BC Home Renovation Permit Checklist: What You Need for Every Project
BC Building Permit Checklist by Project Type
Navigating which permits you need for a BC renovation is confusing. This master checklist covers the most common residential renovation projects and which permits are required in Metro Vancouver municipalities.
Kitchen Renovation
- Cosmetic only (no plumbing/electrical changes): No permit required
- Moving plumbing (sink location): Building permit + plumbing permit
- Adding electrical circuits: ESA permit (electrician applies)
- Gas appliance changes: Gas permit (gas fitter applies)
Bathroom Renovation
- Cosmetic (retile, new fixtures in place): No permit required
- Moving any plumbing: Building permit + plumbing permit
- Adding electrical (heated floor, new circuits): ESA permit
- Adding new bathroom: Building permit + plumbing permit + ESA
Secondary Suite
- Building permit (required — includes zoning review)
- Plumbing permit
- ESA electrical permit
- Gas permit (if adding gas appliances to suite)
Home Addition
- Building permit (required)
- Structural engineering drawings (required)
- Plumbing permit (if any plumbing in addition)
- ESA electrical permit
- Gas permit (if applicable)
- Energy compliance (Schedule B for Step Code)
Laneway House / Garden Suite
- Building permit
- Plumbing permit
- ESA permit
- Gas permit
- Separate address/unit designation (utility connections)
→ See also: Vancouver Renovation Planning Guide
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