Archaeology permits

Altering an archaeological site without a permit is prohibited under the Heritage Conservation Act. This applies to sites on public and private land, regardless whether the site has been recorded or disturbed.

To find out if you need a permit, submit an archaeological information request.

On this page

• Types of archaeological permits in B.C.
• Permit costs
• Permit application process and timelines
• Authority for site protection and permitting
• Permit guidance and reference materials
• Archaeology Permit Tracking System (APTS)

Types of archaeological permits in B.C.

Heritage Inspection Permit (HIP)

• The purpose of a HIP is to determine whether there is an archaeological site on a property and to assess how development will impact it
• A HIP allows an archaeologist to conduct subsurface testing and collect artifacts to identify whether an archaeological site is present
• To apply for a HIP, you will need to hire an archaeologist
• ​Heritage Inspection Permit Application (PDF, 2.4MB)

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Alteration Permit

• If a site is present, you must have an Alteration Permit to impact or disturb the site
• An Alteration Permit may be issued if the Archaeology Branch understands how development is going to impact the site – this may require you to complete an Archaeological Impact Assessment
• An Alteration Permit allows for land-altering activities within an archaeological site in a way that ensures their care. A permit may allow activities such as capping or impacting a site. Some activities may require the oversight of an archaeologist
• The Branch may not approve an initial request, resulting in changes to the design or footprint of a building to minimize impacts to an archaeological site
• Depending on the complexity of the proposed alterations, an owner or developer may submit the application themselves, or retain a responsible archaeologist to support the application process
• ​Alteration Permit Application (DOCX 145 KB)  - Updated Aug 30, 2024

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Heritage Investigation Permit

• A Heritage Investigation Permit is used to support GIS-based Archaeological Overview Assessments, in response to a natural disaster or climate change initiative, academic research, Indigenous-led research, or extensive studies of  a known archaeological site to advance cultural and scientific knowledge.
• A Heritage Investigation Permit allows for more significant excavations to learn specific details about an archaeological site, to mitigate impacts as archaeological information might otherwise be lost during development
• ​Heritage Investigation Permit Application (DOCX 158 KB) - Updated Aug 30, 2024

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Oil and gas project permit applications

• The BC Energy Regulator (BCER) has the authority to issue HCA permits related to oil and gas development. Contact the BCER for more information

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Comparative table of archaeological permits

• For a more detailed description of permit types, you can download this Table Comparing Archaeological Studies and Permits (PDF 365 KB) for a quick side-by-side comparison of their descriptions, scopes, considerations, and requirements.

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Other permits

• In addition to permits issued under the HCA, licensees, property owners, and/or developers may require other permits unrelated to the archaeological work – such as forestry cutting permits and municipal development permits.
• Contact the Housing Navigator Service to determine what authorizations, including local government permits, are needed for your project.

Permit costs

• The Province does not charge any fees for archaeological permits
• Developers and home owners will need to hire a private archaeologist to apply for most permits
• Developers and home owners are responsible for the costs of archaeological work conducted under a permit. These costs can be minimized by taking early action and employing a low-impact approach to development
• The costs of archaeological work may vary depending on the complexity of the project, the location of the project, and the party providing the services

Permit application process and timelines

• All permit applications require technical review by the Archaeology Branch
• The Archaeology 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 Archaeology Branch decides whether or not to issue a permit, and if so, under what terms and conditions
• HCA Permitting Process Policy Guide (PDF 1.79 MB) provides additional details

Please note:

• Seasonal variations may affect timelines (e.g., 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 HCA Permitting Process Policy Guide (PDF 1.79 MB) for information on extending or amending permits.

Authority for site protection and permitting

Protecting heritage in B.C. is a shared responsibility. Archaeological sites on both public and private land are protected under the Heritage Conservation Act (HCA). There are multiple ways that sites are protected under the HCA:

• 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:

• HIPs are issued under section 12.2 of the HCA
• Alteration Permits are issued under section 12.4 of the HCA
• Heritage Investigation Permits are issued under section 12.2 of the HCA

Permit guidance and reference materials

The archaeology branch provides a robust online library of reference materials that include forms, guides, and templates for both citizens and professionals as well as technical bulletins and policies for a variety of organizations, governments and professionals. On those pages, you will find things like: 

• HCA Permitting Process Policy Guide (PDF 1.79 MB)
  • ​Inform the choice and content of your permit application or amendment
• HCA Permit Application Guidance (PDF 527 MB)
  • Use this guide to complete your permit application
• Property Owner Brochure (PDF 529 KB) 
  • Information for home and property owners thinking about starting a project
• Permit Application Client Certification Form (PDF 133 KB) 
  • Required for professional consulting archaeologists' clients to sign to confirm that they have read and agree with the content of the application being submitted on their behalf
• Site Form and Mapping Requirements (PDF 9.7 MB) 
  • Important standards for all permitting and assessment maps and shapefiles being submitted to the Archaeology Branch

Archaeology Permit Tracking System (APTS)

The Archaeology Permit Tracking System (APTS) is an online portal used by professional consulting archaeologists and Archaeology Branch employees to manage archaeological applications and permits throughout their lifecycle. It is not available to the general public. Learn more about the system on our APTS page.