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Multi-Family Residential Alterations

Interior and exterior works to a multi-family building, including but not limited to, altering interior walls, disrupting a fire separation, replacement of bathtubs or showers, enclosing a patio, building envelope and building membrane repairs, will require building permits.

Application Guides And Related Documents

The guides below provide the requirements for each permit type. Please read the appropriate guide and checklist to ensure fulfilment of all requirements prior to the submittal of an application.

Guide For Multi-Family Residential Alteration Permits

Single Suite Alterations

For works confined within an existing suite in a multi-family building, including relocation of walls, disruption of fire separations, or installation/ replacement of a bathtub or shower, a building permit is required. refer to the Guide For Multi-Family Residential Alteration Permits for a listing of required drawings and documents.

  • Bathtub & Shower Replacement

Replacement of bathtubs or showers in a multi-family building do require both a building and plumbing permit. This is to ensure that the work done meets the requirements of the Building & Plumbing Codes, that plumbing works will not negatively impact the building as a whole, and that all plumbing penetrations through a fire separation are correctly firestopped.

  • Altering Wood Frame Partition Walls

For work which involves altering, removing, or relocating wood framed interior partition walls, a report from a Professional Structural Engineer will be required, certifying that the walls altered are not structural.

Common Area Alterations & Work Involving Multiple Suites

For works involving common property or common areas, or work to multiple units, refer to the Guide For Multi-Family Residential Alteration Permits for a listing of general requirements. Please note that additional may be required, depending on the scope of work. This may include, but not be limited to, involvement of registered professionals, sealed professional schedules and drawings, or Planning Division or Engineering Department review. For more information regarding requirements for a specific scope of work, please contact the Building Division at 604-527-4580.

  • Building Envelope & Membrane Repair

Repair of Building Envelope & Membrane, including cladding, and doors & windows, requires the involvement of a Building Envelope Consultant.

  • Work Requiring Planning Division Review

Changes to the exterior of the building, installation of additional dwelling units, change of use of storage or amenity spaces, or removal of parking spaces may require a review by the Planning Division during the permit application review. To inquire whether a specific project will require Planning Division approval prior to permit issuance, please contact Planning at 604-527-4532, or at , prior to submitting a building permit application.

Building Permit Application - Alterations And Small Projects

This application is designed for alterations to existing buildings and small-scale construction projects.

Apply for a building permit by email or online using the options below. 

Apply by Email

Download and complete the required forms:

Multi-Family Residential Alteration Building Permit Application Package

Once complete, email all required documents and drawings to:

Submission requirements:

  • All documents must be attached as PDF files (no links).

  • We do not accept documents shared via cloud-based services (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox).

  • If your files are too large to email, please contact us to request access to our FileShare site.

Applications will be reviewed by staff once all required documentation has been received. Complete submissions will be accepted for processing.

Apply Online

Before You Apply

What You'll Need

  • MyCity Profile

Register or log in before starting.

  • Documents & Drawings

Required items include:

  • Current Title Search (within 30 days)

  • Letter of Authorization (if applying on behalf of owner)

  • Company/Society Summary or Solicitor’s Letter (if property is owned by a company)

  • Consent of Strata (if applicable)

  • Project drawings and other documents based on scope

  • Additional Permits

Some projects require additional permits as part of this process. Depending on your scope of work, you may need to apply for a Tree Permit, or obtain precursor approvals such as Development Permits or Heritage Alteration Permits. If these are required, the system will prompt you to complete the relevant sections before you can continue.

  • Payment

A non-refundable application fee is required and must be paid by credit card at the time of submission.

  • File Guidelines

    • Formats: PDF, DOCX, JPG, JPEG

    • Max size: 10 MB per file

    • Clear names (e.g., 123 Main St Site Plan.pdf)

    • If too large: compress, split or convert.

Tips For A Smooth Application

  • Be prepared - review all requirements before starting the application

  • Complete all fields marked with *

  • Ensure you have a reliable internet connection, wait for each page to load fully and avoid using your browser’s Back button, refreshing the page, or clicking Back/Continue repeatedly, as these actions can cause errors or duplicate submissions

  • Double-check signatures and documents before submitting

Choose A Building Category

Choose the option below that best describes the category of the building that you will be altering:

Multi-Family Unit - Strata - Owner-Occupied

Choose this option for alterations to a single Strata-Titled Multi-Family Unit – Owner-Occupied (e.g., Condominium, Apartment, Townhouse, Rowhouse)

Multi-Family Unit - Rental Or Co-Op

Choose this option for alterations to a single Multi-Family Unit – Rental or Co-Op (e.g., Condominium, Apartment, Townhouse, Rowhouse)

Multi-Family Building - Strata

Choose this option for alterations to a Strata-Titled Multi-Family Building (2 or more Units and/or Common Area)

Multi-Family Building - Non-Strata

Choose this option for alterations to a Privately Owned Multi-Family Building (2 or more Units and/or Common Area)