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Vancouver building permit fees

How much does a building permit cost in Vancouver?

Vancouver, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-09

Short answer

Under Vancouver’s standard 2026 building fee schedule, the first $5,000 of estimated construction costs $217 in permit fees. Additional amounts are charged in bands. Some project types have separate fees or exemptions.

Key facts

Lowest feeUnder Vancouver’s standard 2026 building fee schedule, the first $5,000 of estimated construction costs $217 in permit fees.2026 schedule of development and building fees, PDF p. 18 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09
Official wording
CONSTRUCTION of any BUILDING, or part thereof: When the estimated cost of the work, being the valuation referred to in Article 1.6.2.3. of Book I, Division C and Book II, Division C of this By-law, does not exceed $5,000 or for the first $5,000 of the estimated cost of the work $217.00
How the fee is worked outThe 2026 standard schedule adds $13.90 for each $1,000 or part of it above $5,000 up to $50,000. Above $50,000 the increment is $7.04.2026 schedule of development and building fees, PDF p. 18 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09
Official wording
For each $1,000, or part thereof, by which the estimated cost of the work exceeds $5,000 but does not exceed $50,000 $13.90 For each $1,000, or part thereof, by which the estimated cost of the work exceeds $50,000 $7.04
Application or plan review feeNot confirmed. Checked 2026 Schedule of Development and Building related fees; not found there.
Other feesWithdrawing an application may qualify for a partial refund if the applicable bylaw allows it. The City lists a $97 administration fee to process the refund request.When you need a permit, Permit application refunds · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09
Official wording
Not sure if you need a permit? When in doubt, contact the Development and Building Services Centre to determine if you are required to have a permit for your particular project. Note You may get a partial application fee refund when you withdraw your permit application (if the fee is refundable in its applicable by-law). An $97 administration fee will be required to process your refund request.
How to payNot confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read.
BylawThe City's 2026 building fee schedule lists Building By-law fees under Part A. Its 2025 Building By-law is No. 14343.2026 schedule of development and building fees, 2026 schedule, Part A, Building, and 2025 Vancouver Building By-law; Vancouver Building By-law, 2026 schedule, Part A, Building, and 2025 Vancouver Building By-law · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09
Official wording
Building By-law Part A - Building By-law Section and Text 2026 Fees PART A - BUILDING 1 The fees hereinafter specified shall be paid to the City with respect to and upon the application for the issue of a PERMIT as follows: (a) Except as provided for in Clause (b) and Section 4 for the CONSTRUCTION of any BUILDING, or part thereof: When the estimated cost of the work, being the valuation referred to in Article 1.6.2.3. of Book I, Division C and Book II, Division C of this
* Bulletins clarifying current VBBL requirements * ### 2025 Vancouver Building By-law 14343 On May 20, 2025, Vancouver City Council adopted the 2024 BC Building Code with Vancouver-specific provisions. The Building By-law 2025 (VBBL 2025) will generally come into effect on September 15, 2025, with delayed implementation for certain provisions as follows: Seismic design requirements (Part 4 and Part 9) | The seismic design provision of the 2025 VBBL need not apply for building permits submitted before September 15, 2026. Further consideration for deferral up to March 8, 2027, may be accepted by the Chief Building Official for an In-stream Project.

How it works

Start an estimate by identifying the kind of work, its construction value and which stage you are paying for. An amount collected when plans are submitted may cover a different part of the application than the final permit charge. The 2026 standard schedule adds $13.90 for each $1,000 or part of it above $5,000 up to $50,000. Above $50,000 the increment is $7.04.

Steps

  1. Find the charges for your project in 2026 schedule of development and building fees (PDF). Find the line for your project in the fee schedule. Read the column heading, unit of value and any minimum before doing the calculation.
  2. If the project crosses a fee band, check how the schedule treats the first band and the remaining value. Ask how the office determines construction value if your estimate includes several kinds of work.

Good to know

  • Withdrawing an application may qualify for a partial refund if the applicable bylaw allows it. The City lists a $97 administration fee to process the refund request.
  • Start with the City’s building permit application process online, then sign in to track the application or pay fees.
  • Direct general questions about detached houses, secondary suites, duplexes, multiplexes, laneway houses, alterations and changes of use to the Development and Building Services Centre.
  • When comparing the amount due with a quote, itemize any plan review, inspection or other charges separately. This makes it easier to ask which payment is credited toward the balance.
  • For a question about the fee schedule and the project value used for the calculation, call City Hall at 311. Give an estimate for the entire proposed scope and distinguish any application charge already paid.

The same question in other places

Richmond · Burnaby · North Vancouver · District of North Vancouver · New Westminster · Delta

Building permit fees in British Columbia, by municipality →

Sources

  1. 2026 schedule of development and building fees (PDF) (read 2026-11-09)
  2. Building permit (read 2026-11-09)
  3. Vancouver municipal office contact information (read 2026-11-09)
  4. Make a development permit enquiry (read 2026-11-09)
  5. Vancouver Building By-law, City of Vancouver (read 2026-11-09)
  6. When you need a permit (read 2026-11-09)

Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 4 of 6 facts was matched to the official text; 2 could not be confirmed. How answers are checked.