Applications for project permits must be made through our online portal. Only leaseholders of port property, or those with leaseholder permission, can apply for project permits.
Before submitting a project and environmental review (PER) application, please review the following application guides:
Project categories and review process
Reviews of proposed projects under the PER process are broadly separated into five project categories: A, B, C, D and Designated. The lettered categories range in complexity with Category A being the least complex and D being the most complex. The Designated projects category applies to proposed projects that are designated under the Impact Assessment Act (IAA) or the former Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 and subject to an impact assessment by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada.
For detailed descriptions of each category and the review process associated with each, please consult our PER application guide and project categories guide.
Preliminary project reviews
A preliminary project review is an opportunity for applicants to have their materials reviewed by the port authority for completeness. Based on the outcome of a preliminary review applicants may further define or revise their proposal before formally submitting it.
- Category A projects: preliminary reviews are not required, proceed to submit application
- Category B projects: applicants may request a preliminary review or proceed to submit application
- Category C and D projects: a preliminary project review is required before application can be submitted
Submit a project application or request for a preliminary project review through our online portal.
Amendments and extensions
After the necessary permits have been issued, any proposed substantial changes to a project’s plan or a building’s drawings—including changes to construction methods and practices previously reviewed in the initial permit application—must be re-submitted through the online portal for consideration.
Note: Some proposed changes may require additional First Nations, public and/or stakeholder consultation or amendments to existing building permits.
The types of changes we review are:
In cases where proposed changes are made to a project’s design or scope, we determine if those changes require an amendment to the existing permit, or a new permit altogether.
If an applicant needs to extend the approved project period, they must make a request at least 40 business days prior to the expiry date.
Standard construction hours are Monday to Saturday between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., with no construction on Sundays or public holidays. If an applicant needs to extend construction hours beyond those hours, they must first submit a request, including supporting rationale.
Fees and expenses
Depending on the project category, an application fee and documentation deposit may be required. Other potential expenses may include costs associated with:
- Technical reports
- Studies
- Consultation activities
- Reporting
Please refer to the PER application guide for detailed application fees, documentation deposits, and payment information.
Status of project permit applications
To review the project permits currently undergoing the PER process and to find information on recently issued project permits, please refer to our permit list page.
Applying for a permit amendment or extension
Please provide the following information via the online portal:
- Key contact information (name, organization, telephone number and email address)
- Project permit number
- Location description or address of project
- Brief description of proposed amendment and rationale for amendment
- Requested date or timeframe and rationale for extensions
- Plans and drawings (optional)
Compliance monitoring and enforcement
If a proposed project within the port authority’s jurisdiction is approved, a project permit will be issued with specific conditions. Any failure to act in accordance with a project permit condition is classified as non-compliance. The port authority regularly monitors all approved projects to:
- Ensure all permit conditions are met
- Deter unauthorized work undertaken without a permit or beyond a permit’s approved scope
- Provide opportunities to resolve non-compliance issues
A list of all non-compliant projects, including any enforcement actions taken, can be found on our permits list page.
For more information on compliance enforcement actions, please refer to our annual compliance monitoring and enforcement reports.
For questions or more information about our PER process, please contact our project and environmental review team at per@portvancouver.com or phone 604.665.9047.