RenoIntel › Permit Directory › British Columbia › Vancouver

Vancouver Building Permits

Building permit requirements, fees, department contacts, and application process for Vancouver, British Columbia. RenoIntel tracks 16,196 building permits in Vancouver.

Vancouver, BC British Columbia 16,196 Permits Tracked Major City
Total Permits Tracked
16,196
In RenoIntel database
Added Last 30 Days
2,543
Active permit flow
Renovation Permits
6,222
Active renos tracked

Building Department

📞Phone604-873-7611
✉️Emailbuildingpermits@vancouver.ca
📍Address515 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4A8
🕐HoursMonday–Friday 8:30am–4:30pm (verify with city)
🌐PortalApply Online →

Permit Application Process

1
Confirm Requirements
Contact the Vancouver building department or visit their online portal to confirm whether your project requires a permit.
2
Prepare Your Application
Gather site plans, drawings, and project specifications. Many municipalities require signed drawings from a licensed designer for structural work.
3
Submit & Pay Fees
Submit your application in person or online. Fees are typically calculated based on the declared construction value.
4
Wait for Review
Review times vary by municipality and project complexity — typically 5–15 business days for residential permits.
5
Receive Permit & Post It
Once approved, post your permit on site where it's visible. Work must not begin until the permit is issued.
6
Schedule Inspections
Call the building department to book required inspections at each stage (framing, insulation, final).
For Homeowners
Planning a Renovation in Vancouver?
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Try RenoPlanner.ai →
For Contractors & Businesses
Get Found on RenoPlanner.ai
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Common Permit Types in Vancouver

Permit Type
Kitchen Renovation Permit
Required for structural changes, electrical upgrades, or plumbing work in kitchen renovations.
May be required
Permit Type
Basement Finishing Permit
Required to finish or renovate a basement, including adding bedrooms, bathrooms, or living space.
May be required
Permit Type
Home Addition Permit
Required for any addition that increases the footprint or height of your home.
May be required
Permit Type
Deck & Patio Permit
Required for decks over 24" (60cm) above grade or attached to the house.
May be required
Permit Type
New Home Construction Permit
Required to build a new residential structure. Includes site plan, foundation, and framing inspections.
May be required
Permit Type
General Renovation Permit
Required for structural, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work in existing dwellings.
May be required
Permit Type
Demolition Permit
Required before demolishing any structure. Utilities must be disconnected prior to approval.
May be required
Permit Type
HVAC & Mechanical Permit
Required for furnace replacement, AC installation, duct work, or ventilation changes.
May be required

Other Municipalities in British Columbia

Surrey
British Columbia · 568,322 pop.
Burnaby
British Columbia · 249,125 pop.
Richmond
British Columbia · 209,937 pop.
Abbotsford
British Columbia · 161,791 pop.
Coquitlam
British Columbia · 150,000 pop.
Kelowna
British Columbia · 145,780 pop.
Langley
British Columbia · 132,603 pop.
Saanich
British Columbia · 122,652 pop.

View all British Columbia municipalities →