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Building Permits
All storefront buildings and structures erected within the University Endowment Lands (UEL) must comply with the applicable sections of the Land Use, Building and Community Administration Bylaw (including all schedules and maps)
(PDF, 9.29MB). Building Permits and the associated fees are required before:

  • constructing, repairing or altering a building or structure;
  • installing, repairing or altering any plumbing and similar works;
  • demolishing a building; and
  • moving a building to any property.

Single-family building permit application requirements (PDF, 680 KB), are available on-line, or can be obtained at the
UEL Administration Office.

Once a building permit has been issued, inspections can be booked by calling reception at 604-660-1808.

NEW The BC Building Code 2018 effective date is December 10, 2018 and will apply to building permit applications accepted as of that date.

NEW The use of non-road diesel engines are subject to Metro Vancouver’s updated Non-Road Diesel Engine Emission Regulation Bylaw. For more information, click here.

Development Permits
Many developments in the UEL require a Development Permit before a Building Permit application can be made. In general, a Development Permit is required to:

  • erect or alter a dwelling or accessory building outside the “allowable building envelope” within the Single-Family Dwelling District;
  • erect or alter a multi-family dwelling outside the “allowable building envelope” within the Multi-Family Dwelling District;
  • develop a Conditional Approval Use; or
  • undertake certain other developments listed in
    Section 7 of the Land Use, Building and Community Administration Bylaw.

For more information, please read the Guide to Development Permits.

Related forms and checklists:

Please refer to our Policies page for other bulletins and policies relating to property development.

Change of Land Use District (Rezoning) Applications
These applications can take the form of:

  • Changing from one Land Use District to another
  • Changing to a new Land Use District not existing in the current bylaw
  • Text amendments to existing Land Use Districts

As rezoning requires an amendment to the UEL Land Use, Building and Community Administration Bylaw, rezoning decisions are made by the Minister responsible for the UEL.
The UEL's rezoning process can be summarised in the following steps:

  • Prior to submitting an application, the applicant may undertake stakeholder discussions and studies to develop a proposed development concept
  • When an application is submitted it undergoes a technical review and the application may be revised as a result
  • The applicant erects a notification sign for public comment and the application is referred to the Community Advisory Council (CAC) and Advisory Design Panel (ADP). The application may be revised based on comment received
  • Draft bylaw amendments are prepared and are referred to the CAC and the ADP; a public meeting may be held at the Minister’s discretion
  • The Minister makes a decision on the application

All rezoning enquiries should be directed to PlanUEL@gov.bc.ca.

Planning, Development and Building Permit Inquiries
Planning, development and building permit inquiries, including applications, will now be conducted on an appointment-only basis. Intakes and inquiries will be accepted after 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Appointment times will be for no more than 30 minutes. For inquiries, please contact reception at 604-660-1808 to set up an appointment with the appropriate staff member.

Tenant Improvement Permits
There is a special policy covering all tenant improvements in the UEL.

The policy specifies the documents and certifications that tenants must submit at the time of a Building Permit Application. The Tenant Improvement Requirements and Application Package (PDF, 463KB) are available online or can be obtained from the UEL Administration Office.