• Check PoCoMAP for property information such as zoning, land use under the Official Community Plan (OCP) and flood construction levels.
• Identify any encumbrances registered on title, such as easements, right of way, restrictive covenants and land use contracts, by contacting the BC Land Title Offices at 604.660.2595.
• Consult the BC Building Code. The code establishes a minimum standard for health, safety, accessibility, energy, fire, and structural protection of buildings. Find out more online or call 1.800.663.6105.
• Ensure your project is designed to comply with City bylaws such as the Building and Plumbing Bylaw, Parking and Development Management Bylaw, Subdivision Servicing Bylaw, Tree Bylaw, Soil Removal and Deposit Bylaw and the Zoning Bylaw.
• Variances to some Zoning Bylaw regulations may be permitted if you apply to the Board of Variance.
• You may also wish to check the Climatic and Seismic Data prior to designing your building.
• If your property is within 50 metres of a watercourse, refer to the Watercourse Development Permit page.
• Obtain information from Engineering & Operations about the location and condition of water, storm and sanitary sewer services. This information can also be found on PoCoMAP.
• If your site is on a floodplain, a new or revised floodplain covenant may be required.
• Other permits that may be required include a Demolition Permit and Tree Cutting Permit.

Please refer to the application checklist that is part of the Building Permit Application Form. You can submit this form and checklist at the Building Division offices (see below).

A builder contractor must have a valid business licence with the City of Port Coquitlam before a Building Permit can be issued. Please see the Business Licensing page for more information on applying for a business licence.

Timing

Please contact the Building Division for application processing time estimates.

Fees, Charges, and Security/Deposit

All application fees are outlined in Schedule D of the Fees and Charges Bylaw.

Building Permit fees are based on the value of construction with a non-refundable 50% charge due at the time of application. The remainder is due when the permit is issued. The permit fee doubles if work has started without a Building Permit being issued. The fee is reduced if a registered architect or professional engineer had provided stamped building drawings for the design. Application fees are non-refundable.

The Planning Division or Engineering & Operations Department may require fees and securities, due before the Building Permit is issued.

A Highway Use Permit deposit may be required.  This charge is refundable, if no damage has occurred to City property during the development of the project. Deposit amounts vary depending on development.

Security deposits are payable by of cash, cheque or direct payment. No credit card payments are permitted.

Any work without a permit will result in increased fees.

Staff Review

Depending on the complexity of the Building Permit application, the Building Division may circulate the application for review by the Planning Division, Fire Department and Engineering & Operations. If the application does not comply with all bylaw and code requirements, staff will provide a written list of resubmission requirements, in the form of the Plan Review Letter.

Permit Issuance

Once all application requirements have been met and all associated approvals have been obtained,  you will be notified that your Building Permit is ready to be issued. Any outstanding fees are due at time of permit pickup.

Construction Inspection

At various stages of the project, a Building Inspector will inspect forms, under slab, framing, insulation, occupancy, and final inspection. Permit holders are responsible for contacting the Building Division to request and inspection with 48 hours notice. If the request is received prior to 3 pm, every attempt is made to complete the inspection on the next business day. The Inspection Request Line is 604.927.5445.

Final Inspection

All documentation from all the registered professionals must be received by the Building Division prior to the scheduling of the final inspection. You must also confirm that each individual permit issued in conjunction with the Building Permit has received final inspection and there are no outstanding deficiencies. You must contact the Inspection Request Line at 604.927.5445 to request a final building inspection.

Post Construction

After a passed final inspection, the Building Inspector will notify Engineering & Operations, which will then conduct their final inspection (if applicable).