that explains why the owner wants to convert or demolish any designated room
  3. Floor plans that include the existing and proposed square footage and SRA designation of each room

  If existing tenants are required to relocate on a temporary or permanent basis as a result of the proposed work outlined in your SRA permit, you must submit a tenant relocation plan application form PDF file (272 KB). 

  If tenants are allowed to remain in their rooms during the period of construction, you must submit an affidavit PDF file (104 KB).

  After we receive all items, the SRA Bylaw coordinator will send you an invoice for the application fee. The fee is non-refundable.

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  Step 3: We review your application

  We review your application and evaluate it based on the following criteria and give you feedback:

  • Accommodation that will be available to tenants affected by the conversion or demolition
  • Supply of low-cost accommodation downtown
  • Condition of the building
  • Replacement of SRAs in Vancouver
  • Recent history of the land and building, and its use and occupancy
  • Heritage and economic opportunities that result from the conversion or demolition

  We may consult with staff from relevant City departments to make sure your application meets their requirements and guidelines. 

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  Step 4: We recommend permit conditions for Council or the general manager of Arts, Culture, and Community Services to consider

  We recommend permit conditions and work with you on those recommendations to ensure your permit application:

  • Meets City housing objectives
  • Will be supported by Council or the general manager of Arts, Culture, and Community Services

  The permit conditions may include one or more of the following:

  • A housing agreement and covenant on title that secures rental tenure, rent levels, or operational requirements
  • $300,000 per room to be deposited in a reserve, to replace rooms permanently removed from the SRA Bylaw
  • A tenant relocation plan
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  Step 5: City Council or the general manager of Arts, Culture, and Community Services decides on your application

  City Council or the general manager of Arts, Culture, and Community Services decides on your permit application based on five factors:

  1. Accommodation that will be available to tenants affected by the conversion or demolition
  2. Supply of low-cost accommodation downtown
  3. Condition of the building
  4. Replacement of SRAs in Vancouver
  5. Recent history of the land and building, and its use and occupancy 

  City Council decides on applications by private owners while the general manager of Arts, Culture, and Community Services decides on applications by non-profit owners.

  Based on their decision, your application may be:

  • Approved
  • Approved with the conditions set out above
  • Refused

  For your application to be approved, its plans must be consistent with those in your building or development permit application.

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  Step 6: You meet the conditions of your permit

  After you meet the conditions of your SRA permit, apply for the other necessary building and development permits.

  If you need legal agreements, like a housing agreement, complete and register it at the Land Title and Survey Authority of BC External website, opens in new tab.

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  Step 7: We issue your permit

  We issue your SRA permit after you meet all the conditions.

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  Step 8: Complete the permitted work

  Start your work to alter, convert, or demolish the rooms after your permits are issued and you provide us with your tenant relocation plan.