Get an electrical permit

You will need an electrical permit to perform all electrical work unless you are:

Replacing defective fuses, receptacles, switches, or bulbs with units of similar type and rating
Making minor alterations, repairs, or additions to an installation covered by an existing annual electrical permit

Not sure if you need a permit?

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Need an annual (operating) permit? If your building has a service rated more than 500 KVA, you will need an annual (operating) permit. An annual permit authorizes the building's owner to maintain all existing operating electrical equipment. It also permits the building's owner to carry out minor electrical work. Review our annual electrical permit brochure PDF file (125 KB)

Permit for filming? All filming work in Vancouver requires an electrical permit, whether filming is done in studio or on location.

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.

Steps to getting an electrical permit

Step 1: Determine if you can apply for a permit

You must be a licensed electrical contractor with a valid City of Vancouver or inter-municipal business licence to apply for an electrical permit. Get a business licence

Exceptions

You own, and currently reside in the home
The home does not contain a secondary suite
No part of the home is rented to another person
Your electrical service is not above 200amp, 120/240
You will be doing all of the electrical work yourself
You are knowledgeable about this type of work (and are prepared to meet with and get approval from an electrical inspector)

Step 2: Apply for a permit and pay fees

A. Review fees

B. Submit forms and pay fees

All trades permit applications are processed in the order they are received
We aim to process applications (that do not require a review of plans) within five business days

Submit and pay fees online

Register for an online account (If you don't have an account.)
Submit your application
Pay fees

Drawings are required where the application involves new construction (except in the case of a new house or laneway house).

Need to withdraw your permit?

To withdraw a permit:

Log into your online account
Select the permit you want to withdraw
Select “withdraw permit” under the permit you want to change
Permit will automatically be withdrawn

Application fee refund

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.

To request a partial application refund, please phone 604-871-6060.

Step 3: Receive your permit and begin work

If your project requires a building permit, an electrical permit will not be issued until after your building permit has been issued. Once your permit is issued:

You will receive an email notification that it has been issued
You are able to begin work

All work must be inspected to have your permit finalized.

Need to make a change to your issued permit?

We understand that things change and that you may need to make changes to the scope of your permit after it has been issued.

To request a change to an issued permit:

Log into your online account
Select the permit you want to change
Select “request amendment” under the permit you want to change

Permit processing times as of August 1, 2024

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.

We aim to issue 95% of permit applications in:

In the last 3 months, we achieved our target for these percentage of applications:

Contact the Development and Building Services Centre

The Development and Building Centre is open for in-person scheduled appointments or payments.

Location and mailing address
Development and Building Centre
515 West 10th Avenue, Ground Floor
Vancouver, BC V5Z 4A8

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 an electrical inspection.

Bulletins and advisories
Read our bulletins and advisories that interpret building and electrical bylaws and explain building technical and administrative regulations and processes.

Safety Standards Appeal Board External website, opens in new tab
The Safety Standards Appeal Board is an adjudicative tribunal created under section 43 of the Safety Standards Act.