Building and Trade Permits

At UBC, all new building construction, renovations or building additions need a Building Permit.

Building Permits

UBC administers the BC Building Code for all building and construction activities on campus. This ensures the health, safety, and protection of people and property. All permit applications must comply with the current edition of the BC Building Code.

C+CP Permits and Inspections administers the BC Building Code on campus and issues permits for building and related construction activities.

Technical Safety BC administers electrical and gas trade permits for UBC buildings.

The approval process for a project is based on its scope and whether it is classified as a major or other project.

  • Projects with a construction value of less than $10 million. For these projects, C+CP reviews all Building Permit applications to ensure they comply with the BC Building Code and issues Building Permits accordingly. 
  • Projects have a construction value greater than $10 million. For these projects, C+CP retains an independent Coordinating Code Consultant (CCC) to perform third party plan review for compliance with the BC Building Code in addition to the internal review done by C+CP.  

A Building Permit (Major and Minor Capital Projects) is required for all construction regulated under the BC Building Code and UBC Development and Building Regulations, including:

  • New buildings
  • Additions to existing buildings
  • Renovations
  • Change of use of an existing building

All Building Permit applications and applicable fees must be submitted to C+CP Permits and Inspections. Fees are payable in accordance with the Schedule of Fees in effect at the time of application, as set out in the Building Permit Application Form and the UBC Development and Building Regulations. 

See Forms and Reference materials for all building permit forms.  

Trades Permits

Trade Permits must be obtained for all work regulated by the BC Building Code, UBC Development and Building Regulations and other policies. See Forms and Reference Materials page for all trade permit forms. 

Plumbing permits and fees are required for all UBC Vancouver projects that will include some type of fixture (e.g. roof drain, floor drain, hot water tank, commercial dishwasher, etc.). Sprinkler Permits are required for all UBC Vancouver projects. Depending on the project, your application may need to include sprinkler plans.

Plumbing/Fire Sprinkler Permit Application Form

Fire hydrant permits are mandatory for UBC to meet the requirements of several codes and regulations, the most critical being Section 6.6.4 of the British Columbia Fire Code. For UBC to meet the requirements of several important codes and regulations (e.g. BC Fire Code), a Hydrant Permit is required for temporary use of fire hydrants. Additional fees may apply. 

Fire Hydrant Connection Application Form 

Electrical, gas and elevator permits are issued by Technical Safety BC. 

Visit the Forms and Reference Materials page for all related application forms and reference materials. Questions? Contact us at permits.inspections@ubc.ca.