Building Permits & Inspections
Types of permits and services
Follow the links below to find the types of permits required for building or renovating a property and learn about the application process.
Important updates
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The District is currently facing unprecedented levels of new building permit applications and customers are advised to expect delays. Learn what the District has done to streamline the process and what you can expect after submitting a building permit application at westvancouver.ca/building-permit-update.
- Dampproofing inspections update: As of December 1, 2021, all dampproofing inspections are to be scheduled in association with the building permit rather than the drainage permit. If booking online, please login to the building permit account associated with the subject property in order to schedule the dampproofing inspection. If sending in an email request, please reference the building permit number.
- Professional Engineers and Geoscientists are now required to provide their Permit to Practice Number on all sealed drawings and documents. Further information can be found on the Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC) website.
- Renovating? Hazardous materials and renovation of buildings constructed prior to 1990: the Owner or Owner’s Agent must submit a Confirmation of Commitment Letter for Hazardous Materials (Hazmat). This letter must accompany the building permit application. Click here for more information on this requirement, WorkSafeBC, and DWV requirements respecting workers’ safety.
- The Certified Professional Program has been adopted. For further details, visit westvancouver.ca/certified-professional.
- BC Energy Step Code will be effective February 28, 2021, visit westvancouver.ca/step.
- The District has adopted a Wildfire Hazard Development Permit Area. To determine whether this will impact your building permit application, visit westvancouver.ca/wildfire-dpa.
- Digital Document Submissions: In response to COVID-19, our Permits & Inspections Office is operating remotely. We have transitioned to accepting only digital applications and documents, and all fees can be paid online. For access to our portal for document submissions, please click here.
Building Permits - Single Family & Duplex
Everything you need to know to apply for your single family building permit including checklists, a step by step guide and link to the Document Upload Centre.
Building Permits - Multi-Family Dwelling
Everything you need to know to apply for your multi-family dwelling permit including checklists, a step by step guide and link to the Document Upload Centre.
Building Permits - Commercial & Institutional
Everything you need to know to apply for your commercial builiding permit including checklists, a step by step guide and link to the Document Upload Centre.
Building Permits - Certified Professional Program
The Certified Professional (CP) Program is an alternative building permit process in which a Certified Professional who is recognized as a CP by the Architectural Institute of British Columbia and Engineers and Geoscientists BC performs the full building review and inspection role on behalf of the District.
Submitting additional documents and revisions
Everything you need to know to submit additional documents and revisions for existing applications.
Additional forms & documents
Visit this webpage for a list of additional forms and documents.
Mechanical Permits
Mechanical permits include: plumbing, drainage, hot-water heating, sprinkling.
Electrical Permits
All electrical permits must be taken out on your behalf by a provincially-qualified contractor, unless you can demonstrate to the electrical inspector that you have the knowledge and skills to do the work.
Book inspections
Once your permit has been issued and work done, you will need an inspection.
Property information
We can help you with address changes, ordering house plans, rights of ways, underground oil tanks and more.
regulations & fees
The application fee for building permits is 50 per cent of the permit fee, and is not refundable.
reports & stats
Permit statistical reports are updated during the first week of the following month.
Building Permit application update
The District is currently facing unprecedented levels of new building permit applications and customers are advised to expect delays.
Learn what the District has done to streamline the process and what you can expect after submitting a building permit application.
Contact
We are still open for business and here to accept new applications and documents for existing applications electronically.
Permits & Inspections Department
Staff are here to assist you by phone, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For general inquiries:
Construction Noise
Permitted times for construction
As per the Noise Control Bylaw, there are permitted times for construction noise.
- Weekdays | 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
- Saturday | 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Sundays & holidays | at no time
Other permits
Lawn sprinkling permits are approved only for newly seeded or turfed lawns, or to allow extra lawn irrigation during nematode application for pest management.
A street occupancy permit is required whenever any portion of municipal property (i.e. boulevard, sidewalk, roadway or public lane) is temporarily occupied.
Useful Links
Did you know the municipality does not issue gas permits? Visit BC Safety Authority for that.
Housing & Construction Standards
BC Safety Authority Electrical Contractors
BC Safety Authority Gas Permits
WorkSafe BC - Construction Safety
Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC
Condominium Homeowners Association of BC
Metro Vancouver Demolition, Land Clearing & Construction Toolkit