Building Resources
& Information
Comprehensive datasets and resources
for construction projects in BC
Building Permit Processing Times
Current processing times for building permits across BC municipalities. Use this data to plan your project timeline effectively.
| Municipality | Project Type | Average Time | Range | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vancouver | Single Family Dwelling | 6-8 weeks | 4-12 weeks | 3-1-1 or (604) 873-7000 |
| Vancouver | Renovation/Addition | 4-6 weeks | 3-8 weeks | |
| Vancouver | Commercial Tenant Improvement | 3-5 weeks | 2-8 weeks | |
| Surrey | Single Family Dwelling | 4-6 weeks | 3-8 weeks | (604) 591-4086 |
| Surrey | Renovation/Addition | 3-5 weeks | 2-7 weeks | |
| Burnaby | Single Family Dwelling | 5-7 weeks | 4-10 weeks | (604) 294-7130 |
| Burnaby | Renovation/Addition | 3-5 weeks | 2-6 weeks | |
| Richmond | Single Family Dwelling | 4-6 weeks | 3-8 weeks | (604) 276-4118 |
| North Vancouver (City) | Single Family Dwelling | 5-8 weeks | 4-12 weeks | (604) 982-9675 |
| Coquitlam | Single Family Dwelling | 4-6 weeks | 3-8 weeks | (604) 927-3441 |
| Delta | Single Family Dwelling | 4-6 weeks | 3-9 weeks | (604) 946-3380 |
| Port Coquitlam | Single Family Dwelling | 3-5 weeks | 2-7 weeks | (604) 927-5444 |
| Abbotsford | Single Family Dwelling | 4-6 weeks | 3-8 weeks | (604) 864-5525 |
Service Pricing Information
Transparent pricing for professional architectural design services in British Columbia.
New Custom Home Design & Permits
Timeframe: 3-6 weeks
Average: $6,000
- Site plan
- Floor plans
- Elevations
- Building sections
- Construction details
- 3D visualization
- Permit application support
Home Renovation Design & Permits
Timeframe: 2-4 weeks
Average: $2,000
- As-built verification
- Renovation plans
- Permit drawings
- Code compliance review
- Municipal liaison
Commercial Tenant Improvement
Timeframe: 2-3 weeks
Average: $2,000
- Space planning
- Permit drawings
- Code analysis
- Life safety plans
- Accessibility compliance
As-Built Measuring
Timeframe: 1-2 weeks
Average: $1,500
- LiDAR scanning
- Detailed measurements
- As-built drawings
- Digital file delivery
BIM 3D Modeling
Timeframe: 1-3 weeks
Average: $1,200
- 3D model creation
- Virtual walkthrough
- Multiple viewpoints
- Web-based viewing
Feasibility Study
Timeframe: 3-7 days
Average: $500
- Zoning analysis
- Setback review
- FAR calculations
- Constraint identification
- Recommendations report
Code Consulting
Timeframe: Same day to 1 week
Average: $200
- Code interpretation
- Compliance strategies
- Alternative solutions
- Written summary
Permit Application Support
Timeframe: 1-2 weeks
Average: $300
- Application preparation
- Municipal submission
- Response coordination
- Status updates
BC Building Code Requirements
Key building code requirements for residential and commercial construction in British Columbia.
Ceiling Heights
Residential Dwelling
Section 9.5.2.12.3m minimum
All habitable rooms
Exceptions: Basement recreation rooms may be 2.1m minimum
Commercial/Assembly
Section 3.3.1.32.6m minimum
Occupied spaces
Exceptions: Storage areas may be lower
Stair Requirements
Residential
Section 9.8.5.2Rise max 200mm, Run min 210mm
All stairs serving dwelling units
Exceptions: Spiral stairs have different requirements
Commercial
Section 3.4.6.5Rise max 180mm, Run min 280mm
Public use stairs
Exceptions: Service stairs may vary
Window Requirements
Bedroom Egress
Section 9.9.10.1Min 0.35 m² openable area, sill max 1.5m
All bedrooms
Exceptions: Not required if other egress available
Natural Light
Section 9.9.11.1Min 10% of floor area
Habitable rooms
Exceptions: Bathrooms, closets, utility rooms
Door Requirements
Residential Entry
Section 9.5.3.1Min 810mm clear width
Primary entrance doors
Exceptions: Bathroom doors may be 760mm
Commercial Accessibility
Section 3.8.3.3Min 850mm clear width
Public use doors
Exceptions: Existing buildings may have reduced requirements
Fire Separation
Garage to House
Section 9.10.9.6Min 45 minute fire rating
Attached garages
Exceptions: None
Suite to Suite
Section 3.3.4.4Min 45 minute fire rating
Multi-unit residential
Exceptions: Some single family attached may be 30 minutes
Ventilation
Bathroom Exhaust
Section 9.32.3.2Min 25 L/s continuous or 50 L/s intermittent
All bathrooms
Exceptions: Natural ventilation may substitute if adequate
Kitchen Exhaust
Section 9.32.3.3Min 7.5 L/s per m² or 150 L/s minimum
All kitchens
Exceptions: Natural ventilation acceptable in some cases
Handrail Requirements
Stairs
Section 9.8.7.1Height 865-965mm, returns required
Stairs with 3+ risers
Exceptions: Open sides only if stair width >1100mm
Guard Requirements
Elevated Surfaces
Section 9.8.8.1Min 1070mm height
Surfaces >600mm above grade
Exceptions: Windows may be 900mm if restricted opening
Insulation Requirements
Wall Assembly
Section 9.36.2.2Min RSI 3.5 (R-20)
Above grade walls
Exceptions: Basement walls may be lower
Roof Assembly
Section 9.36.2.6Min RSI 7.0 (R-40)
Ceiling assemblies
Exceptions: Cathedral ceilings may be lower
Energy Step Code
New Construction
BC Energy Step CodeStep 3 minimum as of May 2023
Most new residential construction
Exceptions: Some municipalities may require higher steps
Accessibility
Commercial Entry
Section 3.8.1.1Barrier-free path of travel required
Public buildings
Exceptions: Existing buildings may have alternatives
Plumbing Fixtures
Residential Minimum
Section 2.4.10.21 water closet, 1 lavatory, 1 bathtub/shower per unit
Dwelling units
Exceptions: Additional fixtures for larger units
Parking Requirements
Residential
Municipal bylawsVaries by municipality - typically 1-2 spaces per unit
New construction
Exceptions: Transit-oriented developments may have reductions
Professional Requirements
Required professional consultants for different types of building projects in British Columbia.
| Project Type | Professional | Requirement | When Required | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Family Home (New) | BC Land Surveyor | Required | For property survey and site plan preparation | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Single Family Home (New) | Structural Engineer | Required | For foundation and structural design | $2,000 - $6,000 |
| Single Family Home (New) | Energy Advisor | Required | Step 3 Energy Step Code compliance (as of May 2023) | $800 - $1,500 |
| Single Family Home (New) | Geotechnical Engineer | Often Required | Poor soil conditions, slopes, near water | $2,000 - $5,000 |
| Single Family Home (New) | Arborist | Sometimes Required | Significant trees on or near property | $500 - $2,000 |
| Single Family Home (New) | Building Envelope Specialist | Required in Vancouver | Vancouver and some other municipalities | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Home Renovation | Structural Engineer | If Structural Changes | Removing/modifying load-bearing elements | $1,000 - $3,000 |
| Home Renovation | Energy Advisor | Major Renovations | Significant building envelope changes | $600 - $1,200 |
| Commercial Tenant Improvement | Mechanical Engineer | Often Required | HVAC system modifications | $2,000 - $8,000 |
| Commercial Tenant Improvement | Electrical Engineer | Often Required | Significant electrical modifications | $1,500 - $5,000 |
| Commercial Tenant Improvement | Fire Protection Engineer | Sometimes Required | Fire suppression system changes | $2,000 - $6,000 |
| Multi-Family (4+ units) | Architect | Required | More than 4 dwelling units | 5-15% of construction cost |
| Multi-Family (4+ units) | Structural Engineer | Required | All multi-family projects | $15,000 - $50,000+ |
| Development Permit Areas | Registered Professional Biologist | Required | Environmental Development Permit areas | $2,000 - $10,000 |
| Development Permit Areas | Registered Professional Forester | Required | Wildfire Hazard Development Permit areas | $1,500 - $5,000 |
| Waterfront Properties | Qualified Environmental Professional | Often Required | Riparian areas, foreshore development | $3,000 - $15,000 |
| All Projects | CSA F280 Professional | Often Required | Heating/cooling system design | $800 - $2,000 |
| Large Commercial | Civil Engineer | Often Required | Site servicing, grading, stormwater | $5,000 - $25,000 |
| Heritage Properties | Heritage Consultant | Required | Designated heritage properties | $2,000 - $8,000 |
| Seismic Upgrade | Seismic Specialist | Required | Seismic retrofitting projects | $3,000 - $15,000 |
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Areas We Serve
We proudly provide our building permit and design services throughout British Columbia.
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