How to get a building permit in Abbotsford, BC

Step by step in Abbotsford

1. 1

   Confirm zoning before anything else

   Check the property's zone, setbacks, height and lot coverage, and whether it sits in a Development Permit Area. If it does, that approval has to come before the building permit — Abbotsford won't issue until land use is settled.

2. 2

   Work out which permits you need

   Structural work needs a building permit from City of Abbotsford. Electrical and gas are separate and are issued by Technical Safety BC issues and inspects ELECTRICAL and GAS permits for Abbotsford (province-regulated jurisdiction; Abbotsford is NOT one of the municipalities that run their own electrical inspection like Vancouver/Surrey/Burnaby). Plumbing is usually part of the building permit.

3. 3

   Prepare drawings and documents

   City of Abbotsford asks for: Application submitted via the online portal (services.abbotsford.ca/portal); Follow the applicable Submission Checklist (Residential New Buildings, Residential Addition, Secondary Suite, Alteration, Restoration, Supporting Structures, Retaining Walls, Swimming Pools); Follow the applicable Drawing Checklist (New Residential Buildings, Residential Additions, Secondary Suites, Residential Restorations) - drawings uploaded as PDFs; Site plan / plot plan; BC Energy Compliance Report (BC Energy Step Code) for new residential; Letter of Authorization (Building Permits) when an agent applies for the owner; Identification of Contaminated Sites Form where applicable; New-home warranty (BC Housing / Licensed Residential Builder) or exemption for new homes; Schedule B / registered professional letters of assurance for complex/engineered work; Building Permit Amendment Application Form for changes to an issued permit.

4. 4

   Submit your application

   Online building-permit portal at https://services.abbotsford.ca/portal (launched Feb 2024). Accepts online applications for ALL building permit types (demolitions, tenant improvements, home renovations, agricultural buildings, new homes, secondary suites, pools). Users upload drawings/documents, track status, and manage multiple applications. Registration info: https://www.abbotsford.ca/city-services/portal-information-registration

5. 5

   Pay the permit fee

   Application fees per Fees & Charges Bylaw, Schedule G (based on construction value/permit type). Confirmed at time of application. Confirm the current schedule with Abbotsford before you budget.

6. 6

   Plan review, then build to inspections

   The building department reviews against the BC Building Code and zoning; answer any comments quickly. Once issued, post the permit on site and book inspections at each stage — footings, framing, rough-in, insulation, final. Don't cover work before it's inspected.

Permit types in Abbotsford

Abbotsford permit questions