Multi-Family Residential 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 Multi-Family Residential Permit Requirements handout 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. 

For works involving common property or common areas, or work to multiple units, refer to the Multi-Family Residential Permit Requirements handout 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 plnpost@newwestcity.ca , prior to submitting a building permit application.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• MyCity Profile

• Documents & Drawings

• 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 *
• 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