Greater Vancouver Building Permits Guide
Vancouver requires permits for any structural, plumbing, electrical, gas work via VanConnect. Licensing in BC is managed by BC Building Safety Standards Branch + Technical Safety BC. Most Greater Vancouver homeowners should require their contractor to pull permits in the contractor's name so liability for code violations rests with them.
Key points
- Confirm whether your scope triggers a BC permit (structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, additions, demo).
- Have your licensed contractor pull the permit in their name — this shifts inspection liability to them.
- Budget 1–3% of project value plus plan-check fees (CAD 200–CAD 1,500 depending on scope).
- Schedule rough-in and final inspections in advance — re-inspections cost extra and delay the build.