Permits & Building Codes
Questions about Vancouver building permits, BC Building Code requirements, and inspections
Do I need a permit to replace my home's electrical panel in Metro Vancouver?
Yes, you absolutely need a permit to replace your home's electrical panel in Metro Vancouver. This is major electrical work that requires both a licen...
What are the plumbing permit requirements in Delta?
Plumbing permits in Delta are required for most plumbing work beyond basic fixture replacements, and all work must be done by a licensed plumber regis...
What is the difference between a building permit and a development permit?
Building permits and development permits serve different purposes in BC's approval process — a building permit ensures your construction meets safety...
What are the sound insulation requirements between suites in British Columbia?
Sound insulation between suites in BC is governed by the BC Building Code (BCBC 2024), which sets specific Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Impact I...
What are the setback requirements for a laneway house in Vancouver?
Laneway houses in Vancouver must meet specific setback requirements that differ from standard residential buildings, with the most critical being a mi...
My renovation failed the inspection. What do I do now?
A failed inspection isn't the end of the world — it's a normal part of the renovation process that gives you a clear roadmap to get your project back...
What is the process for getting a suite registered in the City of Vancouver?
Getting a secondary suite registered in Vancouver involves submitting an application to the city with required documentation, paying fees, and potenti...
What are the requirements for building a laneway house in Vancouver?
Building a laneway house in Vancouver requires compliance with the city's laneway housing policy, BC Building Code 2024, and must be constructed by a...
Do I need a permit to knock down a wall inside my house in Surrey?
Yes, you likely need a permit to remove an interior wall in Surrey, especially if it's load-bearing or contains utilities. Even non-structural walls o...
How long does it take to get a building permit approved in Surrey?
Building permit approval times in Surrey typically range from 4-8 weeks for simple projects like decks or single-family additions, while complex comme...
What are the parking requirements for a laneway house in Vancouver?
Vancouver laneway houses have specific parking requirements that depend on your lot size and existing parking situation. The city generally requires o...
Do I need a permit to install a heat pump in North Vancouver?
Yes, you'll need permits for heat pump installation in North Vancouver — both an electrical permit from Technical Safety BC and likely a building perm...
What are the ventilation requirements for a basement suite in Vancouver?
Basement suites in Vancouver must meet specific ventilation requirements under the BC Building Code to ensure adequate air quality and moisture contro...
How long does the permit process take in Burnaby compared to Vancouver?
The City of Burnaby has maintained more efficient permit processing times, typically requiring 3-6 weeks for standard residential renovations like kit...
Can my contractor pull permits on my behalf in BC?
Yes, in British Columbia your contractor can pull permits on your behalf, but you as the homeowner remain legally responsible as the permit holder. Th...
How long does it take to get a final inspection after a renovation in British Columbia?
Final inspection scheduling in BC typically takes 1-3 business days to book, but the timeline varies significantly by municipality and project complex...
What is the difference between R-20 and R-24 insulation for the British Columbia building code?
R-20 and R-24 insulation both refer to thermal resistance values, with R-24 providing 20% better insulation performance than R-20. The main difference...
What permits do I need to finish my basement in Coquitlam?
Finishing a basement in Coquitlam typically requires a building permit, and potentially electrical and plumbing permits depending on your scope of wor...
Do I need a development permit for a laneway house in Vancouver?
Yes, you will need both a development permit and a building permit for a laneway house in Vancouver. The development permit ensures your design meets...
What are the electrical requirements for a kitchen renovation in British Columbia?
Kitchen electrical work in BC must be performed by a licensed electrical contractor and inspected by Technical Safety BC (TSBC) — this is not DIY terr...
What happens if I get caught doing unpermitted work in Vancouver?
Getting caught doing unpermitted work in Vancouver can result in stop-work orders, fines up to $50,000, forced demolition, and serious complications w...
How much should I set aside for permit fees in the City of Vancouver?
Vancouver uses a value-based fee structure, meaning your permit cost is calculated as a percentage of your project's construction value. The base buil...