Vancouver bylaw - How to request inspection records

Vancouver, British Columbia residents and businesses can request municipal inspection records held by the City under provincial access rules and local records processes. This guide explains how to find building and inspection files, how to make an access request, typical timelines, which City offices handle records, and what to expect when a record is withheld or redacted. It covers both routine permit/inspection files and formal Freedom of Information requests for records not available online, current as of February 2026.

Where inspection records come from

Inspection records are created and retained by City departments involved in permits, building inspections, bylaw investigations and licensing. Common custodians include Development, Buildings & Licences and the By-law Enforcement division. Many recent permit and inspection notes are available through the City permit/records viewer; older or withheld records require an access request.

For live permit and inspection listings use the City permit search and building services pages ^[2]. For formal access requests and information about fees and timelines use the City access-to-records page ^[1].

Penalties & Enforcement

The penalties and enforcement rules that govern inspections and bylaw compliance vary by bylaw and enforcement program. Specific monetary fine amounts for failing to provide records or obstructing inspections are not specified on the cited City pages and depend on the controlling bylaw cited in an enforcement notice ^[1].

• Fines and penalties: not specified on the cited page.
• Escalation: first/repeat/continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
• Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, stop-work orders, permits suspension or court action are used by the City as enforcement tools.
• Enforcer and complaints: By-law Enforcement and Development, Buildings & Licences manage investigations and inspection enforcement; contact details are on City pages ^[1].
• Appeals and reviews: access decisions can be reviewed through provincial routes such as the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC (OIPC) or through bylaw-specific appeal panels; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited City pages.

Applications & Forms

The City publishes a form/process for Freedom of Information or access requests. The City page identifies how to submit requests and the required application steps ^[1]. If a specific form name, number or fee is required it is shown on the City access page; if not shown there, the page states the submission method and contact details ^[1].

How to request inspection records

Decide whether the record you need is available publicly (online viewer) or requires a formal access request. Use informal requests for quick disclosures and formal FOI requests for withheld or large records collections.

1. Search the City permit and inspection viewer for the property or permit number and download available documents.^[2]
2. If records are not online, contact the department listed on the permit or the City access centre to request the file informally.
3. If informal contact fails or records are withheld, submit a formal access request via the City access-to-records procedure and form.^[1]
4. Pay any applicable application fee or processing fees as stated on the City access page.
5. Await the City decision; provincial FOIPPA timelines apply to formal access requests or as stated on the City page.
6. If denied, request review from the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC or use the bylaw appeal routes noted in the decision.

FAQ

Who can request inspection records?

Any member of the public can request municipal inspection records; property owners, tenants, businesses and third parties may all apply though access or privacy limits may apply.

How long will a request take?

Formal access requests follow provincial timelines; the City page explains processing times and expectations ^[1].

Are there fees?

The City access page lists any application or processing fees required when submitting a formal request ^[1].

How-To

1. Identify the property address or permit number and search the City permit/inspection viewer to find available documents.
2. Contact the Building Services or By-law Enforcement office listed on the permit for informal access or clarification.
3. If records are unavailable, complete the City access request form and include a clear description of the records sought.
4. Submit the request by the method on the City page and pay any stated application fee.
5. Track the request and respond to City follow-up promptly to avoid delays.
6. If you disagree with the decision, apply for a review with the OIPC or follow the appeal steps in the City decision letter.

Key Takeaways

• Check the City permit and inspection viewer first; many records are online.
• Use the City access-to-records process for withheld or non-published records.
• Appeals and reviews are available through provincial channels such as the OIPC.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Vancouver - Access to city records
• City of Vancouver - View building permits and related documents
• City of Vancouver - Building inspections
• Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC

1. [1] City of Vancouver - Access to city records
2. [2] City of Vancouver - View building permits and related documents