Electrical
Installation Permits
Overview
Both licensed contractors and homeowners installing electrical equipment require electrical installation permits.
If you do not obtain a permit when required by law to do so, you may face consequences that range from a warning to a monetary penalty or prosecution.
The following process does not apply to homeowner permits.
Who Issues the Permit?
We issue electrical installation permits, unless you are located in one of the following areas, in which case you should check with the municipality or district.
- Burnaby
- Maple Ridge
- North Vancouver
- Surrey
- Victoria
- Vancouver
- West Vancouver
Apply for a Permit
- Apply and pay for a permit through your online services account or using this online form. If you use the form, you will have to submit payment separately through mail, or by calling us.
- Once your application is approved, we will issue a permit number.
- Your Field Safety Representative (FSR) then declares compliance and requests an inspection. This must be done after each phase is complete and at least once within 180 days of the permit being issued.
- We will process the request and determine if a further physical assessment is needed.
Amend the Permit Value or Scope of Work
Often, the scope of work changes over the course of a project, affecting the value of the permit. If this is the case, a permit amendment must be submitted. A permit for the final value and scope of work must be in place before requesting for a final inspection. Undervalued work may be subject to enforcement action.
For electrical permit amendments, complete the electrical permit value amendment form.
Learn more about permit value amendment criteria.
Field Safety Representatives (FSR)
An electrical FSR is a professionally-qualified individual who is certified with us. They can validate completed electrical work and can provide assurance that the electrical equipment has been safely installed and is being properly maintained.
An FSR must be named on every electrical permit application. FSRs for electrical installation permits can be changed at any time by contacting us, but the FSR listed for a project must be accurate. FSRs should only be listed on permits for projects they are actively managing. Inaccuracy can lead to serious consequences, including legal liability.