If you are planning a renovation, addition, or as-built survey in Port Coquitlam (PoCo), obtaining original building drawings from the City can save significant time and costs. Most construction records are held by the Building Division, and the City encourages starting with an informal request before proceeding to a formal application.

This guide walks you through the process of accessing those records.

Official City of Port Coquitlam Resources

Building Division: City Hall, 1st Floor, 2580 Shaughnessy St, Port Coquitlam, BC.
Routinely Available Documents: List of records available without a formal FOI (PDF).
FOI & Privacy Page: Freedom of Information and Privacy information for the City of Port Coquitlam.
FOIPPA Request Form: Freedom of Information Request Form (PDF).

Request Original Building Drawings from the City of Port Coquitlam — Step by Step

1
Start with an Informal Request
2
Determine if a Formal FOI is Required
3
Submit a Formal FOI Request (If Needed)
4
Review Fees and Timeline

Step 1 — Start with an Informal Request

Port Coquitlam recommends starting with the relevant department to see if the records are routinely available. For construction plans, contact the Building Division directly to verify what is on file for your address.

Email: building@portcoquitlam.ca
Phone: (604) 927-5444
In-person: City Hall, 1st Floor, 2580 Shaughnessy St

Step 2 — Determine if a Formal FOI is Required

Many City records can be accessed without a formal request under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA). Review the City's website first. If the Building Division confirms the drawings are not routinely available, or involve sensitive third-party information, you will need to submit a formal FOIPPA request.

This is especially important if you are requesting personal information or records relating to another individual. In that case, the City requires signed consent for disclosure or proof of authority to act on that person's behalf.

Step 3 — Submit a Formal FOI Request (If Needed)

If a formal request is required:

Download the form: FOI Request Form (PDF).
Choose your access method: Indicate whether you want a copy by email, pick-up at City Hall, or mailed delivery.
Describe the records clearly: Include the records requested, relevant time period, and any known file or reference numbers.
Provide authorization: If you are not the registered owner or are requesting another person's information, attach signed consent or proof of authority.
Sign and submit: Sign and date the form, then submit it by email, fax, mail, or delivery to the Records and Privacy Advisor.

Email: legislativeservices@portcoquitlam.ca
Fax: (604) 927-5402
Mail or deliver: Records and Privacy Advisor, City Hall, 2nd Floor, 2580 Shaughnessy Street, Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 2A8

Step 4 — Review Fees and Timeline

Informal copy fees (set by the Fees and Charges Bylaw):

Small drawings (up to 11×17): $16 for the 1st copy + $4 per additional sheet.
Large drawings (over 11×17): $35 for the 1st copy + $4 per additional sheet.
Digital scans (USB): $35 for the 1st image + $4 per additional image.

Once the City receives your signed FOIPPA request, it will send an acknowledgment letter. FOIPPA allows the City up to 30 business days to respond to the request.

If you have privacy questions about the form, contact the Records and Privacy Advisor at (604) 927-5250 or legislativeservices@portcoquitlam.ca.

City of Port Coquitlam Building Records Request Summary

A quick reference for informal requests, FOI submissions, fees, and contacts.

Step	What to Do	Official Link
1. Start with an Informal Request	Call or email the Building Division to confirm what records exist for your property. Many plans are routinely available without a formal FOI.	building@portcoquitlam.ca
2. Check Routinely Available Documents	Review the City's routinely available documents before filing under FOIPPA. Many records can be accessed without a formal request.	Routinely Available Documents (PDF)
3. Submit FOI Request (If Needed)	Complete the FOIPPA form with your access preference, detailed record description, time period, reference numbers, and signature. Attach owner consent or proof of authority if requesting another person's information.	FOI Request Form (PDF)
4. Fees and Timeline	Small drawings: $16 first copy + $4/sheet. Large drawings: $35 first copy + $4/sheet. Digital scans: $35 first image + $4/image. The City acknowledges FOIPPA requests after receipt and has up to 30 business days to respond.	FOI & Privacy Page

No Drawings Available? Request a Comfort Letter

In Port Coquitlam, this is commonly handled as a Building Property Information Letter through the Building Division, with FOIPPA used when records are sensitive.

Request method: Contact Building Division at building@portcoquitlam.ca.
Letter scope: Permit history and occupancy status summary for the property.
Fees: Vary by search depth and are set by the City's Fees and Charges Bylaw.

If original drawings are unavailable, request a Building Property Information Letter as your Comfort Letter alternative. 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?

Original drawings from the City archive may be microfilm scans or older paper records that do not reflect current as-built modifications.

Contact Canadian Blueprint — we regularly work with Port Coquitlam homeowners and contractors to navigate the permit process. We can help you interpret City records and convert them into accurate, modern CAD drawings for your renovation or addition.

Get Original Building Plans from the City of Port Coquitlam