While City Hall is closed to the public at this time, Coquitlam is still providing modified services to process development and building applications, issue permits, and conduct site inspections.
COQUITLAM, BC, March 24, 2020 – While City Hall is closed to the public at this time, Coquitlam is still providing modified services to process development and building applications, issue permits, and conduct site inspections.
Contacting Planning & Development
The central customer service centre will continue to be available from 8:30-4:30 Monday to Friday at 604-927-3430, and by email at email Planning & Development.
Those with development or building permits already in progress may also contact their file manager directly as most City staff continue to be available by telephone or email.
Development Applications
Development application reviews are continuing with a focus on existing in-stream applications. The City is accepting drawing re-submissions digitally; applicants should email their file manager directly. At this time, we are unable to receive paper applications or drawings.
New development applications can be submitted digitally to email Planning & Development. The application must be complete with all required information. Applicants will receive an invoice for any fees related to the application. (See payments section below for details).
Please Note: When sending drawings and other large files, we encourage all applicants to use an online file Transfer (FTP) service such as WeTransfer, as the City’s email inboxes have a storage capacity limit.
Building Applications
The City will continue examination of building plans with a focus on those already in-stream. Given the necessary application pre-screening that occurs at the counter, the City can not accept new Building Permit applications at this time, with the exception of:
Demolitions – Applications are available online at www.coquitlam.ca/buildingpermits and can be submitted by email and/or mail. We require a completed application form, agent authorization, a current land title, and a cheque or credit card payment. (See payments section below for details).
Plumbing Permits – Applications are available online at www.coquitlam.ca/buildingpermits and can be submitted by email and/or mail, except for more complex multifamily/commercial applications that require plumbing review. Plumbing contractors can send a completed plumbing application and payment by email or mail. (See payment section below for details).
EPlan – Those customers registered in the EPLan program will be able to continue as they have in the past. Upon issuance, 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 your File Manager or the Building Front Counter Supervisor at 604-927-3962.
Building Inspections
Currently, building inspections are continuing. To ensure staff and public safety and appropriate social distancing, we have implemented the following protocols:
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 Construction Safety Officers (CSO) the City will require a digital or mailed copy of the site safety plan prior to attending;
If Inspection staff do not feel safe conducting an inspection, they will immediately postpone the inspection until adequate measures are put in place, and reschedule accordingly.
Building inspections can be booked online at www.coquitlam.ca/webpermits.
Payments
Payments for any of the services outlined above can be made as follows:
Building Permits – credit card payments by phone to 604-927-3441 or cheques mailed to City Hall; you will be asked to verify your application file number
Development Applications – cheque only
Cheques can be mailed to City Hall or placed in the drop box in the ground level parkade. Please note your application file number.
The City is also in the process of establishing an option for electronic funds transfer (EFT) and will provide updated information as soon as this service is available.
What the City is Doing in Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak
The City of Coquitlam activated its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) on Friday, March 13 to facilitate advance planning and a coordinated response to the impacts of the current pandemic.
The City’s EOC staff continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely to assess what additional measures may be required in relation to City facilities, programs and services to maintain business continuity and support economic recovery within our community.
Be Informed
For up-to-date information regarding the COVID-19 impacts to City facilities, programs, services and events:
Visit www.coquitlam.ca/covid19
Email COVID-19 updates
Call 604-927-4383
Coquitlam residents are also encouraged to follow the City of Coquitlam on social media (Facebook and Twitter) and to download the CoquitlamConnect mobile app for City updates.
For more information on COVID-19, including updates, answers to frequently asked questions, and translated information, please consult the following resources:
Fraser Health Authority – www.fraserhealth.ca
BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) – www.bccdc.ca
Non-medical information – 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319)
Medical information – 8-1-1
Public Health Agency of Canada – www.Canada.ca/en/public-health