How to get a permit
Which permit you need, who issues it, and your city's exact forms & fees — a plain-language walkthrough for BC trades.
Your city's permit details
Pick your city, then the permit type — the breakdown shows who issues it, the exact steps, and that city's forms and fees.
1Your municipality
Select your municipality to begin.
How to get a permit
The same seven steps for almost any BC permit, start to finish.
1. Figure out which permit(s) you need
Most structural, electrical, plumbing, and gas work needs one; big jobs need several at once. Unsure? Ask your building department first — working without a permit risks a stop-work order.
2. Know who issues it
Building and plumbing come from your city; electrical and gas from Technical Safety BC (a few cities run their own). The tool below shows exactly who, for your city.
3. Prepare your drawings & application
A site plan and construction drawings showing the scope — engineered/stamped for structural work, plus Step Code for new builds. Incomplete applications are the #1 cause of delays.
4. Submit and pay
Apply through the city's portal or in person with your drawings. You usually pay part up front and the balance on issuance.
5. Plan review
The building department checks it against the Building Code and zoning. Respond promptly to any comments — clear drawings mean faster approval.
6. Permit issued — post it on site
Post it visibly, and don't start the permitted work until it's in hand. Trade permits are pulled by the licensed contractor doing that work.
7. Build and pass inspections
Book inspections at each stage — footings, framing, rough-in, insulation, final. Don't cover up work before it's inspected; passing final closes the permit.
Your permit checklist
Tick these off as you gather them — saved on this device.
Official sources
- Technical Safety BC — electrical & gas permits (most of BC)
- BC Building Code & Step Code — the standards your work is reviewed against
- BC Housing — Licensing & Consumer Services — residential builder licensing + 2-5-10 home warranty & owner-builder authorization
- Your municipality's building department — building & plumbing permits, inspections, local requirements
General information only. This guide explains the typical BC permitting process and is not legal, code, or professional advice. Requirements vary by municipality and by project, and rules change — always confirm what applies to your specific job with your local building department and Technical Safety BC before you start work. We don't guarantee accuracy or completeness.