Getting Strata Council Approval for Renovations in BC
Strata Council Renovation Approval in BC
BC’s Strata Property Act governs what changes strata owners can make to their units. Understanding the approval process helps avoid costly disputes with your strata corporation.
What Requires Strata Approval
Under the Strata Property Act, owners need strata approval for “alterations” to a strata lot that affect the common property, common assets, or limited common property:
- Flooring changes (especially hard surface over carpet)
- Structural changes (removing walls)
- Changes to balcony or patio (limited common property)
- Modifications affecting building mechanical systems
- Changes to plumbing or electrical that could affect other units
The Approval Process
- Submit written application to strata council
- Include: scope of work, contractor name/insurance, timeline
- For structural/plumbing/electrical: include drawings and permit info
- Strata council votes at meeting (majority required)
- Approval letter provided with conditions
Typical Approval Conditions
- Construction hours (often 9am–5pm, no weekends)
- Elevator protection and booking requirement
- Contractor must carry minimum $2M CGL insurance
- Restoration of any common areas disturbed
- Acoustic underlay specification for hard flooring
What If Strata Refuses?
If strata unreasonably refuses approval, you can apply to the Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) for a determination. The standard is whether the strata acted reasonably under the Strata Property Act.
→ See also: Vancouver Renovation Planning Guide
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