The idea of building your own custom home from top to bottom can be an exciting vision yet a complicated journey if you are unfamiliar with city bylaws and regulations. By hiring a professional contractor you will avoid unnecessary delays and/or mistakes when it comes to the initial phases of applying for a building permit. A professional contractor will have experience working with different municipalities and will understand specific timelines to make the initial phases of building your dream home that much easier. The City of Vancouver outlines specific instructions on navigating through city hall in order to obtain your building permit prior to constructing your dream home and bases their regulation on new construction by three main bylaws: Zoning & Development, Parking and Vancouver Building. Once you have hired your professional contractor you can expect to go through the following steps prior to being able to break ground and build your custom home in the City of Vancouver:
1. Zoning Regulations – Do your due diligence!
Specific zones have different requirements when it comes to building a home in the City of Vancouver. Check out the City of Vancouver zoning map to search the address of your land or dwelling, and understand the permitted land uses prior to applying for a permit.
Another option is the City of Vancouver’s own Geographic Information System (GIS) “VanMap” which allows you to understand your property in greater detail including: zoning information, property lines, assessed values, amenities, services, height limits and much more.
Once you have researched the zoning information you will be required to obtain three copies of a land survey, an official or existing building grade, a signed statement from a professional structural engineer and lastly to meet with engineering services in order to receive water and sewer connection information. Once these steps have been taken an online application form will be filled out as well as a plan requirement checklist prior to applying for your permit.
2. Pre-Application – Have your ducks in a row
Once you have filled out the required forms and checklists you must visit the Development and Building Services Centre at City Hall for an intake appointment where you will go through a preliminary review to ensure you have the correct information on your paperwork and drawings. This is where you will pay your application fee based on the type of dwelling you are construction. A typical one-family dwelling application fee is currently $1,600.00 with the City of Vancouver.
3. Plan Review and Permit Issuance – It’s time to build!
Your plans will then be reviewed in further detail by a Project Coordinator with the City to ensure all requirements are met based on city bylaws. Once your drawings have been approved and all fees have been paid your building and development permit will be issued and it is officially time to build your dream home!
4. Construction Phase – The journey begins
Once construction commences certain trades will require their own permits (for example an electrician will require its own electrical permit) and work will be eligible for routine inspections by the Development and Building Services Centre.
While the process may seem simple once broken down you must keep in mind that there are wait periods between different steps therefore you should plan accordingly. Be prepared, do your due diligence and be patient and understanding of any changes that may come up during the process. The most efficient way to avoid unnecessary delays and headaches is to hire a professional contractor to assist you through these steps. They will help you along each step of the way so that building your dream home is stress free and ultimately an enjoyable process.
More information about zoning and building in the City of Vancouver visit the Development and Building Services Centre at Vancouver City Hall can be found here.
Have questions? Book your complimentary consultation today with an SC Morgan professional: email info@scmorgan.ca
