Mechanical Permits

Wondering what permits are required to install a heat pump?

Application Process

• Step 1 – Ensure the Application is Taken Out by a Provincially-Qualified and Licensed Contractor

  Applicants must satisfy the below requirements:

  1. All mechanical permits must be taken out on your behalf by a provincially-qualified contractor unless you can satisfy the mechanical inspector that you have the knowledge and skills appropriate to do the work
  2. Contractors must have a valid West Vancouver business license.  Businesses located in North Vancouver must have a valid inter-municipal license obtained through their municipality. For further information please call our Bylaws Deptartment at 604-925-7152 or visit the Business Licences webpage.
• Step 2 – Complete your Application Form

  • Mechanical Permit Application (PDF)
• Step 3 – Apply for Your Permit

  As of April 15, 2021, applications must be submitted using one of the below methods. Emailed submissions will no longer be accepted.

  Option 1 – E-Apply

  Our e-apply application and payment system is still available for trade permit applications only. Using this system you will be able to apply, pay for, issue, and manage your permit. To use this service you must meet the following criteria:

  • You have a MyDistrict Account
  • There must be an active and issued building permit for the project
  • The property is a single-family dwelling

  Ready to submit? Click on the link below.

  • E-Apply for a Mechanical (Plumbing) Permit
  • E-Apply for a Drainage Permit
  • E-Apply for a Hot Water Heating Permit
  • E-Apply for a Fire Sprinkler Permit

  Option 2 – Document Upload Centre

  We now offer submissions through our easy Document Upload Centre. This portal will allow you to apply for and upload your application to the Building Department where it will be processed by our clerks. Processing times are approximately one to two business days with payment online. To use this service you must meet the following criteria

  • You must have a valid email address
  • Your application form and any supporting documents must be in PDF format

  Ready to submit? Click on the link below.

  Document Upload Centre

• Step 4 – Apply for Rebates

  CleanBC has a range of rebates available for heat pump retrofit installations. The District offers a top-up
  rebate in addition to the CleanBC rebates. The Canada Greener Homes Program also has rebates for
  these types of projects. Please visit the District’s Jump on a Heat Pump web page for more information on how to access the available rebates.

• Fees & Charges

  Visit the link below for details about fees for building permits and inspections.

  View Fees & Charges

• Required Mechanical Inspections

  Drainage

  An inspection of drain-tile and rainwater leaders with all joints primed and glued and the pipe bedded in gravel with the top of the pipe showing (see Drainage Notes ). (See WorkSafeBC Policy re Excavation Construction Site Safety).  Note: Drainage Permit required for installation and inspection of drain tile, sanitary and storm sewers, and on-site water service lines.

  Sewers

  An inspection of the sewer pipe firmly bedded in the trench, test on, and before any backfill. (See WorkSafeBC Policy re Excavation Construction Site Safety)

  Water Service

  An inspection of the pipe in the trench, sand bedding or sleeve, and the water turned on.

  DWV and Water Pipes

  All DWV and water pipes must be tested and visible for inspection. This inspection must pass before framing inspection can be called.

  Heating

  All pipes tested with air and visible for inspection. Permanent waterproof labels to be in place on all loops showing: zone number, exact footage, the room served, and sub-area for multiple loops in one room. Supply and returns require an inspection complete with a test. Heating pipe inspections must be passed before framing inspection can be called. Design and installation to be by the current TECA standards. See Hot Water Heating Inspection Requirements - Installation Guide

  Sprinkler

  All pipes to be tested to 200 PSI and inspected before covering any pipe. No piping permitted to touch electrical wires of any kind. Maintain clearances from pot lights. Frost protection inspection required by the plumbing inspector.  Sprinkler rough-in and frost protection must be passed by the plumbing inspector before calling for the framing inspection.

  Bathtubs and showers

  Bathtubs and showers to be properly supported, filled with water, and inspected before drywall.
   

  More Information

  West Vancouver does not issue or inspect gas installations. For details, please visit:

  Technical Safety BC