North Vancouver building permits: when you need one and how to apply
Do I need a building permit, and how do I apply?
Short answer
In the City of North Vancouver you need a building permit before you build, add to, alter, demolish or move a building or structure, except a structure of 10 m² or less. Applications are electronic only: email PDFs to permitapplications@cnv.org.
Key facts
| Needed for | A permit is required before constructing, adding to, altering, demolishing or relocating a building or other structure, except a structure of 10 m² or less. Separate permits cover electrical, plumbing, sprinkler and gas work.Construction Regulation Bylaw, 2003, No. 7390 (PDF, consolidated June 15, 2026), s. 8.1.1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingA permit is required before proceeding with except a structure having an area not exceeding 10m² The installation, alteration or connection of a plumbing system; |
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| Not needed for | Unless the Chief Building Official Delegate requires one: painting and decorating, re-roofing; retaining walls under 1,200 mm in differential height; fences built in compliance with the Zoning Bylaw; and minor repairs the official exempts on the owner's application.Construction Regulation Bylaw, 2003, No. 7390 (PDF, consolidated June 15, 2026), s. 8.6.1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingbuilding permits are not required for retaining walls with less than 1,200mm in differential height fences built in compliance with the Zoning Bylaw repairs which the Chief Building Official Delegate may, on application by the Owner, exempt due to their minor nature |
| How to apply | Electronic applications only: email PDF documents to permitapplications@cnv.org. Hybrid paper and electronic applications are not accepted. Files over 20 MB can use a Send-It link requested from the same email address.How to Submit Construction Permits, Step 1 and Step 3; General Building Permit Information, How to Submit Permit Applications · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingThe City is accepting electronic applications. Hybrid hard copy/electronic applications will not be accepted. 3.1 Email your submission to permitapplications@cnv.org. Applications larger than 20mb in size may be directed to use the City’s large file transfer tool (Send-It). The City only accepts electronic applications. |
| What to submit | The Building Permit Application Form and the project checklist, plus drawings: a site plan (the bylaw calls for one by a BC Land Surveyor), floor plans, cross-sections and elevations, and Letters of Assurance from registered professionals where applicable. Files must be PDFs named to the City's standard.Construction Regulation Bylaw, 2003, No. 7390 (PDF, consolidated June 15, 2026), s. 8.7.1 and 8.7.2; How to Submit Construction Permits, Step 1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingfloor plans showing the dimensions and uses of all areas a site plan prepared by a BC Land Surveyor showing Letters of Assurance as referred to in Building Code All electronic documents must be in PDF format. A full listing of requirement documents can be found on the Document Checklist. |
| Processing time | Average processing time (varies by project): home improvement 4 to 5 months; new construction 11 to 12 months; renovating a business space 6 months. Times run from a complete application to a decision.Permits and Inspections, Permits & Inspections page · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingHome improvement – 4 to 5 months New construction – 11 to 12 months Average processing times begin when a complete application is submitted and end when a decision is made. |
| Inspections | The permit holder books by email to permitinspections@cnv.org, giving permit number, address, contact details, inspection type and requested date. Requests may take up to 3 business days to process; phone or voicemail bookings are not accepted. The bylaw requires at least 24 hours' notice.Inspections, How to Book an Inspection; Construction Regulation Bylaw, 2003, No. 7390 (PDF, consolidated June 15, 2026), s. 6.7 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingYou can book an inspection by email to permitinspections@cnv.org. Inspection requests may take up to 3 business days to process. Inspection bookings are not accepted by phone or voicemail. An Applicant shall provide at least 24 hours notice to the City before an inspection is |
| Contact | Building Division (Planning and Development), City Hall, 141 West 14th Street: permitapplications@cnv.org or 604-982-WORK (9675). General permit inquiries and permit status: gateway@cnv.org.How to Submit Construction Permits, Contact; Permits and Inspections, Contact Us · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingIf you have any questions, please contact us at permitapplications@cnv.org or 604-982-WORK (9675). General Permit Inquiries & Concerns (Payments & Permit Status) Email: gateway@cnv.org |
| Bylaw | Construction Regulation Bylaw, 2003, No. 7390 (consolidated June 15, 2026)Construction Regulation Bylaw, 2003, No. 7390 (PDF, consolidated June 15, 2026), title page · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingConstruction Regulation Bylaw, 2003, No. 7390 CONSOLIDATED FOR CONVENIENCE – JUNE 15, 2026 |
How it works
The City of North Vancouver requires a permit under the Construction Regulation Bylaw before you construct, add to, alter, demolish or relocate a building or other structure, except a structure of 10 m² or less. Separate permits cover electrical, plumbing, sprinkler and gas work. Zoning and development permit rules apply separately.
You do not need a building permit for painting, re-roofing, retaining walls under 1,200 mm in height difference, fences built to the Zoning Bylaw, or minor repairs the City exempts. The Chief Building Official Delegate can still require one.
Property in the Ground Oriented zone (adopted December 8, 2025) goes through a separate inquiry and application-form process. Check your zone first.
Steps
- Find your zone in CityMap, and call 604-982-WORK (9675) if unsure.
- Download the application form and the checklist for your project type.
- Prepare PDF drawings named to the City's standard. Hybrid paper and electronic applications are not accepted.
- Email the PDFs to permitapplications@cnv.org. Staff tell you whether the submission is accepted.
- Pay on CityServe after acceptance (see building-permit-fees).
- Book inspections by email to permitinspections@cnv.org with your permit number, address, contact details, inspection type and requested date. Phone bookings are not accepted.
Good to know
- Inspection requests can take up to 3 business days to process, and the bylaw requires at least 24 hours' notice. The City warns of longer waits because of high volumes.
- Site plans may need to be by a BC Land Surveyor. The deck checklist says a survey plan may be required depending on scope.
What you'll need
- Building Permit Application Form and the checklist for your project type
- Site plan, floor plans, cross-sections and elevations, and Letters of Assurance from registered professionals where applicable
- Registered Owners Authorization Form, if you are not the owner
Official forms and pages
The same question in other places
District of North Vancouver · Belcarra · Port Moody · West Vancouver · Vancouver · Burnaby
Building permits in British Columbia: how to apply, by municipality →
Sources
- How to Submit Construction Permits, City of North Vancouver (read 2026-11-05)
- General Building Permit Information, City of North Vancouver (read 2026-11-05)
- Permits and Inspections, City of North Vancouver (read 2026-11-05)
- Inspections, City of North Vancouver (read 2026-11-05)
- Construction Regulation Bylaw, 2003, No. 7390 (PDF, consolidated June 15, 2026) (read 2026-11-05)
Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 8 of 8 facts was matched to the official text. How answers are checked.