Question 1

Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in BC?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Gas appliance installation requires a gas permit, and municipalities such as Burnaby add a plumbing permit because the water heater is a plumbing fixture. Who issues the gas permit depends on the community.

Question 2

Which municipalities issue their own gas permits?

Accepted Answer

Under Technical Safety BC bulletin IB-GA-2018-01: Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Maple Ridge, the City and District of North Vancouver, and Kelowna, for single, fully detached dwellings at service pressures at or below 14.0 kPa (2 psig). Everywhere else, Technical Safety BC issues them.

Question 3

Can a homeowner pull their own gas permit?

Accepted Answer

Owners of the single-family home they live in may qualify for a homeowner permit; strata and duplex owners, and homes with a business or secondary suite, must use a licensed contractor.

Question 4

Does CANRO handle the permit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. CANRO obtains the applicable gas permit and coordinates the inspection on every installation it performs, and the city pages list the local rules.

Water heater permit checker