Building permits — West Vancouver, British Columbia
Do I need a building permit? What does it cost?
In the District Municipality of West Vancouver, British Columbia, building permit rules are set by Building Bylaw No. 5340, 2025 and 1 other bylaw, verified 2026-09-24. Permit required for: constructing, repairing or altering a Building or Structure, including a Retaining Wall; moving, demolishing, changing use or occupancy. Exemptions: fences (except Part 19), accessory Building under 10 square metres not creating hazard, trellis, arbour, landscaping, Retaining Wall under 1.2 metres. Fees set in: Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5251, 2023.
Building Bylaw No. 5340, 2025
adopted bylaw
permit required for
constructing, repairing or altering a Building or Structure, including a Retaining Wall; moving, demolishing, changing use or occupancy
s. 7.1
exemptions
fences (except Part 19), accessory Building under 10 square metres not creating hazard, trellis, arbour, landscaping, Retaining Wall under 1.2 metres
s. 4.3
fees location
Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5251, 2023
s. 2.1
authority
Building Inspector
s. 6.2(a)
fine range
not more than $50,000.00
s. 27.1
scout note
Administers the BC Building Code in West Vancouver; requires building, mechanical, electrical and demolition permits for most construction, sets Building Inspector powers, inspections, certificates of occupancy and swimming pool rules. Permit fees are set in the separate Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5251, 2023.
Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5251, 2023 (Schedule A - Building Permits)
adopted bylaw
fee basis
Based on Construction Value: $140.00 minimum; $140.00 plus $13.70 per $1,000.00 over $5,001.00; $3,496.00 plus $13.00 per $1,000.00 over $250,001.00; $6,746.00 plus $11.90 per $1,000.00 over $500,001.00; $9,721.00 plus $10.80 per $1,000.00 over $750,001.00.
Schedule A - BUILDING PERMIT FEES BASED ON THE CONSTRUCTION VALUE
fine range
Permit fee doubled if work commenced prior to issuance, to a maximum of $2,000.00.
The Permit fee is doubled if the work is commenced
scout note
Sets building permit fees under Bylaw No. 5340: a non-refundable application fee (greater of $140 or 50% of permit fee) plus a permit fee scaled to declared construction value, with reductions for professional/certified plan review.