Richmond builds fast on the Fraser delta, which makes flood-construction levels the local wildcard. Here's the online portal, the fee ranges, and who to call.
Richmond runs a modern permit operation with an online portal (MyPermit) for applying, paying, and tracking — a genuine time-saver in a city building as fast as this one. Fees are value-based under the city's bylaw; Richmond doesn't publish a simple one-line rate, so budget on the ranges below and confirm your exact figure through MyPermit or the counter.
Plan on roughly 1–1.3% of construction value as a working range for the building permit fee, plus plan-checking fees and Development Cost Charges on new construction. A typical $50,000 renovation lands in the $600–$1,000 range before specialty fees.
New buildings, additions, structural changes, secondary suites, decks above grade, demolition, and plumbing alterations. Richmond's flood-plain and dike-setback rules are stricter than most Lower Mainland cities — much of the city sits on the Fraser delta, so ask about flood-construction levels early. Electrical and gas run through Technical Safety BC.
Apply and track through MyPermit at richmond.ca. Typical residential permits run 6–12 weeks from a complete application; flood-plain and development-permit reviews add time. The complete-application rule applies here as everywhere.
| Purpose | Contact |
|---|---|
| Building Approvals | 604-276-4118 |
| building@richmond.ca | |
| Counter | City Hall, 6911 No. 3 Rd, Richmond, BC V6Y 2C1 |
| Online | MyPermit portal at richmond.ca |
Before you apply, take the free one. The 10 Most Expensive Permit Mistakes in BC is our free guide to the errors that cost homeowners the most money and the most time. No charge, and you can read it today.
Working out what the job will really cost? The Renovation Budget and Permit Estimator ($9.99) puts permit fees and the rest of the build on one sheet so nothing gets forgotten.