About Building Approvals

Building Approvals regulates building construction and design in Richmond through the enforcement of the Provincial Code and National Building Standards and the City’s Zoning, Building and Tree Protection Bylaws to ensure Richmond’s built environment is safe and reflects the City’s planning priorities.

Through the permitting process, building design and construction are reviewed and inspected to ensure that:

• buildings and structures are constructed in a manner which meets minimum life, fire, and health safety requirements.
• appropriate access is provided to property.
• business standards are appropriate to the community.
• nuisances are minimized.
• incompatible land uses have appropriate separation.
• construction complies with City's planning priories. (Review)
• City's urban forest is preserved during construction.

How to apply for a permit electronically
View your permit application status online

Residential Single or Two Family Dwellings Complete application forms & checklists for your home renovation or construction projects	Commercial or Multi-Family Buildings  Complete application forms & checklists for your commercial renovation or construction projects	Urban Forestry on Private Property Find forms and information relating to trees on private property
Request an Inspection Schedule, cancel  or view inspection results	Bylaws & Bulletins Find information on bylaws & bulletins pertaining to permits Find out more - Bylaws » Find out more - Bulletins »	House Move & Salvage Find sustainable ways to reduce demolition waste
Letters of Assurance Complete these Letters of Assurance forms for all projects	Building Permit Reports Search the records of weekly and monthly reports of issued permits	FAQs Find answers for frequently asked questions

​Information Disclaimer
Some information on this website includes material obtained from other agencies and levels of government. While every effort is made to ensure that the City is providing the most current material, only the agency or level of government that the material originated from can verify that you have obtained the most up to date version. The City does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the material.