{"title":"Port Moody 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-moody","name":"Port Moody","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 Moody","url":"https://www.portmoody.ca"},"short_answer":"In Port Moody you need a City building permit before you construct, repair or alter a building or structure, among other work. Complete the application form and submit it with your documents online through the City's eServices portal. The Building Division is at 604-469-4534.","aliases":["port moody building permit","do i need a permit port moody","apply for building permit port moody","building permit application"],"cost":"Based on the value of construction; see the building-permit-fees answer.","how_long":"Port Moody's Building Bylaw, Building and Renovating page and permit guide do not give a review time.","where":[{"type":"online","label":"Building permit application (eServices portal)","value":"https://eservices.portmoody.ca/onlineservices/eapply/Prospero/dashboard/Template/Welcome.aspx?TemplateName=BUILDING%20APPLICATION%20REQUEST"},{"type":"in_person","label":"Building Permits, City Hall (second floor)","value":"100 Newport Drive, Port Moody, BC V3H 5C3"},{"type":"phone","label":"Building Division","value":"604-469-4534"},{"type":"email","label":"Building Permits","value":"buildingpermits@portmoody.ca"}],"documents":["Signed application form","Owner's undertaking (Schedule 2 of the Building Bylaw)","Title search made within 30 days","Survey plan (may be waived) and site plan","Drawings (site plan, foundation, floor plan, cross section and elevations; see the Residential Building Permit guide)","Waste management plan","Letter of authorization from the owner if a contractor applies"],"forms":[{"title":"Building and Renovating, City of Port Moody","url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/home-and-property/building-and-renovating/"},{"title":"Building Guides and Bulletins","url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/home-and-property/building-and-renovating/building-guides-and-bulletins/"},{"title":"Applying for a Residential Building Permit (PDF guide)","url":"https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/portmoody-014-ca/media/2gvlefh4/applying-for-residential-building-permit-guide.pdf"},{"title":"Building Bylaw 3200 (PDF)","url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=506778"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit-fees","title":"Port Moody building permit fees","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/building-permit-fees/"},{"slug":"deck-shed-garage-permit","title":"Port Moody permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"slug":"fence-rules","title":"Port Moody fence rules: permits and height limits","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/fence-rules/"}],"nearby":[{"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/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-coquitlam","name":"Port Coquitlam","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/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":"Before constructing, repairing or altering a building or structure (including a retaining wall over 1.2 m high, and a swimming pool deeper than two feet per the City page, 610 mm per the guide), moving or demolishing one, occupying a new building, installing a wood-burning appliance or chimney, or changing a building's use or occupancy.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=506778","title":"Building Bylaw, 2019, No. 3200 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"s. 9.1","quotes":["Every owner must apply for and obtain a permit, prior to:","constructing, repairing, or altering a building or structure, including a pool or retaining wall;","changing the use or occupancy of a building"]},{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/home-and-property/building-and-renovating/","title":"Building and Renovating, City of Port Moody","section":"FAQ","quotes":["A building permit is required before any new construction takes place.","Any swimming pool with a depth exceeding two feet requires a permit.","Retaining walls are defined as walls retaining soil over 1.2m"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"not_needed_for":{"label":"Not needed for","value":"The Building Bylaw does not apply to a fence (pool fences excepted), an accessory building under 10 m², or a wall holding soil less than 1.2 m high. The City's guide also lists painting, roofing repair, exterior finish repair, and patios and decks under 600 mm above grade and independently supported.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=506778","title":"Building Bylaw, 2019, No. 3200 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"s. 5.3","quotes":["This Bylaw does not apply to:","an accessory building with a floor area of less than 10 square metres;","a wall supporting soil that is less than 1.2 metres in height"]},{"url":"https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/portmoody-014-ca/media/2gvlefh4/applying-for-residential-building-permit-guide.pdf","title":"Applying for a Residential Building Permit (PDF), City of Port Moody","section":"When do we not require a permit?","quotes":["We don’t require permits for minor modifications and repairs.","Landscaping, including patios and decks less than 600mm"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"how_to_apply":{"label":"How to apply","value":"Complete the building permit application form and submit it with all supporting documents online through the Port Moody eServices portal.","short":"Online (eServices portal)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/home-and-property/building-and-renovating/","title":"Building and Renovating, City of Port Moody","section":"Applying for permits","quotes":["submit it along with all other supporting documents through the Port Moody eServices portal below.","You must submit your permit applications, including any additional requirements, online."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"what_to_submit":{"label":"What to submit","value":"Signed application form; owner's undertaking (Schedule 2); title search made within 30 days; survey plan (may be waived) and site plan; drawings; a waste management plan; a letter of authorization if a contractor applies. Usually a registered professional's sealed drawings and letters of assurance.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=506778","title":"Building Bylaw, 2019, No. 3200 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"s. 12.4","quotes":["be made with a complete Building Permit Application Form and signed by","include a copy of a title search for the relevant property made within 30 days"]},{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/home-and-property/building-and-renovating/","title":"Building and Renovating, City of Port Moody","section":"FAQ","quotes":["A waste management plan is required for every building permit application."]},{"url":"https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/portmoody-014-ca/media/2gvlefh4/applying-for-residential-building-permit-guide.pdf","title":"Applying for a Residential Building Permit (PDF), City of Port Moody","section":"Here’s what we need when you apply","quotes":["We require a letter of authorization from the homeowner if the contractor is applying for the permit.","In most cases you’re required to obtain the services of a Registered Professional"]}],"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":"Book through the City's online inspection request form. The owner must give at least 24 hours' notice when requesting an inspection.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=506778","title":"Building Bylaw, 2019, No. 3200 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"s. 12.30","quotes":["the owner must give at least 24 hours’ notice to the City when requesting an inspection"]},{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/home-and-property/building-and-renovating/","title":"Building and Renovating, City of Port Moody","section":"Booking an inspection","quotes":["Learn about the inspections that are required for standard building projects."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"contact":{"label":"Contact","value":"Building Division (Building Permits), 2nd floor, 100 Newport Drive, Port Moody V3H 5C3; 604.469.4534.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/home-and-property/building-and-renovating/","title":"Building and Renovating, City of Port Moody","section":"Contact Us","quotes":["call the Building Division at 604.469.4534","Building Permits Second Floor 100 Newport Drive Port Moody, B.C. V3H 5C3 604.469.4534"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"City of Port Moody Building Bylaw, 2019, No. 3200","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=506778","title":"Building Bylaw, 2019, No. 3200 (consolidated) (PDF)","section":"s. 1.1","quotes":["City of Port Moody Building Bylaw, 2019, No. 3200"]}],"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\nUnder the City's [Building Bylaw 3200](https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=506778), a permit is needed before you construct, repair or alter a building or structure, move or demolish one, occupy a new building, install a wood-burning appliance or chimney, or change a building's use or occupancy. That includes a retaining wall over 1.2 m high and a swimming pool deeper than two feet (the City's page) or 610 mm (the City's guide).\n\nThe Building Bylaw does not apply to a fence (pool fences excepted), an accessory building under 10 m², or a wall holding soil less than 1.2 m high. The City's guide also lists painting, roofing repair, exterior finish repair, and patios and decks under 600 mm above grade and independently supported.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Read the City's Building and Renovating page and the guide for your project type.\n2. Complete the building permit application form.\n3. Submit it with all supporting documents online through the eServices portal.\n4. Pay the permit fee when the permit is issued and ready for pick-up.\n5. Book inspections through the City's online inspection request form. The owner must give at least 24 hours' notice.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Usually a registered professional's sealed drawings and letters of assurance are needed.\n- Starting work without a permit means a double fee (see building-permit-fees).\n- Gas and electrical permits come from Technical Safety BC, not the City.\n- Questions: Building Division, second floor, 100 Newport Drive, 604-469-4534 or buildingpermits@portmoody.ca.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/home-and-property/building-and-renovating/","title":"Building and Renovating, City of Port Moody","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/home-and-property/building-and-renovating/building-guides-and-bulletins/","title":"Building Guides and Bulletins, City of Port Moody","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/portmoody-014-ca/media/2gvlefh4/applying-for-residential-building-permit-guide.pdf","title":"Applying for a Residential Building Permit (PDF), City of Port Moody","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=506778","title":"Building Bylaw, 2019, No. 3200 (consolidated) (PDF)","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-moody/building-permit/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/building-permit.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/building-permit.json"}}