Request Original Building Drawings from the City of North Vancouver
A step-by-step guide to accessing original building records in the City of North Vancouver.
If you are planning a renovation, addition, or as-built survey in the City of North Vancouver (CNV), obtaining the original building drawings is a vital starting point. The City provides access to various plan types, including architectural, structural, and mechanical drawings, provided you have the proper authorization.
This guide walks you through the process of accessing those records.
Official City of North Vancouver Resources
- Gateway (Licences, Planning + Permits): 141 West 14th Street, North Vancouver, BC.
- Access to Building Plans Form: City of North Vancouver Access to Building Plans (PDF).
Request Original Building Drawings from the City of North Vancouver — Step by Step
- 1Identify the Plans You Need
- 2Confirm Authorization
- 3Choose Format and Review Fees
- 4Submit Your Request
Step 1 — Identify the Plans You Need
The City may hold a variety of records for your property. When filling out your application, specify exactly which plans you are requesting:
- Architectural and site plans
- Structural drawings
- Mechanical, plumbing, and sprinkler drawings
- Electrical and landscape plans
Step 2 — Confirm Authorization
Access to these records is restricted to protect privacy and ownership rights:
- Property owners/strata: You may request access directly as the registered owner.
- Authorized representatives: Designers and contractors must provide a Registered Owner's Letter of Authorization with written consent.
Step 3 — Choose Your Format and Review Fees
The City of North Vancouver provides several access options:
- Request to View: No fee to view plans at City Hall.
- Electronic Copies: $30.00 + GST.
- Printed Hard Copies: $30.00 base fee + $1.50 per sheet + applicable GST and PST.
Step 4 — Submit Your Request
Once your form is signed and dated, submit to Gateway using one of the official channels below:
- Email: gateway@cnv.org
- In-person: 141 West 14th Street, North Vancouver, BC
- Phone: (604) 982-9675
City of North Vancouver Building Records Request Summary
A quick checklist of records selection, authorization, fees, and submission channels.
| Step | What to Do | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Identify the Plans You Need | List the exact drawing types required (architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing/sprinkler, electrical, landscape, or site plans). | Access to Building Plans Form |
| 2. Confirm Authorization | Apply as owner/strata or attach a Registered Owner's Letter of Authorization if you are a designer or contractor. | Authorization Requirements |
| 3. Choose Format and Review Fees | Request to view (no fee), electronic copies ($30 + GST), or hard copies ($30 + $1.50/sheet + GST/PST). | Fees and Formats |
| 4. Submit Your Request | Submit the signed and dated form via Gateway by email, in person, or phone follow-up. | gateway@cnv.org |
No Drawings Available? Request a Comfort Letter
In the City of North Vancouver, property status information is typically handled through Gateway rather than a single standardized Comfort Letter form.
- Self-check permit status: Use CityServe Portal for active permit and licence status.
- Formal letter request: Email gateway@cnv.org if a formal property status letter is needed for a transaction.
- Typical details included: Current zoning, permit status, and outstanding bylaw or building violations.
If original drawings are unavailable, request a Gateway property status letter as your Comfort Letter equivalent. If no drawings exist and a comfort letter is not sufficient for your project, Canadian Blueprint can accurately reconstruct your floor plans so your renovation or addition can move forward with confidence. See As-Built Measuring for more information.
Need Help Reading or Using the Drawings?
The City of North Vancouver disclaims liability for the accuracy of original building plans, as records may not reflect all subsequent as-built changes made during original construction.
Contact Canadian Blueprint — we regularly work with City of North Vancouver homeowners and contractors. We can help you navigate authorization requirements, interpret structural and architectural records, and convert legacy plans into precise CAD drawings for your current project.