Port Moody building permits: when you need one and how to apply
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.
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.Building Bylaw, 2019, No. 3200 (consolidated), s. 9.1; Building and Renovating, FAQ · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingEvery 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 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 |
|---|---|
| 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.Building Bylaw, 2019, No. 3200 (consolidated), s. 5.3; Applying for a Residential Building Permit, When do we not require a permit? · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingThis 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 We don’t require permits for minor modifications and repairs. Landscaping, including patios and decks less than 600mm |
| How to apply | Complete the building permit application form and submit it with all supporting documents online through the Port Moody eServices portal.Building and Renovating, Applying for permits · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingsubmit 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. |
| 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.Building Bylaw, 2019, No. 3200 (consolidated), s. 12.4; Building and Renovating, FAQ; Applying for a Residential Building Permit, Here’s what we need when you apply · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingbe 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 A waste management plan is required for every building permit application. 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 |
| 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.Building Bylaw, 2019, No. 3200 (consolidated), s. 12.30; Building and Renovating, Booking an inspection · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingthe owner must give at least 24 hours’ notice to the City when requesting an inspection Learn about the inspections that are required for standard building projects. |
| Contact | Building Division (Building Permits), 2nd floor, 100 Newport Drive, Port Moody V3H 5C3; 604.469.4534.Building and Renovating, Contact Us · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingcall the Building Division at 604.469.4534 Building Permits Second Floor 100 Newport Drive Port Moody, B.C. V3H 5C3 604.469.4534 |
| Bylaw | City of Port Moody Building Bylaw, 2019, No. 3200Building Bylaw, 2019, No. 3200 (consolidated), s. 1.1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingCity of Port Moody Building Bylaw, 2019, No. 3200 |
How it works
Under the City's Building Bylaw 3200, 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
- Read the City's Building and Renovating page and the guide for your project type.
- Complete the building permit application form.
- Submit it with all supporting documents online through the eServices portal.
- Pay the permit fee when the permit is issued and ready for pick-up.
- 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
The same question in other places
Belcarra · Anmore · Coquitlam · New Westminster · Port Coquitlam · Burnaby
Building permits in British Columbia: how to apply, by municipality →
Sources
- Building and Renovating, City of Port Moody (read 2026-11-05)
- Building Guides and Bulletins, City of Port Moody (read 2026-11-05)
- Applying for a Residential Building Permit (PDF), City of Port Moody (read 2026-11-05)
- Building Bylaw, 2019, No. 3200 (consolidated) (PDF) (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. How answers are checked.