Request Original Building Drawings from the City of Delta
A step-by-step guide to requesting building plan copies and comfort letters through Delta's official process.
Date Published: April 13, 2026
If you are planning a renovation, addition, or as-built survey in Delta, BC, obtaining building plan copies from City records is a key first step. Delta's Development Department may provide plan copies and comfort letters where records are available. Access rules are governed by ownership, authorization, and in some cases formal FOI requirements.
Official City of Delta Resources
This guide is based on Delta's official property records page below, then organized into a practical step-by-step process.
- Primary source: City of Delta - Your Property
- Key forms: Request for Permit Copies and Strata Authorization Form
- FOI resources: Freedom of Information (FOI) and FOI Request Form
- Supporting tools: Property Information Search, DeltaMap, and DeltaConnect
Request Original Building Drawings from the City of Delta - Step by Step
- 1Confirm Eligibility and Records
- 2Prepare Required Forms
- 3Submit to Development
- 4Review Fees and Completion Status
- 5Use FOI for Non-Routine Records
Step 1 - Confirm Eligibility and Record Availability
Delta may have records of building plans and associated permits, but access is restricted. In accordance with FIPPA, only the current registered owner may access and obtain copies of plans, unless authorization is provided.
- Registered owners: Can request directly.
- Authorized representative: Owner may authorize a representative to request plans on their behalf.
- Strata buildings: Permission from the Strata Council or Property Management Company is required.
Step 2 - Prepare the Required Forms
Complete the required forms before submission so the request is not delayed as incomplete.
- Request for Permit Copies
- Strata Authorization Form (if applicable)
- Owner or strata authorization documents when a representative is submitting on behalf of the owner.
Step 3 - Submit to Delta Development
Email completed forms and supporting authorization to development@delta.ca. Requests that involve authorized representatives or strata properties must include the relevant authorization to be considered complete.
Step 4 - Review Fees and Completion Requirements
Administrative fees may apply in extenuating circumstances. If applicable, Delta will send payment instructions after receiving your submission. Incomplete submissions may require follow-up before processing can continue.
Step 5 - Use FOI for Non-Routine Information
Requests for information not available through routine channels may require a formal FOI request through the Office of the City Clerk.
- FOI contact: FOI@delta.ca
- FOI page: Freedom of Information (FOI)
- FOI form: FOI Request
Delta Building Records Request Summary
A quick checklist of eligibility, required forms, submission, and FOI escalation steps.
| Step | What to Do | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Confirm Eligibility | Verify owner eligibility or authorized representative status before requesting plan copies. | Your Property (Delta) |
| 2. Prepare Required Forms | Complete Request for Permit Copies and include strata authorization when applicable. | Request for Permit Copies |
| 3. Submit to Development | Send completed forms and authorization documents to Delta Development for review. | development@delta.ca |
| 4. Review Fees and Follow-Up | Complete any fee payment or missing information requests to keep processing active. | Delta Contact Page |
| 5. Use FOI for Non-Routine Records | Escalate to a formal FOI submission when records are outside routine release channels. | Delta Freedom of Information |
No Drawings on File? Request a Comfort Letter
If the City cannot locate original drawings, Delta's Development Department offers a Comfort Letter. When no building records exist, the comfort letter documents what was — or wasn't — approved on the property, which is often required before a renovation permit can proceed. Processing can take up to 6 weeks depending on complexity.
- Residential: $100 + GST ($105.00) per PID
- Industrial / Commercial / Multi-Family: $260 + GST ($273.00) per PID
- Submission method: Written request with cheque payable to "City of Delta." Include the PID(s), legal description, and details of what you are requesting (permits, zoning, occupancy, violations, etc.).
- Form: Request for Information / Comfort Letter (PDF)
- Contact: Development@delta.ca | (604) 946-3380
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?
Once you have obtained your original building drawings from the City of Delta, a professional designer can help you interpret them, identify any discrepancies with the current as-built condition, and prepare updated permit drawings for your renovation or addition.
Contact Canadian Blueprint - we work with Delta homeowners and contractors regularly and understand local permit and documentation requirements.