Get Original Building Plans from the City of New Westminster
A step-by-step guide to accessing original building records and property information in New Westminster.
If you are planning a renovation, addition, or as-built survey in New Westminster, BC, obtaining original building records and property information is a multi-step process. The City offers digital tools for initial research, while physical drawings and formal property status summaries require specific requests.
This guide walks you through the exact process to access those records.
Official New Westminster Resources
- Property Information Portal (PIP): Access zoning attributes, assessment data, legal description, and PID.
- CityViews Interactive Map: Generate Site Development Reports with zoning, building info, and permit history.
Request Original Building Drawings from New Westminster — Step by Step
- 1Basic Research
- 2Prepare Authorization Documents
- 3Submit the Document Request Form
- 4Review Fees and Follow-Up
Step 1 — Basic Research
Before requesting archived files, use the CityViews map to find your property. Right-click the property and select "find data on map" to open the Site Development Report. This report provides permit numbers to reference in your request.
- PIP: Property Information Portal
- CityViews: Interactive Map
Step 2 — Prepare Authorization Documents
New Westminster has strict authorization requirements for the release of building records:
- Registered owners: May request documents directly.
- Authorized agents (designers or contractors): Must provide a completed Letter of Authorization.
- Strata properties: Authorization must be signed by a current Strata Council member.
- Corporations: Include solicitor letter confirming legal signing authority.
Step 3 — Submit the Document Request Form
To obtain archived drawings, inspection reports, or professional reports, submit a formal request:
- Download the form: Complete the Document Request Form.
- Submit by email: Send the form and authorization to inspections@newwestcity.ca.
- Payment: A non-refundable search fee applies. Building Division will provide a quote for service fees and per-page costs once records are located.
Step 4 — Review Fees and Follow-Up
After submission, the Building Division will confirm searchability and applicable fees. Keep permit numbers from your Site Development Report ready to reduce back-and-forth and speed up processing.
City of New Westminster Building Records Request Summary
A quick checklist for research, authorization, form submission, and comfort letter fallback.
| Step | What to Do | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Basic Research | Use Property Information Portal and CityViews to gather zoning attributes, legal description or PID, and permit numbers through the Site Development Report. | Property Information Portal (PIP) |
| 2. Prepare Authorization | Owners may apply directly. Agents provide Letter of Authorization. Strata requires council signatory. Corporations require solicitor confirmation of signing authority. | Letter of Authorization (PDF) |
| 3. Submit Document Request Form | Complete the Document Request Form and submit with authorization to inspections@newwestcity.ca. | Document Request Form (PDF) |
| 4. Search Fee and Quote | A non-refundable search fee applies. Once files are found, Building Division issues service and per-page fee quote before release. | inspections@newwestcity.ca |
No Drawings Available? Request a Comfort Letter
If original drawings are missing, or you need a legal summary of property status, request a Comfort Letter through the Planning Division.
- What it provides: Written record of permits, occupancy dates, outstanding violations, heritage status, and fire inspection notices (no drawing copies included).
- Request method: Contact Planning at plnpost@newwestcity.ca.
- Why it helps: Often required in real estate transactions or to confirm legal non-conforming status when blueprints are unavailable.
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 cannot guarantee that archived documents are complete or fully accurate to current as-built conditions. Once retrieved, a professional designer can interpret structural and architectural data, identify discrepancies, and prepare updated permit drawings for your current project.
If you are requesting information beyond building records, or are not owner or authorized agent, you may need a formal Freedom of Information Request.
Contact Canadian Blueprint — we work with New Westminster homeowners and contractors regularly. We can interpret City records and convert them into accurate, modern CAD drawings for your renovation or addition permit application.