Industrial, Commercial, Institutional, or Multi-Unit Residential
This page provides information about new construction and additions to industrial, commercial, institutional, or multi-unit residential (3 or more units) projects.
A building permit is required when you wish to:
Construct a new multi-family building;
Repair, renovate or add to an existing building;
Remove, relocate, alter or construct interior walls, stairs, doors or windows;
Complete a previously unfinished area in an existing building;
Demolish, relocate or move a building;
Construct retaining walls;
Construct a mezzanine or second floor;
Construct racking storage;
Install a walk-in cooler;
Install a spray booth;
Install or upgrade an exhaust system; or
Any other project Building staff deem necessary
Why get a Building Permit?
Building permits are required before you build, demolish, repair or alter most buildings, decks, mezzanines, retaining walls, garages, carports, secondary suites, swimming pools, plumbing, sprinklers, furnaces or structures in the City of Port Coquitlam.
It is important to get a Building Permit before beginning your project to:
Protect the safety of occupants,
Ensure you won’t have to tear your work down and start over with the required permits,
Avoid additional permits and fees incurred if you build without a permit,
Reassure buyers who avoid purchasing buildings with unauthorized construction,
Maintain the value of your home, and
Ensure any new buildings and structures comply with all building regulations including the Building and Plumbing Bylaw, the BC Building Code and Zoning Bylaw regulations.
Obtaining a Building Permit will also allow your future business tenants to get a business licence, and keeps your insurance agent and neighbours happy.
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 or land use contracts. Contact BC Land Titles Office for further information.
Ensure your project is designed to comply with building regulations including the BC Building Code and 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.
Obtain information from the Engineering & Operations Department regarding the location and condition of water, storm and sanitary sewer services. This information can also be found on PoCoMAP.
If your building does not confirm to the siting requirements the Zoning Bylaw you may need at apply to the Board of Variance.
If your site is on a floodplain, a new or revised floodplain covenant may be required.
Other permits that may be required in addition to your building permit include:
Development Permit
Sprinkler Permit
Plumbing Permit
Energy Permit
Highway Use Permit if your project will temporarily use or impact the roads or traffic
Highway Encroachment Agreement (See Schedule A of Encroachment Bylaw) if you wish to occupy public property
Demolition Permit if you a demolishing any structure currently on the property
Tree Cutting Permit
Density Bonus Program
The City has a density bonus policy allows developers to build to an increased density in exchange for a defined amenity contribution.
Please refer to the application checklist that is part of the Building Permit Application Form [PDF/364KB]. 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.
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 booking inspections online via a MyPortCoquitlam account.
Fire Inspection
Fire & Emergency Services will also conduct an onsite inspection. They will look for the location of existing hydrants, ensure that access to the project is suitable to accommodate Fire Department equipment in case of an emergency, confirm that an approved construction Site Safety Plan is in place. For more information, contact Fire & Emergency Services at 604.927.5466 or [email protected].
Gas and Electrical Permit and Inspections
Gas and electrical inspections will be required as part of the permitting process. These are conducted by the BC Safety Authority.
Electrical inspections: Provincial Government Safety Engineering Services Division, 2773 Barnet Highway, Coquitlam, telephone 604.927.2041. View more information.
Gas inspections: Provincial Government Safety Engineering Services Division, Unit 400-6th Street, New Westminster, telephone 1.866.566.7233. View more information.
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. A final inspection can be booked via your MyPortCoquitlam account.
Post Construction
After a passed final inspection, the Building Inspector will notify Engineering & Operations, which will then conduct their final inspection.
Fire & Emergency Services will also conduct inspections following project completion. Depending on the type of building, the Fire Department will inspect your premises either bi-annually or annually. Please refer to Section 9.1 of the Fire and Emergency Services Bylaw [PDF/462KB] for inspection frequency.
