Secondary Suites

• 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.
• Consider consulting 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.
• Refer to the Guide for Secondary Suites for detailed BC Building Code information for construction a suite.
• 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:

• Sprinkler Permit
• Energy Permit
• Plumbing Permit

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.

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 booking inspections online via a MyPortCoquitlam account.

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 (if applicable).