Permit Fee Schedule & Costs

Richmond Permit Fees & Deposits Guide

Bylaw fee schedules, sliding valuation scales, refundable damage deposits, and required upfront plan check deposits for construction in Richmond, BC.

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When budgeting a construction or renovation project in Richmond, municipal permit fees and refundable damage securities represent essential upfront expenditures. Rather than simple flat charges, Richmond 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.

Richmond 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.

Project Classification

Estimated Value (CAD $)

Estimated Base Permit Fee $0.00 Richmond Building Bylaw Fee Schedule

Upfront Intake Deposit $0.00 Plan check charge credited toward permit

Refundable Damage Deposit $0.00 Subject to municipal site inspection

* Damage deposits are held by Richmond and refunded upon final building inspection approval. Does not include trade permits (plumbing/electrical/gas) or regional DCC development charges.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

How Richmond 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 Richmond building officials.

Official Municipal Rates

City of Richmond - Permit Fees Guide

A summary of common permit fees in Richmond. NOTE: These fees are based on an older bylaw and may be outdated. Always confirm current rates with the City of Richmond.

Detailed fee schedule

Notice: This is a guide only. Official fees are determined by the City at the time of application and are subject to change.

Category / Project Scope	Minimum / Base Fee	Incremental Rate / Notes
Boulevard Inspection Charge
Single/Two-Family new builds, additions and demolitions	$197.00	Flat fee
Building Permit
$0 - $1,000 Construction Value	$81.75	Flat fee
$1,001 - $100,000 Construction Value	$81.75	Plus $13.50 per $1,000 over $1,000
$100,001 - $300,000 Construction Value	$1,418.25	Plus $12.75 per $1,000 over $100,000
Over $300,000 Construction Value	$3,968.25	Plus $10.25 per $1,000 over $300,000
Demolition Costs
Buildings over 538 sq ft	$509 Inspection Fee	Plus $3.25 per sq ft Waste Service Fee
Plan Processing Fee
Paid at time of application.	50% of estimated Building Permit Fee	Up to a max. of $10,000
Plumbing Permit
Calculated per fixture.	$81.75	$30.75 per fixture
Sign Permit
Fee is based on sign area.	$88 Application Fee	Plus permit fee e.g., $112 for signs < 15 m²
Tree Removal Permit
One tree per 12-month period.	$65.25	Hazard trees are free $78.75 per additional tree

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