Before You Apply for a Building Permit: My Top Advice

Number one: talk to the city first

Reach out to the city before you design, and ask exactly what the steps are, what's allowed and what's required. Take a thorough look at the whole thing: what you're allowed and not allowed to do.

In my experience with the City of Vancouver, you can request a free virtual appointment with the City Permit Center through the city's Virtual Appointments page (official source). I propose the work, and each department, like zoning and building code, answers questions. It's a 30-minute call or Zoom, and I've never paid for one; the city says there is no charge for a Virtual Appointment.

A few things to know: the city describes these as general information sessions, not a substitute for the application, plan review or permit issuance process. A permit specialist replies to your request within 1 to 2 business days, and the property has to be inside Vancouver city limits.

Some people jump straight into design, and then the city doesn't allow it.

Don't forget your HOA

City approval doesn't mean HOA approval. Sometimes the county or city allows a project but the HOA rules don't. I've seen a client get the green light from the city, only to find an HOA rule didn't allow it, and they ended up paying out of pocket because of a rule they weren't aware of. Check your HOA rules before you design.

Know what a permit covers

My work covers the permit itself: I take the project through city or county approval and send out the approved plans. Once construction starts, each trade pulls its own permits, like mechanical, electrical and plumbing, and that part is outside my scope.

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