{"title":"Port Coquitlam building permits: when you need one and how to apply","question":"Do I need a building permit, and how do I apply?","slug":"building-permit","place":{"path":"ca/bc/port-coquitlam","name":"Port Coquitlam","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"building-and-renovating","name":"Building, renovating and your property"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Port Coquitlam","url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca"},"short_answer":"In Port Coquitlam you need a City building permit before you build, demolish, repair or alter a building or structure, including decks, carports and pools, and for interior renovations, a secondary suite or finishing a basement. Apply online through eApply or on paper to the Building Division at 604-927-5444.","aliases":["building permit port coquitlam","do i need a permit poco","apply for building permit","eapply building permit","single family building permit"],"cost":"Based on the value of construction; see the building permit fees answer. The fee doubles if work starts before the permit is issued.","how_long":"The City does not state a processing time; contact the Building Division for an estimate.","where":[{"type":"online","label":"eApply (single-family or two-family building permit)","value":"https://my.portcoquitlam.ca/TempestprodNet/eApply/Prospero/Dashboard/Template/Welcome.aspx?TemplateName=SINGLE%20FAMILY%20DWELLING%20BUILDING%20PERMIT"},{"type":"in_person","label":"Building Division, City Hall Annex","value":"#200-2564 Shaughnessy Street, Port Coquitlam, BC (above BMO)"},{"type":"phone","label":"Building","value":"604-927-5444"},{"type":"email","label":"Building","value":"building@portcoquitlam.ca"}],"documents":["Completed building permit application form and its checklist","A valid City of Port Coquitlam business licence for your builder or contractor","Check zoning, flood construction levels and servicing on PoCoMAP before you design"],"forms":[{"title":"Building Permits (City of Port Coquitlam)","url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/property-development-building/building-permits"},{"title":"Single-Family or Two-Family Permit","url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/property-development-building/building-permits/single-family-or-two-family"},{"title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw 3710 (PDF)","url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2025-07/3710%20-%20Building%20%26%20Plumbing%20Bylaw.pdf"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit-fees","title":"Port Coquitlam building permit fees","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/building-permit-fees/"},{"slug":"deck-shed-garage-permit","title":"Port Coquitlam permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"slug":"secondary-suite","title":"Port Coquitlam secondary suite and carriage house rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/secondary-suite/"},{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Port Coquitlam zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/zoning-lookup/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/coquitlam","name":"Coquitlam","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/new-westminster","name":"New Westminster","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-moody","name":"Port Moody","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/belcarra","name":"Belcarra","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/belcarra/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/anmore","name":"Anmore","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/anmore/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/burnaby","name":"Burnaby","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/building-permit/"}],"topic":{"title":"Building permits in British Columbia: how to apply, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/building-permit/"},"facts":{"needed_for":{"label":"Needed for","value":"A building permit is required before you build, demolish, repair or alter a building or structure (carports, decks and pools included), change a building's occupancy, do interior renovations, or change plumbing, furnaces, fire alarms or sprinklers. Also for a new detached accessory building over 100 sq ft or considered a hazard, a secondary suite, or finishing a basement.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/property-development-building/building-permits","title":"Building Permits, City of Port Coquitlam","section":"Building Permits page","quotes":["Build, demolish, repair or alter a building or structure, including carports, decks and pools","Change the occupancy of an existing building or make interior renovations","Make additions or changes to the plumbing, furnaces, fire alarm or fire sprinkler system"]},{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/property-development-building/building-permits/single-family-or-two-family","title":"Single-Family or Two-Family Permit, City of Port Coquitlam","section":"Single-Family or Two-Family Permit page","quotes":["Complete a previously unfinished area in an existing building, such as finishing a basement;","Create a secondary suite;"]},{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/property-development-building/building-permits/accessory-building-permit","title":"Accessory Building Permit, City of Port Coquitlam","section":"Accessory Building Permit page","quotes":["that is over a 100 square feet or considered a hazard","A Building Permit is required when you wish to add to or construct a new detached accessory building that is over a 100 square feet or considered a hazard."]},{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2025-07/3710%20-%20Building%20%26%20Plumbing%20Bylaw.pdf","title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw 3710 (PDF)","section":"s. 6.1","quotes":["unless a permit for the work has been issued."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"not_needed_for":{"label":"Not needed for","value":"The Building and Plumbing Bylaw does not apply to buildings or structures exempted by Part 1 of the BC Building Code, and its definition of 'structure' excludes fences, landscaping, paving and retaining structures under 1.5 m high. The City says non-structural minor deck changes need no permit.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2025-07/3710%20-%20Building%20%26%20Plumbing%20Bylaw.pdf","title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw 3710 (PDF)","section":"s. 5.2 and s. 2.1 (Structure)","quotes":["This Bylaw does not apply to buildings or structures exempted by Part 1 of the","but specifically excludes landscaping, fences, paving and retaining structures less than 1.5 meters in height."]},{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/property-development-building/building-permits/decks-permit","title":"Decks Permit, City of Port Coquitlam","section":"Decks Permit page","quotes":["A building permit is not required for non-structural minor modifications."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"how_to_apply":{"label":"How to apply","value":"Apply online through eApply for single-family, two-family and accessory-building permits, or submit the Building Permit Application Form and checklist at the Building Division offices. A builder contractor needs a valid City business licence before a permit is issued.","short":"Online (eApply) or paper at Building Division","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/property-development-building/building-permits/single-family-or-two-family","title":"Single-Family or Two-Family Permit, City of Port Coquitlam","section":"Single-Family or Two-Family Permit page","quotes":["We are accepting permit applications via eApply","You can submit this form and checklist at the Building Division offices (see below).","A builder contractor must have a valid business licence with the City of Port Coquitlam before a Building Permit can be issued."]},{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/property-development-building/building-permits/accessory-building-permit","title":"Accessory Building Permit, City of Port Coquitlam","section":"Accessory Building Permit page","quotes":["We are now accepting Accessory Building Permit Applications via eApply."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"what_to_submit":{"label":"What to submit","value":"Building Permit Application Form with its checklist. Under Bylaw 3710 s. 10.1 (unless the Building Official exempts): owner's Form A, a title search under 30 days old, a BC Land Surveyor site plan, two sets of drawings, foundation design by a registered professional, encumbrance copies, electronic drawings and water meter detail. Staff may send a Plan Review Letter listing resubmission requirements.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/property-development-building/building-permits/single-family-or-two-family","title":"Single-Family or Two-Family Permit, City of Port Coquitlam","section":"Application Process / Staff Review","quotes":["Please refer to the application checklist that is part of the Building Permit Application Form.","staff will provide a written list of resubmission requirements, in the form of the Plan Review Letter."]},{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2025-07/3710%20-%20Building%20%26%20Plumbing%20Bylaw.pdf","title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw 3710 (PDF)","section":"s. 8.2","quotes":["An application for a permit shall be made in the form prescribed by a Building Official.","include a copy of a title search made within 30 days of the date of the","include two sets of drawings including floor plans, elevations, cross","include electronic copies of drawings; and"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"processing_time":{"label":"Processing time","value":null,"status":"unknown","reason":"not_published","note":"The published pages do not say how long a permit takes.","sources":[]},"inspections":{"label":"Inspections","value":"Permit holders book inspections online through a MyPortCoquitlam account. For standard buildings the owner must give at least 48 hours notice when requesting an inspection. Stages include forms, under slab, framing, insulation, occupancy and final; the final inspection is booked once all professionals' documents are in.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/property-development-building/building-permits/single-family-or-two-family","title":"Single-Family or Two-Family Permit, City of Port Coquitlam","section":"Inspection","quotes":["Permit holders are responsible for booking inspections online via a MyPortCoquitlam account.","a Building Inspector will inspect forms, under slab, framing, insulation, occupancy, and final inspection.","A final inspection can be booked via your MyPortCoquitlam account."]},{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2025-07/3710%20-%20Building%20%26%20Plumbing%20Bylaw.pdf","title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw 3710 (PDF)","section":"s. 17.2","quotes":["give at least 48 hours notice to the City when requesting an inspection"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"contact":{"label":"Contact","value":"Building Division: 604-927-5444, building@portcoquitlam.ca.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/contact-us/building","title":"Building contact, City of Port Coquitlam","section":"Contact page","quotes":["Phone 604-927-5444 Email building@portcoquitlam.ca"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw, 2009, No. 3710","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2025-07/3710%20-%20Building%20%26%20Plumbing%20Bylaw.pdf","title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw 3710 (PDF)","section":"s. 1","quotes":["Building and Plumbing Bylaw, 2009, No. 3710"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":8,"stated":7,"matched":7,"none":0,"unknown":1},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe City of Port Coquitlam requires a building permit under its [Building and Plumbing Bylaw 3710](https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2025-07/3710%20-%20Building%20%26%20Plumbing%20Bylaw.pdf). You need one to build, demolish, repair or alter a building or structure (carports, decks and pools included), change a building's use, renovate inside, or change plumbing, furnaces, fire alarms or sprinklers. It is also required for a new detached accessory building over 100 sq ft or considered a hazard, a secondary suite, or finishing a basement.\n\nThe bylaw does not apply to buildings exempted by Part 1 of the BC Building Code, and its definition of \"structure\" leaves out fences, landscaping, paving and retaining structures under 1.5 m high. The City says non-structural minor deck changes need no permit.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Check PoCoMAP for zoning, flood construction levels and servicing.\n2. Make sure your builder holds a Port Coquitlam business licence; one is required before a permit is issued.\n3. Apply through eApply (single-family, two-family and accessory buildings), or submit the Building Permit Application Form and checklist at the Building Division offices. Deck and secondary-suite pages describe the paper route.\n4. Bylaw 3710 usually asks for the owner's Form A, a title search under 30 days old, a BC Land Surveyor site plan, two sets of drawings, a registered professional's foundation design, and water meter details, unless the Building Official exempts you. Staff may send a Plan Review Letter listing what to fix.\n5. Book inspections online through your MyPortCoquitlam account. Give at least 48 hours notice. Stages include forms, under slab, framing, insulation, occupancy and final.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Gas and electrical inspections are done by the BC Safety Authority, not the City.\n- The City gives no processing time; ask the Building Division at 604-927-5444 or building@portcoquitlam.ca.\n- Work started without a permit costs double the fees; see the building permit fees answer.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/property-development-building/building-permits","title":"Building Permits, City of Port Coquitlam","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/property-development-building/building-permits/single-family-or-two-family","title":"Single-Family or Two-Family Permit, City of Port Coquitlam","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/property-development-building/building-permits/accessory-building-permit","title":"Accessory Building Permit, City of Port Coquitlam","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/business-development/property-development-building/building-permits/decks-permit","title":"Decks Permit, City of Port Coquitlam","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/sites/default/files/2025-07/3710%20-%20Building%20%26%20Plumbing%20Bylaw.pdf","title":"Building and Plumbing Bylaw 3710 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/contact-us/building","title":"Building contact, City of Port Coquitlam","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 8 facts was matched to the official text; 1 could not be confirmed."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/building-permit/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/building-permit.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/building-permit.json"}}