Request Original Building Drawings from the City of Vancouver
A step-by-step guide to accessing building records at the City of Vancouver — including required forms, fees, and what to expect.
Date Published: April 13, 2026
If you are planning a renovation, addition, or as-built survey in Vancouver, BC, obtaining the original building drawings from the City of Vancouver is a critical first step. The City typically holds plans for most commercial buildings, condos, and one- or two-family dwellings constructed since 1979.
Official City of Vancouver Resources
This guide is based on the official City of Vancouver page below, then organized into a practical step-by-step process.
- Primary source: City of Vancouver Get Copies of Building Plans Page
- Key forms: Building Plans Request Application Form (PDF) and Release Records Authorization Form (PDF)
- Submission and support: Online account login, new account setup, and Development & Buildings Services Centre contact page
Request Original Building Drawings from the City of Vancouver — Step by Step
- 1Review the Scope of Available Records
- 2Determine Authorization Requirements
- 3Prepare and Submit Your Application
- 4Pay the Fees
- 5Receive Your Plans
Step 1 — Review the Scope of Available Records
Before applying, note that City of Vancouver records have changed over the decades:
- Completeness: Plans may not always include structural or mechanical drawings.
- Condos & Apartments: Floor plans for strata buildings often show a "typical" floor layout rather than your specific unit. Unit numbers are frequently missing from original drawings.
Step 2 — Determine Authorization Requirements
Access to these records is governed by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act:
- Registered Owners: May access records directly.
- Authorized Representatives (Designers/Contractors): Must provide a signed Release Records Authorization Form (PDF).
- Strata Properties: If the property is a condo or townhouse, you must obtain written permission from the Strata Council or Property Management Company.
Step 3 — Prepare and Submit Your Application
Vancouver requires a formal digital submission through their online system:
- Application Form: Download and complete the Request Copy of Building Plans Form (PDF).
- Authorization Form: If you are not the registered owner, include the completed Release Records Authorization Form (PDF).
- Set Up Your Online Account: If needed, create an online account or sign in to your existing account.
- Submit Your Request: Send the completed forms through the Development & Buildings Services Centre contact page.
Step 4 — Pay the Fees
The City of Vancouver charges for research and retrieval of microfiche records:
- Minimum Research Fee: $62.00 (non-refundable — required to start the search).
- Duplication Fee: $17.10 per microfilm image or page scanned.
- Processing Time: The City aims to respond within 10 business days.
Step 5 — Receive Your Plans
Once the search is complete, the City will contact you regarding any outstanding balance based on the number of pages found. After final payment, the scanned plans will be emailed to you directly. For follow-up, contact the City through the Development & Buildings Services Centre contact page, use the Van311 app, email permits@vancouver.ca, or call 3-1-1 or (604) 873-7000.
Vancouver Building Records Request Summary
A quick checklist of scope, authorization, submission, fees, and delivery steps.
| Step | What to Do | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Review Scope of Records | Confirm what records may exist and whether condo files are typical-floor plans only. | Get Copies of Building Plans |
| 2. Determine Authorization | Verify owner status or attach owner/strata authorization where required. | Release Records Authorization Form |
| 3. Submit Application | Complete required forms and submit through Vancouver's prescribed process. | Building Plans Request Application |
| 4. Pay Fees | Pay non-refundable research and duplication fees before release. | Vancouver Fee Details |
| 5. Receive Plans | After processing and payment, receive scanned plans and follow up if needed. | Development and Buildings Contact |
Need Help Reading or Using the Drawings?
Vancouver's older microfiche records can be grainy or difficult to interpret, and they often lack the as-built changes made during construction. Contact Canadian Blueprint — we specialize in taking these historical Vancouver records and converting them into accurate, modern CAD drawings for your permit applications. We understand the unique complexities of the Vancouver Building Bylaw and can help you navigate the process from start to finish.