Development Applications

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.

Council has directed staff to not enforce the current permitted times for construction noise in in the Noise Bylaw from:

• 7 am to 9 pm. Monday to Friday (extended by one hour)
• 9 am to 8 pm. Saturdays (extended by two hours)

This temporary extension is only for sites strictly adhering to all Provincial Health Officer orders and protocols.

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 hours as noted above.

Other Requirements

• All construction sites are expected to follow safe construction practices, including appropriate physical distancing, as guided by your Construction Safety Officer and site safety plan.
• Enforcement will continue for all other aspects of the Noise Bylaw, including start times and the ban on for-profit construction on Sundays or holidays.
• Construction sites must make every effort to minimize their impact on the neighbourhood by scheduling less noisy and disruptive work during the extended hours, and must post signs on-site to that effect as soon as possible.
• Good Neighbour Construction guidelines remain in effect.
• The City expects the appropriate site personnel to manage all of the above issues and communicate the requirements to all trades workers employed by the developers.

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:

• Demolitions
• Minor Building Permits
• Minor Plumbing Permits
• Tenant Improvements

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:

• No inspections are to be done on a home or building that is occupied
• We request that the area or floor of the building be cleared of all workers other than those essential for the inspection
• On large projects with a Construction Safety Officers (CSO’s) the City will require a copy of the site safety plan prior to attending
• If Inspection staff do not feel safe conducting an inspection, then they are to postpone the inspection until adequate measures are put in place. They are to document this and we will reschedule as appropriate.
• Owner and Contractor Screening Questionnaire and Checklist (PDF)

Customers registered in the EPLan program can continue as they have in the past. All EPlan documents will be delivered to customers via email.

Those not registered in the EPlan program are encouraged to arrange for digital application after speaking to their File Manager or the Building Front Counter Supervisor at 604-927-3962.

• Development application reviews are continuing, with a focus on existing in-stream applications.
• We are accepting drawing re-submissions digitally only. Applicants should email their file manager directly for information. At this time, we are unable to receive paper applications or drawings.
• New development applications can be submitted digitally via email to Planning and Development (if over 5M, see Digital Submissions).
• The application must be complete with all required information. An invoice will be issued for any fees. See the payment section for details).

The City encourages applicants to submit small documents digitally by emailing Planning and Development or your File Manager directly.

Files Over 5MB in Size

Submit through the City’s file transfer service, Coquitlam QFile:

• Enter either planninganddevelopment@coquitlam.ca or your file manager email’s address (if known) into Recipient Email field.
• Name the document with your PROJ Number or site address.
• Please compress/zip multiple files into one folder prior to sending.

To re-submit documents for the existing project, see our video tutorial.

The City is able to accept courier deliveries/pick-up of applications, drawing packages and cheques. Packages must be labeled with the Department name, File Manager name, PROJ Number , and site address.

Options

• City Hall loading bay door off Guildford Way (ground level between City Hall and RCMP station) from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm to Please ring the bell and a staff member will come to collect/deliver the package. 
  • Reception’s phone number is posted outside the door in case no mail room staff are available. Please be patient waiting for a staff member to come retrieve the package. 
  • Packages left outside of City Hall will be destroyed and not processed.
• City Hall drop box in the ground level parkade off of Burlington Drive.

• The Building Division can accept credit card payments over the phone: 604-927-3441.
• Development Planning cannot accept credit card payments at this time.
• Cheques can be mailed to City Hall or placed in the drop box in the ground-level parkade. Please note your application file number.

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Process

1. Applicant submits development or building application.
2. Staff emails an electronic invoice with the City’s EFT banking information.
3. Applicant sends EFT payment through their financial institution.
4. Email Accounts Receivable, (cc your file manager), noting the invoice amount, invoice number, name of payee, PROJ Number , and application address.
5. Staff will finalize processing of the application.