The City's Building Bylaw requires that a building must not be occupied until the Chief Building Official has issued an Occupancy Permit. This information is intended to help owners, registered professionals, and contractors understand the process and requirements for obtaining an Occupancy Permit for a complex building. A final inspection can be booked through e-services to obtain occupancy approval for the building.
When An Occupancy Permit Application is Required
- All new buildings including residential (multi-unit dwelling), commercial, industrial, and institutional
- Change of use or occupancy
Exemptions: Single-detached and duplex (two-unit) dwellings
Occupancy Permit Process for Buildings Other Than Single-Detached and Duplex Dwellings
Occupancy Permit Application Form
The Coordinating Registered Professional for the project must sign the Occupancy Permit Application, ensuring that all required documentation, as outlined in the application, is complete.
The Occupancy Permit Application and required documentation must be submitted through the City’s online portal for the Building Official to review at least 5 working days prior to the scheduled Final Occupancy Inspection. This advance submission allows sufficient time for the Building Official to review the documentation for completeness and to schedule the inspection.
Final Inspections of All Sub-Trade Permits
Prior to submitting the Occupancy Permit Application, final inspections and approvals from the Electrical, Plumbing, and Gas Inspectors must be obtained. In addition, the Building Inspector must have completed all required pre-final inspections for the entire project, including all suites, with no outstanding infractions remaining.
Final Inspection of the Fire Department
Final approval from the Fire Department is required, including completion of the standpipe system pressure test and submission of Schedule C-B for the sprinkler system. The contractor is responsible for contacting the Fire Department to arrange the final inspection or walkthrough.
Engineering Services Inspection
The developer/owner must book through eServices to have an Engineering Services Inspection arranged to confirm that all requirements and obligations have been satisfied.
Documents That May Be Required for an Occupancy Permit
When submitting an Occupancy Permit request, additional required supporting documentation may include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
- Letters of Assurance – Schedule C-A from the Coordinating Registered Professional and Schedule C-B from each registered professional (Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, Plumbing, Civil, Fire Suppression, Electrical, Geotechnical). As well as Schedule C-L from the Landscape Architect
- Fire alarm Verification Certificate and Verification Report
- ULC Fire Alarm Monitoring Certificate (if monitored)
- Fire and Life Safety Commissioning Protocol
- Fire Hydrant Installation Form (for on-site hydrants, from the Fire Department)
- Third-party certifications, e.g., Elevating Device and Gas approvals (from the Technical Safety BC)
- BCLS Survey (as required)
- Energy Report and Final Checklist
- City approvals to be cleared at final:
Electrical (including low voltage), Sprinkler, Plumbing, Gas, Fire Prevention, Planning, Engineering, Works Inspectors, etc.
Additional Requirements (where applicable):
- Homes on septic must have Provincial Sewerage Regulation compliance by providing a stamped letter of certification for the installed field
Guidelines for On-site Sewerage Systems - Homes on wells must submit a sealed Schedule G Certificate of Well Water Quantity and Potability
Applying for an Occupancy Permit
- Complete construction and correct any outstanding deficiencies.
- Submit your Occupancy Application through the City’s Online Portal and upload all required documents.
- After your submission is received, a Building Official will review your documentation and schedule the required on-site final inspections to verify compliance.
- A separate Fire and Life Safety Building Commissioning inspection will be scheduled with your registered professional to verify compliance.
- Use the City’s eServices to check inspection schedules and results.
- Address any corrections identified by the City and re-submit/re-inspect as needed.
- Final approval by the City's Planning and Building, Engineering and Fire departments within the City.
- Occupancy may be granted once all inspections pass and all documents have been accepted by the City.
- Building staff will contact you once the Occupancy Permit is ready for pick up. Please allow up to 3 business days processing time after passing the final building inspection.
For additional information or assistance with completing the Occupancy Permit Application Online contact the Planning and Building department at 604-467-7311 or BuildingInquiries@MapleRidge.ca.