---
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?"
place: Port Moody, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/port-moody
category: Building, renovating and your property
owner: municipal
owner_body: City of Port Moody
sources_read: 2026-11-05
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/building-permit/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/building-permit.json"
---

# Port Moody building permits: when you need one and how to apply

**Question:** Do I need a building permit, and how do I apply?

**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.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Port Moody, https://www.portmoody.ca)  
**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:**
- Online: Building permit application (eServices portal), https://eservices.portmoody.ca/onlineservices/eapply/Prospero/dashboard/Template/Welcome.aspx?TemplateName=BUILDING%20APPLICATION%20REQUEST
- In person: Building Permits, City Hall (second floor), 100 Newport Drive, Port Moody, BC V3H 5C3
- Phone: Building Division, 604-469-4534
- Email: Building Permits, buildingpermits@portmoody.ca

## Key facts

- **Needed for:** 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.
  - Source: [Building Bylaw, 2019, No. 3200 (consolidated), s. 9.1](https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=506778)
  - Official wording: "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"
  - Source: [Building and Renovating, FAQ](https://www.portmoody.ca/home-and-property/building-and-renovating/)
  - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Not needed for:** 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.
  - Source: [Building Bylaw, 2019, No. 3200 (consolidated), s. 5.3](https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=506778)
  - Official wording: "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"
  - Source: [Applying for a Residential Building Permit, When do we not require a permit?](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/portmoody-014-ca/media/2gvlefh4/applying-for-residential-building-permit-guide.pdf)
  - Official wording: "We don’t require permits for minor modifications and repairs." … "Landscaping, including patios and decks less than 600mm"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **How to apply:** Complete the building permit application form and submit it with all supporting documents online through the Port Moody eServices portal.
  - Source: [Building and Renovating, Applying for permits](https://www.portmoody.ca/home-and-property/building-and-renovating/)
  - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **What to submit:** 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.
  - Source: [Building Bylaw, 2019, No. 3200 (consolidated), s. 12.4](https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=506778)
  - Official wording: "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"
  - Source: [Building and Renovating, FAQ](https://www.portmoody.ca/home-and-property/building-and-renovating/)
  - Official wording: "A waste management plan is required for every building permit application."
  - Source: [Applying for a Residential Building Permit, Here’s what we need when you apply](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/portmoody-014-ca/media/2gvlefh4/applying-for-residential-building-permit-guide.pdf)
  - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Processing time:** Not confirmed. The published pages do not say how long a permit takes.
- **Inspections:** Book through the City's online inspection request form. The owner must give at least 24 hours' notice when requesting an inspection.
  - Source: [Building Bylaw, 2019, No. 3200 (consolidated), s. 12.30](https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=506778)
  - Official wording: "the owner must give at least 24 hours’ notice to the City when requesting an inspection"
  - Source: [Building and Renovating, Booking an inspection](https://www.portmoody.ca/home-and-property/building-and-renovating/)
  - Official wording: "Learn about the inspections that are required for standard building projects."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Contact:** Building Division (Building Permits), 2nd floor, 100 Newport Drive, Port Moody V3H 5C3; 604.469.4534.
  - Source: [Building and Renovating, Contact Us](https://www.portmoody.ca/home-and-property/building-and-renovating/)
  - Official wording: "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: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** City of Port Moody Building Bylaw, 2019, No. 3200
  - Source: [Building Bylaw, 2019, No. 3200 (consolidated), s. 1.1](https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=506778)
  - Official wording: "City of Port Moody Building Bylaw, 2019, No. 3200"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

Under 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).

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.

## Steps

1. Read the City's Building and Renovating page and the guide for your project type.
2. Complete the building permit application form.
3. Submit it with all supporting documents online through the eServices portal.
4. Pay the permit fee when the permit is issued and ready for pick-up.
5. Book inspections through the City's online inspection request form. The owner must give at least 24 hours' notice.

## Good to know

- Usually a registered professional's sealed drawings and letters of assurance are needed.
- Starting work without a permit means a double fee (see building-permit-fees).
- Gas and electrical permits come from Technical Safety BC, not the City.
- Questions: Building Division, second floor, 100 Newport Drive, 604-469-4534 or buildingpermits@portmoody.ca.

## What you'll need

- 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

## Official forms and pages

- [Building and Renovating, City of Port Moody](https://www.portmoody.ca/home-and-property/building-and-renovating/)
- [Building Guides and Bulletins](https://www.portmoody.ca/home-and-property/building-and-renovating/building-guides-and-bulletins/)
- [Applying for a Residential Building Permit (PDF guide)](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/portmoody-014-ca/media/2gvlefh4/applying-for-residential-building-permit-guide.pdf)
- [Building Bylaw 3200 (PDF)](https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=506778)

## Related questions

- [Port Moody building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/building-permit-fees.md)
- [Port Moody permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/deck-shed-garage-permit.md)
- [Port Moody fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/fence-rules.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Building permits in British Columbia: how to apply, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/building-permit.md)
- [Belcarra](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/belcarra/building-permit.md)
- [Anmore](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/anmore/building-permit.md)
- [Coquitlam](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/building-permit.md)
- [New Westminster](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/building-permit.md)
- [Port Coquitlam](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/building-permit.md)
- [Burnaby](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/building-permit.md)

## Sources

- [Building and Renovating, City of Port Moody](https://www.portmoody.ca/home-and-property/building-and-renovating/) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Building Guides and Bulletins, City of Port Moody](https://www.portmoody.ca/home-and-property/building-and-renovating/building-guides-and-bulletins/) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Applying for a Residential Building Permit (PDF), City of Port Moody](https://media-002-ca.cdn.govstack.com/portmoody-014-ca/media/2gvlefh4/applying-for-residential-building-permit-guide.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Building Bylaw, 2019, No. 3200 (consolidated) (PDF)](https://www.portmoody.ca/eDocs/Get?docnumber=506778) (read 2026-11-05)

_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. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Port Moody. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/building-permit/_