New Westminster Online Permit Guide

The City of New Westminster Planning, Building & Development Department processes building permit applications for new detached dwellings, duplexes, secondary suites, laneway houses (accessory dwellings), alterations, and commercial tenant improvements. Applicants can submit digitally through the City's online MyCity eApply portal or direct email intake (bldapps@newwestcity.ca).

New Westminster strictly enforces PDF submission standards—including direct file attachments (external cloud links like Google Drive and Dropbox are not accepted), clear file naming (e.g., 123 Main St Site Plan.pdf), single-layer vector PDFs, and uncertified digital professional seals. You don't need to worry about any of the technical drawing preparation—Canadian Blueprint packages and structures your entire architectural permit set so it satisfies City of New Westminster intake criteria seamlessly.

Official City of New Westminster Online Portals & Resources

This guide reflects the City of New Westminster's official Planning, Building & Development guidelines. You can access the municipal department and official resources directly below:

• Residential Building Permits Hub: New West Single Detached & Duplex Permit Guide
• MyCity eApply Online Application System: New Westminster eApply (Prospero Dashboard)
• Residential Application Package (PDF): Residential & Accessory Building Permit Application Package
• City Maps & Property Information: New West CityMaps & Zoning Portal
• Building Division Contact: Visit City Hall at 511 Royal Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3L 1H9, call 604-521-3711 (Inspections: 604-527-4580), or email bldapps@newwestcity.ca.
• Historical Property Blueprints: Request Original Building Drawings in New Westminster
• Title Search & Charges: BC Land Title Search Guide

How the City of New Westminster Permitting Process Works (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 — Receive Your Ready-to-Upload Package from Canadian Blueprint

Before beginning your submission, Canadian Blueprint drafts and compiles your complete architectural blueprint package:

• Intake-Ready Vector PDFs: Single-layer, high-resolution vector PDFs under 10MB per file with uncertified professional seals so City examiners can apply digital municipal approval stamps without document errors.
• Zoning & BC Building Code Compliance: Accurate floor plans, cross-sections, exterior elevations, window-to-wall calculations, and fire separation assemblies engineered to City of New Westminster zoning bylaws (including Queensborough flood plain rules if applicable).
• Engineering Integration: Seamless coordination with structural engineers (Schedule B), geotechnical consultants, and Certified Energy Advisors (CEAs) for Step Code compliance.

Step 2 — Choose Your Submission Channel: eApply vs. Direct Email

New Westminster provides two digital application options based on project type:

• Option A — MyCity eApply Portal (Alterations & Small Projects): Log in to your MyCity account and launch the eApply wizard for your project type (Single Detached, Accessory Building, Laneway House, or Duplex). Follow the step-by-step prompts to upload documents and pay the application fee by credit card.
• Option B — Direct Email Intake (New Construction & Alterations): Email your completed Application Package, Title Search (within 30 days), and Canadian Blueprint's named PDF drawing sets directly to bldapps@newwestcity.ca. Note: All documents must be direct PDF attachments—cloud links (Google Drive, Dropbox) are rejected. If files exceed email limits, contact staff to request City FileShare access.

Step 3 — Application Fee Payment & Technical Plan Check Intake

Upon receiving your application:

• The non-refundable application fee is processed (online during eApply or via payment instructions sent by staff for email submissions).
• Staff assign your official Building Permit Tracking Number.
• Your file enters the technical plan-checking queue for concurrent examination across Building, Planning, Plumbing, Tree Protection, and Fire departments.

Step 4 — Forward Any Plan Checker Review Comments Directly to Us

During plan review, New Westminster examiners review your drawings against the BC Building Code, local zoning bylaws, and heritage/floodplain guidelines.

If plan checkers require drawing revisions or additional details, they will issue a Plan Review Comment Notice. Simply forward that notice to Canadian Blueprint. We will review the examiner's comments, make all necessary CAD updates, re-export the updated PDF sheets with revision clouds, and return them ready for re-submission.

Step 5 — Settle Final Fees, Download Stamped Plans & Schedule Inspections

When your application is fully approved:

• The City emails an invoice for the remaining permit balance and any applicable security deposits (such as damage deposits or tree protection bonds).
• Upon payment, your Building Permit is officially issued, and City-stamped drawings are released.
• Jobsite Paper Set Requirement: Print one full-size (24″ × 36″ or 30″ × 42″) paper set of the City-approved stamped drawings and permit, and keep it on the construction site for all inspector visits.
• Scheduling Inspections: Schedule required site inspections online or by phone with the New Westminster Building Division before concealing any trade work.

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BC Building Design & Permit Drawings

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