Gas Equipment or System Alteration Permitting
Information Bulletin
Information Bulletin: Gas Equipment or System Alteration Permitting
July 9, 2025
Reference Number:
IB-GA 2025-01
Background
This information bulletin clarifies that installation permits are required from Technical Safety BC or the local regulatory authority before starting any alteration work involving gas equipment or systems, including additions, replacements, or removals.
Regulatory definitions
Alteration – includes adding to, replacement and removal. (Safety Standards Act, s.1)
Installation permit - means a permit issued under the Safety Standards General Regulation s.17. (Safety Standards General Regulation, s.1)
Regulatory authority - means the ministry or local government that provides an inspection service under the Act and has the authority to require inspection of regulated work in an area of British Columbia. (Safety Standards General Regulation, s.1)
Details
The removal of any gas system or equipment is considered an alteration and requires an “installation or alteration of venting or gas piping without appliances permit” as shown under the gas fee schedule before work begins.
Additional permits may be required depending on the scope of work performed at the site. For a complete list of Technical Safety BC permit types and associated fees, please check our permits and fees schedules.
Example of when a gas alteration permit is required for removal of equipment:
An owner decides to replace an end-of-life gas fired furnace with a new electric-only heat pump system. The installation permit and declaration submitted by the licensed gas contractor informs the regulatory authority that the gas system has been properly isolated and left in a safe code-compliant manner.
Technical Safety BC permits can be obtained anytime through your Online Services Account or by using this online form.
Licensed gas contractors who have not obtained an appropriate permit prior to performing work may be subject to enforcement action. Investigations undertaken by Technical Safety BC in response to work being performed without an appropriate permit may be subject to additional compliance and enforcement fees.
Provincial Safety Manager - Gas