New Westminster Permit Fees & Deposits Guide
Bylaw fee schedules, sliding valuation scales, refundable damage deposits, and required upfront plan check deposits for construction in New Westminster, BC.
When budgeting a construction or renovation project in New Westminster, municipal permit fees and refundable damage securities represent essential upfront expenditures. Rather than simple flat charges, New Westminster calculates building permit costs based on total construction value, paired with refundable damage deposits to protect public infrastructure.
Whether you are planning a secondary suite, laneway dwelling, custom single-family home, multiplex addition, or commercial tenant improvement, this guide clarifies how City Hall calculates fees, what securities are required at intake, and how to submit complete drawing packages for first-round approval.
New Westminster Permit Fee Quick Calculator
Official Bylaw Sliding Scale Estimator
Select your project classification and enter estimated construction valuation below to calculate the base permit rate, upfront intake plan check deposit, and refundable damage deposits.
* Damage deposits are held by New Westminster and refunded upon final building inspection approval. Does not include trade permits (plumbing/electrical/gas) or regional DCC development charges.
How New Westminster Assesses Your Permit Fees
Value Assessment
City examiners evaluate declared contract costs against standardized valuation schedules ($/sq ft).
Bylaw Sliding Scale
Base fees scale progressively based on project scope, square footage, and declared value.
Security Deposits
Refundable damage deposit protects sidewalks, boulevards, curbs, and road assets during construction.
Intake Plan Check
An intake deposit initiates active plan examination with New Westminster building officials.
City of New Westminster - Building Permit Fees (Bylaw No. 8478)
Selected building permit, administrative, and related fees extracted from Schedule ‘A’ of the City of New Westminster Bylaw No. 8478, 2024.
| Category / Project Scope | Minimum / Base Fee | Incremental Rate / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Valuation Fees | ||
| Application Fee | $165.00 | Non-refundable |
| Construction Value Up to $50,000 | $18.00 | per $1,000 (or fraction thereof) |
| Construction Value $50,001 - $150,000 | $16.00 | per $1,000 (or fraction thereof) |
| Construction Value Over $150,000 | $14.00 | per $1,000 (or fraction thereof) |
| Plan Review Fee (Collected at Application) | 50% of total Building Permit Fee | Min $165.00 Max $20,000.00 Non-refundable |
| Discount for Registered Professionals | 1% Discount | On building permit fee (Max $500.00) |
| Demolition Permits | ||
| Application Fee | $165.00 | Non-refundable |
| Permit Fee (Accessory Building) | $165.00 | Per building |
| Permit Fee (All Other Structures) | $1,405.00 | Minimum fee |
| Waste Recycling Fee (Single Family / Comm.) | $301 non-refundable + $5,305 refundable | Per building |
| Waste Recycling Fee (Accessory Structures) | $301 non-refundable + $1,592 refundable | Per building |
| Administrative & Miscellaneous | ||
| Work Without Permit (Penalty) | Double Permit Fee | Max penalty of $25,000.00 |
| Permit Extension | $165.00 | Plus $82.50/hour for staff review time |
| Permit Transfer (Owner or Contractor) | $165.00 | Plus $82.50/hour for staff review time |
| Revisions to Permit (Prior to or after issuance) | $165.00 | Minimum fee, or $82.50/hour staff time |
| Alternate Solution Review | $579.00 | Up to two items (plus GST) |
| Inspections | ||
| Re-inspection Fee (3rd Inspection) | $165.00 | Plus GST |
| Re-inspection Fee (4th Inspection) | $324.00 | Plus GST |
| Re-inspection Fee (5th Inspection) | $484.00 | Plus GST |
| Special Inspection (During normal hours) | $165.00 | Minimum fee, or $82.50/hour staff time |
| Bonds & Securities | ||
| Delayed Demolition Security Deposit | $50,000.00 | |
| Temporary Building Security Deposit | $25,000.00 | |
| Sign Permits | ||
| New Sign | $558.00 | |
| Face Change (Existing Permitted Sign) | $165.00 | |
Navigating New Westminster Hall Shouldn't Delay Your Build
Municipal fees only cover plan review. Missing zoning data sheets or non-compliant BC Building Code details trigger formal deficiency notices that delay your permit 4 to 8 weeks. Canadian Blueprint prepares complete, intake-ready CAD permit drawing packages engineered for smooth first-round approvals.
Why Work With Canadian Blueprint
- ✓ Intake-Ready Drawing Sets Tailored specifically to New Westminster municipal submittal standards.
- ✓ Zero Plan Examiner Surprises Full spatial separation, setback, and height zoning calculations.
- ✓ Deficiency Resolution Included Direct response to municipal comments so your project stays on schedule.
Related New Westminster Permit Resources
Let's Get Started
Take the next step in your building journey with our specialized design and permit services.
- As-Built Measuring
- New Custom Homes
- Home Renovations
- SSMUH / Multiplex
- Accessory Buildings & Garages
- 3D Visualization
- Stop Work Order Management
- Zoning Bylaw Check
- Building Classification Analysis
- Setback & Height Requirements
- Development Permit Triggers
- Required Professionals
- As-Built Measuring
- Tenant Improvements
- Change of Use Permits
- Business Renovations
- First-Time Business Setup
- Commercial Space Planning