Plumbing Permits

A permit is required when you:

• Install plumbing fixtures and system components.
• Alter or extend an existing plumbing system.
• Install an in-ground swimming pool, spa pool, or hot tub.
• Install an in-ground irrigation sprinkler system.

A permit is not required for:

• Repairs to minor leaks in water pipes.
• Replacing plumbing fixtures (C.S.A.-approved only).
• Removing soil or waste pipe blockages (via system clean-outs only).

Additional Information

Replacement of bathtubs or showers in a multi-family building may require both a Building Permit and a Plumbing Permit. This helps ensure compliance with Building and Plumbing Code requirements and that all plumbing penetrations through fire separations are properly firestopped.

A permit is required when you:

• Install a new hydronic heating system.
• Alter or extend an existing hydronic heating system.

A permit is not required for:

• Minor repairs to leaks in hydronic heating systems.
• Regular scheduled maintenance.

A permit is required when you:

• Install a new sanitary sewer.
• Replace or alter an existing sanitary sewer.
• Install an in-ground swimming pool, hot tub, or spa pool (backwash drain connection to a sanitary sewer).
• Install a new drain tile system.
• Substantially alter or replace an existing drain tile system.
• Install a new water service.
• Replace an existing water service.

A permit is not required for:

• Minor repairs to an existing sanitary sewer (removal of blockages).
• Minor repairs to an existing water service (repair of a leak).
• Minor repairs to an existing drain tile system (removal of blockages and replacement of a damaged pipe section).
• Regular scheduled maintenance.

A permit is required when you:

• Install a new fire sprinkler system.
• Alter or extend an existing fire sprinkler system.

A permit is not required for:

• Minor repairs to an existing fire sprinkler system.
• Regular scheduled maintenance.
• Replacement of existing sprinkler system components.

A valid building permit must be issued in advance of applying for a plumbing permit, unless the work is exclusively plumbing related.

The applicant must:

• Provide evidence of Plumbing Trade Qualification (contractor only).
• Provide evidence of current City of New Westminster Business License (contractor only).
• Provide evidence of Home Ownership (homeowners only).
• Provide evidence of Approved Building Permit.
• Provide isometric drawings for dwellings units containing more than three bathroom groups (indicating both water pipe and drainage locations and sizes).
• Sign declaration assuring plumbing knowledge and responsibility for project (homeowner doing plumbing work themselves only).
• Provide all permit monies at the time of permit application.

Application Processing

Upon receipt of a Plumbing Permit application, review and processing by the Plumbing Department requires a minimum of 48 hours. This time line may be extended due to:

• volume of applications
• complexity of the project
• accuracy of the application

Permit Issuance

• The Plumbing permit will be issued following the acceptance of a complete permit application. The applicant will be emailed a copy of the Plumbing permit.

1. Rough Under Slab D.W.V. / Water Pipe / Water Service: All underground piping must be tested, inspected and approved before slab preparation and pour may continue.
2. Rough Above Slab D.W.V. / Water Pipe: All above slab piping must be tested, inspected and approved before proceeding with bathtub inspection.
3. Bathtubs, Showers and P-Traps: All bathtubs and showers to be under test, secured to framing, and have p-traps connected to the drainage system.
4. Final Plumbing Inspection: All fixtures and system components to be installed, cleaned and fully operational.

The applicant must:

• Provide evidence of Plumbing Trade Qualification (contractor only).
• Provide evidence of current City of New Westminster Business License (contractor only).
• Provide evidence of Home Ownership (homeowner only).
• Provide evidence of Approved Building Permit.
• Provide an appliance worksheet, heat loss summary, hydronic radiant floor panel worksheet and boiler room layout diagram (sealed, signed and dated by a Certified Hydronic Heating Designer).

Processing

Upon receipt of a hydronic heating permit application, review and processing by the Plumbing Department requires a minimum of 48 hours. This time line may be extended due to:

• volume of applications
• complexity of the project
• accuracy of the application

Permit Issuance

The hydronic heating permit will be issued following the acceptance of a complete permit application. The applicant will be emailed a copy of the hydronic heating permit.

1. Radiant Floor Panel Inspection: All in-slab piping must be inspected and approved before slab preparation and pour may continue (radiant systems).
2. Baseboard Rough Piping Inspection: All baseboard piping loops above and below slab must be inspected and approved before proceeding (baseboard systems).
3. Final Hydronic Heating Inspection: All appliances and system components to be installed, cleaned and fully operational as per designer's criteria. (A copy of Certification of Heating Systems form required to be on site for final inspection).

A valid building permit must be issued in advance of applying for a plumbing permit, unless the work is exclusively plumbing related.

The applicant must:

• Provide evidence of current City of New Westminster Business License (contractor).
• Provide evidence of Home Ownership (homeowner only).
• Provide evidence of Approved Building Permit (if required).
• Provide all permit monies at the time of permit application.

Please Note: When excavating to install or repair underground services, Tree Protection Clearance may be required.

Apply for a Tree Permit and review related information on our Tree Permit Page

Processing

Upon receipt of a service permit application, review and processing by the Plumbing Department requires a minimum of 48 hours. This time line may be extended due to:

• volume of applications
• complexity of the project
• accuracy of the application

Permit Issuance

The Services Permit will be issued following the acceptance of a complete permit application. The applicant will be emailed a copy of the services permit.

Backflow prevention assemblies have internal seals, springs and moving parts that can wear out. Backflow prevention assemblies must be tested after installation, and tested annually by a certified tester, in accordance with CSA B64.10

Effective May 1, 2022: Backflow assembly test reports for existing or replacement backflow testing will be managed by Backflow Solutions, Inc. (BSI). A $30.00 fee will be required to file a City of New Westminster test report with BSI.

For all existing backflow assemblies, an online test submission is mandatory.

Certified testers can register and submit test reports online through the BSI Online Website

Follow the steps in the Tester Introduction Brochure