What you need to know before you build
Last updated on June 9, 2025Learn what you need to know before starting a building or renovation project to avoid problems and unexpected costs. It’s important to be familiar with both provincial and local legal requirements.
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Provincial laws
In B.C., building and renovating projects need to follow provincial laws and regulations.
Land and Water Acts
Helps protect habitats, ecosystems and water quality and supply as communities grow.
Learn more on the provincial air, land and water website.
Safety Standards Act
Sets provincial safety requirements for high risk technologies like electrical and gas systems to reduce hazards, prevent accidents and increase public safety.
Learn more on the construction standards legislation website.
BC Codes
The BC Building Code sets out technical provisions for the design and construction of new buildings to address the objectives of safety, health, accessibility, fire and structural protection of buildings, and the environment. It also applies to alteration, change of use and demolition of existing buildings. The BC Fire Code sets fire safety requirements for buildings under construction, protection measures for the current and intended use of buildings, and applies to existing structures in B.C.
Provincial authorizations
Provincial government authorizations ensure that your project complies with the requirements related to land remediation, archaeology and environmental protection and crown land and water.
- Learn more about provincial authorizations on Permit Connect B.C.
Utility connection requests
Learn about the process for submitting a new electrical or gas connection request.
Plan the electrical servicing of your project by learning about the different connection request types, process and requirements to get connected.
Plan the gas servicing of your project by learning about how to add, move, remove or upgrade gas services and review financial incentives.
Local requirements
Development permit areas
Local governments may require special treatment for specific areas to protect the environment, mitigate flooding or landslide hazards, support farming and agricultural land use, regulate the form and character of developments and promote sustainability. For more information, please visit the Local Government Planning and Land Use website.
Building bylaws
Local governments regulate building permits, inspections and enforcement in their building bylaws. For more information, please visit the Local Government Governance website.
Land use regulations
Local governments’ land use regulations allow them to implement long-term visions identified in official community plans or other planning tools to guide community development. For more information, please visit the provincial Local Government Planning and Land Use website.
Zoning bylaws
Local governments regulate how individual properties, buildings and other structures can be used. For more information, please visit the Local Government Planning and Land Use website.
Zoning
It is essential to understand local zoning bylaws for any building or renovation project.
These local regulations and bylaws determine:
- How big a lot can be
- What types and sizes of buildings you can build on a property
- Where you can build on a property
- How buildings can be used
- Any parking requirements that must be followed
Change zoning requirements
There are two ways to change the zoning in a specific area, if your project does not conform to existing zoning regulations:
- Apply for a variance
- Apply for rezoning
Contact your local government or First Nation for guidance, to avoid delays and to ensure that you meet legal requirements for your area.
They can help you answer questions, such as:
- What are the land use and zoning bylaws on my property?
- Is my proposed building or renovation project permitted?
- What are the details of the current or proposed zone I want to build on?
Before you begin any building or renovation project, it's also important to familiarize yourself with the various permits needed to ensure compliance with local bylaws, building codes and safety standards.
Some key considerations when planning your project include:
Depending on your project's location and scope, you may need permits for environmental protection. For example, if your project involves water use or may impact water resources, a water licence or a short-term water use approval may be required.
Engaging with First Nations early in the planning process is encouraged to address any potential concerns.
Demolition Permit
If your project involves demolishing an existing structure, a demolition permit is typically needed.
This ensures the demolition complies with fire safety and environmental regulations.
Plumbing Permit
If your project involves new plumbing installations or significant alterations to existing plumbing systems, a plumbing permit is necessary.
Mechanical Permit
If your project includes the installation or alteration of heating, cooling and plumbing systems, a mechanical permit will likely be needed.
Electrical and Gas Permits:
If your project involves changes to existing electrical or gas connections, you'll need to obtain the appropriate permits to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
In B.C., electrical and gas permits are generally issued by Technical Safety BC, although some local governments may handle these permits.
If you live in one of the communities listed below, you will need to contact your local government for an electrical and/or gas permit.
|
Local Government |
Technology |
|---|---|
|
The City of Burnaby |
Electrical and Gas |
|
City of Vancouver |
Electrical and Gas |
|
The District of Maple Ridge |
Electrical and Gas |
|
The City of North Vancouver |
Electrical and Gas |
|
The District of North Vancouver |
Electrical and Gas |
|
City of Kelowna |
Gas |
|
City of Richmond |
Gas |
|
The City of Surrey |
Electrical |
|
City of Victoria |
Electrical |
|
The District of West Vancouver |
Electrical |
For more information about the permitting process, visit the permits webpage.