New permit and service fees in effect January 1, 2024
Due to service levels and holiday hours, applications received in December may be:
- Processed in the new year
- Subject to 2024 fees
Submit your completed application as soon as possible to be eligible for processing in 2023.
You will need a:
- Plumbing permit to install, change, or upgrade any part of a plumbing system
- Gas permit to install or replace a natural gas appliance, piping, or venting
You will not need a plumbing permit to:
- Repair or replace valves or faucets
- Repair or replace fixtures (as long as they remain in the same location)
- Clear stoppages in pipes or drains
- Repair leaks
Not sure if you need a permit?
Please contact the Development and Building Services Centre.
New electronic applications
Our new electronic applications allows you to submit permit applications electronically and perform other functions digitally. Currently, some permits can be submitted online and may include the payment of fees. We’re working on adding more permits online over time. Refer to your specific permit's steps for more information.
Learn more about submitting your permit application electronically
Steps to getting a gas or plumbing permit
Review the latest permit processing times
You may get a partial application fee refund when you withdraw your permit application (if the fee is refundable in its applicable by-law). Please note that an $85 administration fee will be required to process your refund request. Permit processing times as of December 1, 2023
Permit processing times will depend on the completeness of your application, how long it takes you to respond to our questions, and volume of instream applications to be processed.
| Type of permit |
Target We aim to issue 95% of permit applications in: |
Current In the last 3 months, we achieved our target for these percentage of applications: |
|---|---|---|
| Simple gas permits | 5 business days | 97% |
| Other gas permits requiring plan review | 25 business days | - |
| Simple plumbing permits | 5 business days | 97% |
| Other plumbing permits requiring plan review | 25 business days | 81% |
Buying a new furnace?
Hire a professional to ensure a safe, permitted, and quality installation. Watch this Fortis BC 
video for tips on hiring a contractor.
Resources and quick links
Online permit and licences portal
Register for an account, submit applications, view the status of applications, and book an inspection.
Steps to getting an inspection
Review the steps required to getting a plumbing or gas inspection.
Bulletins and advisories
Read our bulletins and advisories that interpret building and electrical bylaws and explain building technical and administrative regulations and processes.
Download a sewer connection placard PDF file (128 KB)
All sewer and storm inspections will require a connection placard to be clearly visible and attached to the stakes that identify the capped end of each connection.