If you are planning a renovation, addition, or as-built survey in the City of Richmond, obtaining original drawings is a key part of the design process. Richmond provides access to permit records and survey certificates to the public, while detailed building drawings require specific owner authorization.
Official City of Richmond Resources
- Building Forms and Information: Official records, forms, and application details.
- Building Records Request Form: Request copies of building records and plans (PDF).
- Letter of Authorization (PL-40): Required for non-owner requests (PDF).
- Fees reference: Consolidated Fees Bylaw (Bylaw 8636, Chapter 5).
- Building Bulletins: Additional City requirements.
Request Original Building Drawings — Step by Step
- 1Confirm Public vs Restricted Records
- 2Complete Required Forms
- 3Submit the Request Package
- 4Review Fees
Step 1 - Confirm Public vs Restricted Records
Richmond treats records differently depending on type:
- Public without owner authorization: Permit records and survey certificates.
- Restricted: Architectural and structural building drawings (owner or authorized representative only).
Step 2 - Complete Required Forms
We use original blueprints to establish the baseline for your redesign. To request records:
- Application form: Complete the Building Records Request Form.
- Authorization: If you are not the owner, include a signed Letter of Authorization (PL-40).
Step 3 - Submit Your Records Request
Email your completed request package to buildingrecordsrequest@richmond.ca.
Include property address, contact details, and the specific file types needed so the records team can quote and process quickly.
Step 4 - Review Fees
Current published fees for building records requests are:
- $30.00 administrative fee per property request
- $5.50 for each file requested
- $12.25 for large file transfer
Richmond updates fees periodically (typically effective January 1), so confirm current rates in the City's Consolidated Fees Bylaw before submitting.
No Drawings on File? Request a Comfort Letter
If original drawings are unavailable, a Comfort Letter can confirm active, issued, or outstanding permits for the property. This gives the legal context needed to begin an as-built survey.
- Official page: City of Richmond Comfort Letters.
- Information PDF: Comfort Letter Information (PDF).
- Special requirement: Requests must be submitted by a lawyer, notary, or other legal professional.
- Submission: Your legal representative emails the request to buildingapplications@richmond.ca.
- Fee: Charged per civic address under the City's Consolidated Fees Bylaw.
Need Help Reading or Using the Drawings?
Once you receive your records or comfort letter, Canadian Blueprint can accurately reconstruct your plans so your renovation or addition can move forward with confidence. See As-Built Measuring for more information.
Contact Canadian Blueprint — we work with Richmond homeowners and contractors regularly and understand the local permit process.
