Do you need a permit for a bathroom refresh in Vancouver?

Updated November 2026 · FixCraft BC, Metro Vancouver

Like-for-like replacements

The City of Vancouver's plumbing permit page says you won't need a permit to repair or replace valves and faucets, repair or replace fixtures as long as they stay in the same location, clear stoppages or repair leaks. That covers many washroom refreshes, such as a new vanity and faucet where the old one was, a new toilet in the same spot, or re-caulking a tub.

Source: City of Vancouver, plumbing permits.

Changes that usually need permits

• Moving or adding plumbing: relocating a toilet, sink or shower, or adding a new fixture.
• Electrical work: new circuits, moving outlets or new wiring.
• Structural or layout changes: moving or removing walls.

This work also needs the right licensed trades, such as a plumber or electrician. We'll tell you up front if your project includes anything like this.

Other cities have their own rules

Burnaby, Richmond, North Vancouver and other municipalities each set their own permit requirements, and stratas may add their own approval steps. Check with your city and strata before starting, especially for anything beyond a like-for-like swap.

What a bathroom refresh can include

A refresh keeps the layout and updates what you see and use: vanity and faucet, toilet, mirror and lighting fixtures in the same place, fresh caulking and grout, tile repairs, an exhaust fan swap and moisture-resistant paint. It's often the most cost-effective way to update a washroom.

Common questions

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Permit rules change, so confirm with your municipality before starting work.