Home Permits in Greater Vancouver
Understand when work on your home typically requires permits. Find guidance by trade for plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and roofing.
Permit Guidance by Trade
Plumbing
Deep coverageWater heaters, fixtures, piping, drains, sewer lines, and gas plumbing.
Municipality-specific pages for Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond
Electrical
Panel upgrades, new circuits, rewiring, and electrical service changes.
Municipality-specific pages for Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond
HVAC
Furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioning, ductwork, and ventilation.
Municipality-specific pages for Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond
Roof & Water
Roofing replacement, skylights, gutters, and water damage prevention.
Municipality-specific pages for Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond
General Permit Guidance
Usually needs a permit
- •Work that changes your home's structure
- •New installations or system additions
- •Moving existing systems to new locations
- •Any gas line work (always)
- •Work that affects health or safety systems
Usually no permit needed
- •Like-for-like replacements in same location
- •Minor repairs that don't change the system
- •Cosmetic changes (paint, finishes)
- •Routine maintenance and cleaning
Requirements vary by municipality and specific project details. Always confirm with your local permit office.
Why Permits Matter
Permits exist to protect you. They ensure work meets safety codes, is inspected by qualified officials, and won't cause problems down the road.
Work done without required permits can cause issues when selling your home, filing insurance claims, or if something goes wrong later. It's usually not worth skipping.
Most licensed contractors handle permit applications as part of their service. Ask upfront if permit handling is included in their quote.
Get notified when permit info updates
Permit requirements change. We'll let you know when we update our guidance for Greater Vancouver.
Permit requirements vary by municipality and change over time. Always confirm current requirements with your local permit office before starting work. This site provides general guidance only — we are not a permit authority.