Residential - Single Family

Demolition is the process of safely taking down and removing an existing building or structure from a property. It involves full removal of the building and is typically done to allow for new development on the site.

Tips for your application:

• Demolition Permits are required for structures 108 sq. ft. (10 m²) and larger.
• Seek written permission from the property owners (Letter of Authorization PL-40).
• Applications involving a strata corporation that is registered on title must be dissolved prior to new construction.
• Pay all taxes, fees and violations in advance for the property. To check if you have outstanding payments, contact the Tax Department at 604-276-4145.
• Consider moving or salvaging the building. Learn more at Demolition, Moving or Salvage Program
• If your property is rented, visit Types of Evictions for more information on your responsibilities as a landlord.
• Prepare all required plans and drawings identified in the application checklist and review Electronic File Submission Requirements.
• Check for other permit application requirements, visit Other Applications and Approvals
• Review the following:
  • The Good Neighbour Program brochure
  • Bulletin Building 55 - Rodent Abatement and Control Declaration
  • Demolition Waste and Recyclable Materials Bylaw No. 9516
  • Bulletin Building 56 – Hazardous Materials Reporting and Abatement Requirements
  • Bulletin Tree 03 – Protection of Existing Trees During Demolition and Construction
    
  • For a complete list, visit Bulletins

Information you need before applying

Property and site information

• Main address of property, number of buildings on site and square footage of the buildings
• Information about the tree’s impacting demolition on the site including:
  • how many trees are to be retained/protected
  • how many trees are to be removed
  • trees location (site property, neighbouring property* or City property)
  • Location, description and reason why trees located on City-owned land are requested for removal, if applicable.

*A separate Tree Permit Removal Application for the neighboring property tree removals is required.

Applicant, Owner and Contractor Information

You must have permission from the property owners before submitting an application.  Prepare the following:

• A Letter of Authorization (PL-40) signed by all property owners or
  
• If the property owner is a business:
  • A Letter of Authorization (PL-40), and
  • Notice of Articles.
• If the property was purchased within the last three months:
  • a Freehold Transfer Form

If known, the Demolition Contractor’s Richmond Business Licence Number or Metro-West Intermunicipal Business Licence Number* (*document upload required).

Waste and Recycling Information

Waste and recycling details for each building proposed for demolition including:

• Expected completion date
• Structure material type (eg. wood)
• Recyclable area (sq. ft.)
• Recycling amount in KG (walls/flooring, roofing, foundations / footings)

Submission Checklists

If you are applying online through MyPermit, refer to the application checklist for submission and document requirements that will be requested.

If you are applying in person, submit all applicable application documents, including the Demolition Application Form (PL-16) to Richmond City Hall or in ONE email to BuildingApplications@richmond.ca.

Forms For Upload

Forms for initial submission:

• Letter of Authorization (PL-40) - signed by all property owners
  • If the applicant is the sole owner, a letter of authorization is not required.
• Freehold Transfer Form A - Your lawyer/notary needs to complete this
• Schedule A - Demolition Waste Recycling Bylaw, page 9 and 10
• Housing Declaration Form (PL-60)
• Damage Deposit Form (EPW-1)
• Pre-issuance Forms:
  • Rodent Abatement and Control Declaration (PL-56)
  • Hazardous Material Abatement Declaration (PL-57)
• After the Final Demolition Inspection is approved submit:
  • Schedule B – Compliance Report, page 11
  • This form and the original receipts (no copies) must be submitted in person at Richmond City Hall.

A building permit for a single-family house (including duplex and triplex) allows you to construct a new building or structure, and confirms that the planned work meets safety, building code, zoning and development requirements before construction can begin.

Tips for your application

• Prior to making an application or to change the use of a property, review the zoning regulations in Zoning Bylaw 8500.
  • Select Part B for standard zone or Part C for a site-specific zone to confirm building requirements and approved uses for your location.
• Seek written permission from the property owners - Letter of Authorization (PL-40).
• Pay all taxes, fees and violations in advance for the property. To check if you have outstanding payments, contact the Tax Department at 604-276-4145.
• Check for other permit application requirements, visit Other Applications and Approvals.Prepare all required plans and drawings identified in the application checklist and review Electronic File Submission Requirements.
• Review the following:
  • TheGood Neighbour Program brochure
  • Bulletin Building-12 – Soils Information: Single/Two Family Dwellings
  • Bulletin Building-26 – Single Family Dwellings: Extent of Fill Disturbance on Lands in the Agricultural Land Reserve
  • Bulletin Building-28 – Size Limitations and Farm Home Plate Requirements for Residential Developments in AG1 Zone
    
  • Bulletin Building-38 – Energy Step Code: Part 9 Single Family Dwellings and Duplexes
  • Bulletin Building-54 – Concurrent Applications
  • Bulletin Building-58 – Radon Control for Part 9 Buildings
  • Bulletin Engineering-01 – Service Connection Requests
  • Bulletin Permits-56 – Zoning Regulation Summary Compliance
    
    

Information you need before applying

Review the information you need to collect before starting your online application:

Existing site and building information

Provide details about the current conditions on the subject property, including:

• Address of property and number of buildings on site being retained
• Number of bedrooms in the main home(s) and number of secondary suites.
• Identify if any of the following applications have been made for the subject site:
  • Rezoning Application, Subdivision Permit, Servicing Agreement, Demolition Permit
  • Permit numbers are not required.
  • Development Permit or Development Variance Permit
  • Permit number is required.
  • If you are unsure of the permit number, you can contact Zoning@richmond.ca 

Proposed construction details

Provide information about the proposed development, including:

• Details about the proposed building including:
  • Number of principal dwelling units (main homes) and/or secondary suites.
  • Number of bedrooms in each dwelling unit proposed and if the building will have Low-End Market Rental Units
  • Number of storeys the building will have
  • If fire suppression sprinklers are to be installed or modified
• Details about the works to the site, including:
• Who is providing the service connection design (City or Consultant)
• Approximate cost of the project including the cost of plans, labour, fees, taxes, profit, consulting, construction management, materials, insurance, etc.
  • Do not include costs for finishing touches such as furniture, fixtures, and appliances.

Applicant, Owner and Contractor Information

You must have permission from the property owners before submitting an application.
Prepare one of the following:

• A Letter of Authorization (PL-40) signed by all property owners or
• If the property owner is a business:
• A Letter of Authorization (PL-40), and
• Notice of Articles.
• If the property was purchased within the last three months, a notary or lawyer will provide a Freehold Transfer Form.

The General Contractor’s Richmond Business Licence Number or Metro-West Intermunicipal Business Licence Number* (*document upload required).

The number of registered professionals involved in the project

Submission Checklists and Application Forms

Forms For Upload

A building permit for renovations and alterations allows you to change, repair or upgrade an existing building or structure. This includes:

• removal and construction of structural and non-structural components;
• building systems;
• accessibility features;
• lot improvements; and
• other activities such as installing solar panels, swimming pools, and septic systems.

Tips for your application

• Prior to making an application or to change the use of a property, review the zoning regulations in Zoning Bylaw 8500.
  • Select Part B for standard zone or Part C for a site specific zone to confirm building requirements and approved uses for your location.
• Seek written permission from the property owners - Letter of Authorization (PL-40).
• Pay all taxes, fees and violations in advance for the property. To check if you have outstanding payments, contact the Tax Department at 604-276-4145.
• Prepare all required plans and drawings identified in the application checklist and review Electronic File Submission Requirements.
• Check for other permit requirements by visiting Other Applications and Approvals.
• Review the following:
  • The Good Neighbour Program brochure
  • Bulletin Building-12 – Soils Information: Single/Two Family Dwellings 
  • Bulletin Building-14 – Commercial Cooking Equipment 
  • Bulletin Building-29 – Size limitations for Residential Developments Zoned RS1/F or RS1/G 
  • Bulletin Building-49 – Single Family Dwellings – Swimming Pools 
  • Bulletin Building-54 – Concurrent Applications 
  • Bulletin Building-56 – Hazardous Materials Reporting and Abatement Requirements 
  • Bulletin Building-58 – Retrofit Installation of Solar Photovoltaic Panels on Sloped Roofs 
  • Bulletin Permits-34 – Hazardous Gases, Dust, and Liquids 
  • Bulletin Engineering-01 – Service Connection Requests 
  • Zoning Bylaw 8500
  • Zoning Bylaw 8500 Section 7 – Off Street Parking and Loading
    
    

  For a complete list of bulletins, visit Bulletins

  Information you need before applying

  Review the information you need to collect before starting your online application below:

  Existing site and building information

  Provide details about the current conditions on the subject property, including:

  
  
  • Address(es) of property
  • Number of bedrooms in the main home(s) and number of secondary suites.
    
  • Identify if any of the following applications have been made for the subject site:
    
    • Rezoning Application, Subdivision Permit, Servicing Agreement, Demolition Permit
      • Permit numbers are not required.
        
    • Development Permit or Development Variance Permit
      • Permit number is required.
      • If you are unsure of the permit number, you can contact Zoning@richmond.ca

   

  Proposed construction details

  Provide information about the proposed development, including:
  

  • Details about the proposed construction including:
    • A description of the work being proposed.
    • The proposed size of additions and whether the floor area ratio will increase
      • Floor Area Ratio maximums can be found within the Zoning Bylaw.
        
    • The intended use of the property such as childcare or legalizing suites.
    • How many dwelling units or secondary suites will be added/legalized.
    • The location and cost of the proposed work (interior costs and/or exteriorcosts).
  • Whether any structural, non-structural, building systems, and lot improvements will be involved - see Addition/Alteration Definitions Guide (PL-63).
  • Details about the works to the site, including:
    • If the lot will be filled or, raised with soil, or contains peat.
    • If the fill exceeds 2 ft. or 0.6 m (0.1 hectare for farmland).
    • If trees conflict with construction.
    • Who is providing the service connection design (City or Consultant), if required.
  • Approximate cost of the project including the cost of plans, labour, fees, taxes, profit, consulting, construction management, materials, insurance, etc.
    • Do not include costs for finishing touches such as furniture, fixtures, and appliances.

   

  Applicant, Owner and Contractor Information

  You must have permission from the property owners before submitting an application.
  Prepare one of the following:

  
  
  • A Letter of Authorization (PL-40) signed by all property owners
  • If the property owner is a business:
    • A Letter of Authorization (PL-40); and
    • Notice of Articles.
      
  • If the property was purchased within the last three months, a notary or lawyer will provide a Freehold Transfer Form.

  
  If known, the Demolition Contractor’s Richmond Business Licence Number or Metro-West Intermunicipal Business Licence Number* (*document upload required).

  The number of registered professionals involved in the project.

  Submission Checklists

  If you are applying online through MyPermit,  refer to the application checklist for submission and document requirements that will be requested.

  If you are applying in person, submit all applicable application documents, including the Building Permit Application Form - Addition and Alterations (PL-43) to Richmond City Hall or in ONE email to BuildingApplications@richmond.ca.

  Forms For Upload

  Forms for initial submission:

  • Letter of Authorization (PL-40) – signed by all property owners
    
    • If the applicant is the sole owner, a letter of authorization is not required.
  • Freehold Transfer Form – if ownership changed within 3 months of application
    
  • Land Title Search – dated within 60 days of application
    
  • Schedule A – required when there is more than one registered professional
    
  • Schedule B – Must be digitally signed, sealed and verifiable
  • Schedule E – required for each registered professional
    
  • Schedule F – required if project involves structural components or a swimming pool
    
  • Hazardous Material Declaration Form (PL-57) – for pre-1990 buildings
    
  • Traffic and Parking Plan During Construction (TO-2)
  • Zoning Regulation Summary (PL-46) – Additions only
    
  • Ministry of Environment – Site Disclosure Statement Form – Additions only
    

   

  Forms for Pre-Issuance:

  • Damage Deposit Form (EPW-1)

Small‑scale multi‑unit housing is a house‑like form of housing that allows a small number of homes (1 to 6 units, depending on lot size and location) on a single lot. Each home has its own front door and outdoor access, and the building is designed to match the height, yards, and overall look of nearby houses. It is built on one existing lot to fit smoothly into established neighbourhoods.

Tips for your application

• For Small-Scale Multi-Use Buildings, review Bulletin Planning-09 - Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing for detailed information on application requirements and rules.
• A maximum of two buildings and between 1-6 units are permitted on one property depending on lot size.
• Prior to making an application or to change the use of a property, review the zoning regulations in Zoning Bylaw 8500.
  • Select Part B for standard zone or Part C for a site specific zone to confirm building requirements and approved uses for your location.
• Seek written permission from the property owners - Letter of Authorization (PL-40) and/or the Strata.
• Pay all taxes, fees and violations in advance for the property.
  • Unsure if you have outstanding payments, contact the Tax Department at 604-276-4145.
• Check for other permit requirements by visiting Other Applications and Approvals.
• Prepare all required plans and drawings identified in the application checklist and review Electronic File Submission Requirements.
• Review the following:
  • The Good Neighbour Program brochure
  • Bulletin Planning-9 – Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing
  • Bulletin Building-12 – Soils Information: Single/Two Family Dwellings
  • Bulletin Building-29 – Size Limitations for Residential Developments Zoned RS1/F or RS1/G
  • Bulletin Building-38 – Energy Step Code: Part 9 Single Family Dwellings and Duplexes
  • Bulletin Building-54 – Concurrent Applications
  • Bulletin Building-56 – Hazardous Materials Reporting and Abatement Requirements
  • Bulletin Building-58 – Radon Control for Part 9 Buildings
  • Bulletin Permits-34 – Hazardous Gases, Dust, and Liquids
  • Bulletin Permits-56 – Zoning Regulation Summary Compliance
  • Bulletin Engineering-01 – Service Connection Requests
• For a complete list of bulletins, visit Bulletins.

Information you need before applying

Review the information you need to collect before starting your application.

Existing site and building information

Provide details about the current conditions on the subject property, including:

• Address of property and number and type of buildings being retained on site.
• Number of bedrooms and number of secondary suites in the current structure.
• Identify if any of the following applications have been made for the subject site:
  • Rezoning Application, Subdivision Permit, Servicing Agreement, Demolition Permit
    • Permit numbers are not required.
  • Development Permit or Development Variance Permit
    • Permit number is required.
    • If you are unsure of the permit number, you can contact zoning@richmond.ca.

Proposed construction details

Provide information about the proposed development, including:

• Details about the proposed building including:
  • Number of principal dwelling units and secondary suites in the proposed home(s).
  • Number of bedrooms in each dwelling unit proposed and if any will have Low-End Market Rental Units.
  • Number of storeys the building will have.
  • If fire suppression sprinklers are to be installed.
• Details about the site, including:
  • If the lot will be filled, raised, or contains peat
  • If the fill exceeds 2 ft. or 0.6 m (or 0.1 hectares for farmland)
  • If trees conflict with construction
  • Who is providing the service connection design (City or Consultant)
• Approximate cost of the project including the cost of plans, labour, fees, taxes, profit, consulting, construction management, materials, insurance, etc.
  • Do not include costs for finishing touches such as furniture, fixtures, appliances.

Applicant, Owner and Contractor Information

• A Letter of Authorization (PL-40) signed by all property owners, or
• If the property owner is a business:
• A Letter of Authorization (PL-40), and
• Notice of Articles.
• If the property was purchased within the last three months, a notary or lawyer will provide a Freehold Transfer Form.

Submission Checklists

Forms For Upload

• Letter of Authorization (PL-40) - signed by all property owners. If the applicant is the sole owner, a letter of authorization is not required
• Freehold Transfer Form - if ownership changed within 3 months of application
• Proof of Strata approval – if property is stratified
• Land Title Search
• Schedule A – required when there is more than one registered professional
  
• Schedule B – Must be digitally signed, sealed and verifiable
• Schedule E (PL-36) – required for each registered professional
  
• Schedule F (PL-36) – required when there are registered professionals
  
• Zoning Regulation Summary (PL-46)
• Pre-construction BC Energy Compliance Form
• Email confirmation of Pre-construction BC Energy Compliance Form (see Bulletin Building-38 – Energy Step Code: Part 9 Single Family Dwellings and Duplexes) 
  
• Ministry of Environment – Site Disclosure Statement Form

• Damage Deposit Form (EPW-1)
• BC Housing – Register a New Home