Apply for an archaeology permit

You can submit an application to the Archaeology Branch for an archaeology permit under the Heritage Conservation Act (HCA).

On this page

• Authority for site protection and permitting
• Permit costs
• Permit application process and timelines
• Permit applications and guides

Authority for site protection and permitting

Protecting heritage in B.C. is a shared responsibility. Archaeological sites on public and private land are protected under the HCA. There are multiple ways that sites are protected under the act:

• Automatically protected by virtue of having historic or archaeological value under section 12.1 - Heritage protection
• Designated as a Provincial Heritage Site under section 9 - Heritage designation or section 11.1 - Provincial heritage properties
• Protected under section 4 – Agreements with First Nations

The HCA also affords discretionary authority in determining if, and under what conditions, permits are granted under section 12.1 - Heritage protection and section 12.4 - Power to issue or amend permits. For specific permit types:

• Heritage inspection permits are issued under section 12.2 Heritage inspection and heritage investigation by permit
• Alteration permits are issued under section 12.4 Power to issue or amend permits
• Heritage investigation permits are issued under section 12.2 Heritage inspection and heritage investigation by permit

Permit costs

The Province does not charge fees for archaeological permits.

Any individual or organization carrying out activities that require an archaeological permit under the HCA are responsible for the costs of archaeological work conducted under that permit.

Permit application process

Permit applications must be submitted by an archaeologist through the Archaeology Permit Tracking System (APTS).

Once received by the branch, applications follow this process:

• All permit applications require technical review by the Archaeology Branch
• The branch will then send the application to all affected First Nations for a minimum 30-day referral (can be longer depending on the Nation)
• All comments or concerns received from First Nations during this process, including appropriate accommodations, are considered
• The branch decides whether or not to issue a permit, and if so, under what terms and conditions

Refer to the Heritage Conservation Act Permitting Process Policy Guide (PDF, 1.8MB) for additional details.

Please note:

• Seasonal variations may affect timelines (for example, most applications are submitted to the Archaeology Branch between January and May)
• Archaeologists are advised to inform the Archaeology Branch of seasonal or financial timelines associated with the HCA applications

Permit amendments

HCA permits can be amended to provide different archaeological methods, expand the scope of the project, or extend the expiration date. Please see appendix E of the Heritage Conservation Act Permitting Process Policy Guide (PDF, 1.8MB) for information on extending or amending permits.

Permit applications and guides

Application forms and templates:

• Alteration Permit Application (s12.4) (DOCX, 125KB)
• Heritage Inspection Permit Application (s12.2) (PDF, 2.4MB)
• Heritage Investigation Permit Application (s12.2) (DOCX, 150KB)
• Experience Summary for Field Director Applicants (XLSX, 15KB)
• Permit Application Client Certification Form (PDF, 133KB)

Guides and reference materials:

• Heritage Conservation Act Permit Application Guidance (PDF, 527MB)
• Heritage Conservation Act Permitting Process Policy Guide (PDF, 1.8MB)
• Property Owner Brochure (PDF, 155KB)
• Site Form, Mapping and Spatial Requirements (PDF, 900KB)

The Archaeology Branch provides an online library of reference materials, technical bulletins and policies and other resources for governments, property owners and developers.