Vancouver building permits
Start with Vancouver's permit requirements and zoning before preparing your application. Vancouver uses its own Building By-law; do not apply another BC city's checklist automatically.
By PermitWave · Sources checked . This guide helps you prepare questions; the City decides permit requirements and approval.
Application pathway
- Check whether the proposed work needs a building permit and whether land use or exterior changes need a development permit.
- Follow the City's building-permit application page for the submission route and documents for your project category.
- Prepare drawings that distinguish existing conditions from proposed work. Resolve development approval requirements before relying on a building-permit submission date.
- Use the City's current fee information and inspection instructions. Keep the issued permit and approved drawings available during construction.
Local project considerations
- A new secondary suite, structural work, and changes to interior walls are among the City's listed permit triggers. Cosmetic work has a narrower exemption; describe the whole project when asking the City.
- A deck needs property-specific review of location, height and attachment. A rule quoted for Surrey is not a Vancouver exemption.
- For a business, verify the permitted use separately from construction approval. A business licence does not establish that the premises are approved for the intended occupancy.
Official applications, checklists and fees
Use these municipal pages for the current application route and fee information. A PermitWave review fee is separate from municipal and professional fees.
Before paying for drawings or construction
- Describe the proposed use and all work, including existing unpermitted work.
- Confirm property zoning and separate development, trade and building approvals.
- Ask which drawings, professional schedules and inspection stages apply.
- Request the applicable fee schedule and current processing guidance for your category.