Any construction project that involves building, plumbing or gas work requires a permit. City permits are also required for most signage on private property. Coquitlam businesses must also have a Business Licence as per requirements noted below.
All building and plumbing permit applications must be made in person at the City Hall Building Permits Division counter.
Common building related permits developers may require:
Building Permits
Building permits are required for all new construction, temporary buildings and for alterations to existing construction. For the purposes of permitting, structures such as towers, retaining walls over 1.2 m in height and storage tanks are considered buildings. Building permits are not required for storage or garden shed structures under 10 m2 in area, however they are required to comply with the setbacks stipulated in the Zoning Bylaw and you must obtain a siting permit.
Certain systems will require additional permits (plumbing, gas, electrical, etc.) as described below.
Plumbing Permits
A plumbing permit is required for all work carried out on a plumbing system (water supply, sewer, storm drainage, etc.). Exceptions to this requirement are:
Gas Permits
To find out when you need a gas permit, how to apply for one and general information regarding Gas Permits and inspections, please contact the BC Safety Authority at 604-927-2041. They are located at 2773 Barnet Highway, Coquitlam.
Electrical Permits
To find out when you need a electrical permit, how to apply for one and general information regarding Electrical Permits and inspections, please contact the BC Safety Authority at 604-927-2041. They are located at 2773 Barnet Highway, Coquitlam.
Sign Permit
Through the sign approval process, the City can ensure that new signs are placed in a proper location and erected in a safe manner. The City provides a City Sign Guide with information on the approval process; permitted signs, application submission requirements, and which also answers some frequently asked questions.
Fire Sprinkler Permit
A Fire Sprinkler Permit is required when performing any additions or alterations to a fire sprinkler system in a new or existing building.
Tree Management Bylaw and Tree Cutting Permits
The City of Coquitlam Tree Management Bylaw requires a property owner to apply for a Tree Cutting Permit before a tree, measuring 20 centimetres or more in diameter may be cut down. The Tree Management Bylaw applies to all properties in the City of Coquitlam. A Resource Guide Book provides helpful information to assist residents and developers through the required steps to apply for a Tree Cutting Permit application and help manage their property trees in accordance with City standards.
Except for cutting in steep slope areas and streamside protection and enhancement areas, some exemptions in the bylaw provides for:
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Cutting of up to two trees per calendar year on lots with less than 40 trees, and cutting of up to five percent of the tree resource per calendar year on parcels with more than 40 trees;
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Pruning of trees that does not interfere with the safe and healthy development of the tree;
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Cutting or removal of trees within a building envelope for the purpose of building and accessory building construction for approved development applications; and,
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Emergency modification or removal of damaged trees or tree parts that are in imminent danger of falling and injuring people or property.
For information on the bylaw and in completing a Tree Cutting Permit application for private property trees, including future development sites, contact the Environmental Services Arborist at 604-927-3482.
If you have a tree that you have a concern about, and it is on City property, please call 604.933.6226.
If the tree is on private property, please call 604. 927.3482.
Development Permit/Development Variance Permit
A Development Permit is necessary when applying to rezone property or if you are proposing to build on or subdivide property within a designated development permit area in the Citywide Official Community Plan. To find out if your property is within a designated development permit area, refer to the Citywide Official Community Plan or contact Planning and Development Department at 604-927-3430.
For further information on how to apply for a Development Permit, the basic requirements for a development permit application submission and the development permit process refer to:
Soils Conservation Permit
A Soils Conservation Permit is required when moving, removing or depositing soil in excess of 500 cubic metres or when changing the grade of a property by more than one metre.
For further information on how to apply for a Soils Conservation Permit, please refer to the Soils Conservation Guide.
Licences
Business Licences
The City of Coquitlam requires every person carrying on, maintaining, owning or operating within the City any profession, business, trade, or occupation, to hold a valid business licence. The Business Licence must be visibly displayed on the premises. Licence holders operating a mobile business must carry the licence on his or her person while working in Coquitlam. Licences are valid for one year from the date of commencement of the business.
Business Licence requirements
1. Fill out a Business Licence Application Form. Applications are also available at the City Hall Business License Division.
2. Fill out an Emergency Contact form for the Fire & RCMP.
3. If a business is to be conducted from an applicant's Coquitlam residence Home Occupation Regulation Summary must be met.
The processing time of an application depends on completeness of the application when received, and the need for any approvals from other City departments or other regulatory authorities such as the Simon Fraser Health Region. The fee for a business licence varies depending on the type of business being conducted.
Other Licences
Depending on the type of business you are operating in Coquitlam, you may require other permits or licences that are not regulated by the City of Coquitlam. Examples include liquor licences and health regulation licences. It is important to be aware of these requirements as they are in place to protect the safety and health of you, your customers and the general public.
Dog licences are also required in the City of Coquitlam.