Last Updated: Sept. 24, 2020
With construction considered an essential service in B.C., the City of Coquitlam has introduced a number of temporary measures to help keep construction and housing projects on track while continuing to support public health.
In addition to the measures detailed below, the City offers a number of online eServices to support business transactions with the City.
Coquitlam has temporarily relaxed its sign regulations to help businesses more easily publicize key information related to the pandemic.
The temporary exemptions will mean businesses do not need to apply for a sign permit, pay fees or adhere to limits on the sign area (excluding sandwich board signs), time period and number of temporary signs that provide pandemic-related information such as:
The temporary signs may not be used to advertise products, services or pricing, and businesses are expected to keep the signs organized, maintained in a professional manner and installed safely.
Sandwich boards must remain on the business property and are not permitted on sidewalks or other public rights-of-way unless approved through a formal sign application.
The temporary exemptions will be revisited at the end of 2021.
The City has established a simple, expedited process to help Coquitlam businesses set up temporary patios and outdoor spaces to help support their business recovery during the pandemic. Visit the program page for additional information including the application guidelines and FAQs. Or contact us for more information.
The City has not altered the Noise Bylaw, but has instead directed Bylaw Enforcement Officers, Building Inspectors and the Construction Site Officers to not enforce the current permitted times for construction noise in in the Noise Bylaw from:
This temporary extension is only for sites strictly adhering to all Provincial Health Officer orders and protocols.
Building plans examination is continuing, with a focus on existing in-stream applications. As of April 1, the City is accepting new Building Permit submissions by paper or digitally for:
For major Building and Plumbing Permit applications, please contact your File Manager to discuss prior to submission. See the section on digital and paper submission options for more information.
Inspections are continuing and inspectors are working remotely as much as possible. Applicants are encouraged to book their Inspections online.
To ensure staff safety and appropriate physical distancing, we have implemented the following guidelines:
The City encourages applicants to submit small documents digitally by emailing Planning and Development or your File Manager directly.
For files larger than 5MB, submit through the City’s file transfer service, Coquitlam QFile:
To submit documents for a new project, see our video tutorial.
To re-submit documents for the existing project, see our video tutorial.
When delivering or dropping off any letters or drawings to the Planning and Development Department, please clearly indicate on the front of the item:
City Hall is currently open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm and closed on all Statutory Holidays.
If you have items for drop-off you may come to City Hall. If you plan to drop off items after hours, you may use the City Hall drop box in the ground level parkade off of Burlington Drive. However, this drop box is only for small items.
City Hall is currently open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 5 pm and closed on all Statutory Holidays. Please ensure the person sent for pickup has a staff name as a reference for contact, an address for the property involved and / or project number.