Permit Connect B.C. - Housing

The B.C. government is streamlining processes to accelerate permits for housing projects and to improve service levels for homebuilders.

This page outlines how to access and use the Permit Connect Navigator service and provides instruction on how coordinated housing permitting works across different levels of government in B.C.

On this page

• How housing permitting works in B.C.
• First Nations engagement
• Local government permitting
• B.C. government permitting

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How housing permitting works in B.C.

Housing development is a multi-stage process. You may need permits from the B.C. government, and/or local governments. All levels of government are working together to simplify the permitting process for you.

The B.C. government is making significant changes to natural resource permitting in response to feedback received through the BC Housing Permitting What We Heard Report (PDF, 1.4MB).

There may be different requirements at each stage of your project. You may need short-term permits during construction (for example, a water Short Term Use Approval) or long-term permits (for example, a water licence to divert surface water).

Below you can learn about the housing permits you may need from all levels of government. If you have questions about which permits you may require, access the Permit Connect Navigator Service and a navigator will assist you

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First Nations engagement

While the B.C. government is responsible for consulting with First Nations, you are encouraged to engage with First Nations as early as possible in your planning process. This can help build relationships, share information and provide greater clarity and timeliness to your project.

• Learn more about consulting with First Nations
• Find contacts for First Nation Consultation Areas (interactive map)

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Local government permitting

You may require permits from your local government. Local governments are responsible for zoning and land use in their areas. Some permits are triggered at the local government level but also overlap with provincial level permitting, where they require additional support/approval. (For example, Riparian Area Protection Regulation and zoning bylaws.) The following links will help you in considering local zoning, bylaws, permitting rules, community readiness and environmental guidelines for development

• Find your municipality
• Contact your local government
• Learn about development permit areas
• Building Permit Hub - The Building Permit Hub helps you submit a building permit application through a streamlined and standardized approach across multiple jurisdictions in B.C.
• Learn about zoning for housing
• British Columbia Building Codes
• Land Development Toolkit - assess your community’s readiness to development.
• Develop with Care - Environmental Guidelines for Urban and Rural land development

You may need permits from Technical Safety BC or your local government to install electrical and gas systems. You may also need to check with your local health authority to ensure you are compliant with the Drinking Water Protection Act.

B.C. government permitting

The B.C. government issues a range of permits for housing development projects. 

Learn more in this section about the provincial permits commonly required for housing projects and the benefit of coordinating early in the development process.