Home Renovation Permits in Vancouver and Burnaby: A Homeowner Checklist

Permit questions are easiest to resolve when you describe the actual renovation, not just the room name. A kitchen update that keeps its existing layout raises different questions from work that moves walls or building services. Requirements also vary between Vancouver, Burnaby and other municipalities.

Building permit and trade permit: different questions

A building permit concerns the proposed building work and the city's review process. Trade permits cover regulated systems and work such as electrical, plumbing or gas. A building permit does not by itself confirm that all required trade permits or inspections are complete. Depending on the project, more than one approval may apply—or a particular approval may not be required. Confirm rather than assume.

Vancouver lists renovation work involving moved interior walls or existing plumbing, electrical or gas lines among examples where a permit may be required. The city also notes that many small projects and repairs do not require a permit. Its online guidance is a starting point, not a determination for every property.

Burnaby has separate guidance for home improvement permits and residential trade permits. Review the appropriate sections for your building type and work, then check any project-specific instructions with the city.

A homeowner decision checklist

Before requesting a permit determination, write down:

Include sketches or product information if available. The municipality may need additional details before it can advise which applications, documents or inspections apply.

What to ask the city

Ask whether a building permit is required for the described work and whether development or other approvals should be checked first. Ask which trade permits and inspections may apply, who may submit each application, and what must be approved before work begins. Keep the response with the project documents and confirm any conditions that change the scope.

Do not rely on a contractor's general statement, an online example for another address, or a previous permit as proof that the current work is approved. Municipal guidance can change, and the same type of renovation may have different requirements because the property and scope differ. For strata homes, municipal approval does not replace the strata's own alteration process.

Plan the permit questions with your renovation scope

Define the work first, then discuss approvals as part of the written project scope. Clarify who is responsible for applications, fees, drawings, inspections and providing access. Do not schedule work on the assumption that an application has been approved.

For renovation planning, see SturdyBee's kitchen renovation service and documented Burnaby whole-home renovation. That project page records completed work; it is not permit advice or a template for another property.

To discuss your renovation scope and next steps, contact SturdyBee. Permit requirements should still be confirmed with the municipality and relevant trade authority.

Official city information

Rules and processes can change. Confirm current requirements directly with the municipality responsible for the property and the relevant trade authority. This checklist is general information, not legal or permit advice.