Decks
Permit requiredNew Westminster’s current residential permit page provides a dedicated residential deck construction guide within the building-permit process for detached dwellings and duplexes.
New Westminster, BC
Building permits in New Westminster
New Westminster says owners planning to renovate, add to or build a detached dwelling must obtain the applicable permits.
Official sources checked Sep. 24, 2026
Permit rules by project
Pick the project that matches your work. These are starting rules for New Westminster; property-specific zoning, heritage and trade approvals can still apply.
Sheds & accessory buildings
Check size / scopeNew Westminster states that new accessory buildings over 10 m² require building permits.
Basement renovations
Depends on scopeNew Westminster requires permits for residential alterations; basement work can also involve plumbing, suite or development approvals depending on scope.
Secondary suites & ADUs
Permit requiredNew Westminster states that an authorized secondary suite must have been created with a Building Permit, and new/unauthorized suite work requires Building Division approval.
Home additions
Permit requiredNew Westminster states that owners planning to add onto a detached dwelling are required to obtain permits.
Interior alterations
Depends on scopeNew Westminster requires permits for residential alterations, while some minor non-structural work can fall outside the building-permit process. Scope determines the result.
Walls / structural work
Depends on scopeStructural residential alterations are regulated through New Westminster’s building-permit process; exact submission and professional requirements depend on the work.
Pools / hot tubs
Depends on scopeNew Westminster’s Building Bylaw regulates swimming pools, and in-ground swimming pools, spa pools and hot tubs require plumbing/services permits. The exact approval mix depends on the installation.
Garages / carports
Depends on scopeNew Westminster states that new accessory buildings over 10 m², such as garages, require building permits; smaller accessory structures still must satisfy zoning and other rules.
Plumbing / HVAC
Depends on scopeNew Westminster requires plumbing permits for new fixtures/system components and alterations/extensions to plumbing systems, while minor leak repairs and like-for-like fixture replacement are exempt.
Fences
No building permitNew Westminster’s current Building Bylaw excludes fences from the building-bylaw permit scope. Zoning fence-height rules and development/heritage overlays can still apply.
Retaining walls
Check size / scopeNew Westminster’s current Building Bylaw excludes retaining structures under 1.2 m from the definition of a regulated structure, except in specified situations such as floodplain locations or walls supporting a driveway, street or lane. At 1.2 m or more, the building-permit structure rules apply.
Demolition
Permit requiredNew Westminster states that building permits are required for work related to demolition of structures, and its 2026 fee schedule includes demolition permit fees.
Apply or ask New Westminster
Use the municipality’s permit office for current forms, fees, drawings and questions about your property.
New Westminster Building Division
- Phone
- 604-527-4580
- Hours
- Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; inspectors generally available by phone 8:30–9:30 a.m.
- Address
- 511 Royal Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3L 1H9
Your application route
Open the official permit page ↗Use the official permit page to confirm project requirements, forms, fees and the current application process.
Good to know in New Westminster
- The city provides a dedicated alterations-and-small-projects permit route and separate guides for decks, garages, secondary suites and detached accessory dwellings.
- BC municipalities administer local permits and zoning while the BC Building Code provides the broader code framework; electrical and gas work may require separate approvals.
Official sources
Use these official links to confirm the current rule for your New Westminster property.
View 1 official source
Sources checked Sep. 24, 2026. Requirements can change; the municipality makes the final permit decision.
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