Report Unsafe Buildings - Vancouver Bylaw

Housing and Building Standards British Columbia 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of British Columbia · By Daniel Roy

In Vancouver, British Columbia, reporting an unsafe or dangerous building is a public-safety matter handled by city bylaw and building inspection teams. This guide explains how to report hazards, what to expect from inspection and enforcement, and practical steps to follow if you suspect a structure is unsafe. Use the City of Vancouver dangerous-building reporting page for hazards observed on private or public property City of Vancouver: Dangerous buildings[1] and the general bylaw complaint route when the issue seems to involve broader bylaw breaches Report a bylaw problem[2].

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Vancouver enforces building safety through bylaw officers and building inspection staff. Specific monetary penalties and daily fines for unsafe or dangerous buildings are not specified on the cited City of Vancouver pages; readers should consult the inspection notice or order for any stated fines and timelines.[1]

  • Enforcer: City of Vancouver Building Inspections and By-law Enforcement.
  • How to complain: use the City dangerous-buildings page or the bylaw complaint page to submit evidence and contact details.[1]
  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; check the enforcement notice or bylaw order for amounts.
  • Escalation: the City may issue an order, set compliance timelines, or arrange remedial work; escalation details and repeating-offence penalties are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, repair or demolition orders, and court action to enforce orders.
  • Appeals and reviews: appeal or review routes and time limits are not specified on the cited pages; the enforcement notice will state available review steps if any.
If you believe immediate danger is present, call 911 before submitting an online report.

Applications & Forms

The City accepts reports via the online dangerous-buildings resource and general bylaw complaint form; there is no single published "dangerous building" application form linked on the cited pages, and fees are not specified on those pages.[1]

  • Form or method: online report or 311/bylaw complaint submission as shown on the city pages.
  • Deadlines: none specified on the cited pages; urgent hazards are prioritized.

How inspections work

After a report is received, a building inspector or bylaw officer will assess risk and may issue an order requiring repair, securing, or demolition. Inspectors typically document unsafe conditions and set compliance periods in their orders; exact timelines and procedures are described in the inspection or order documents provided to the property owner.

  • Inspection: site visit to evaluate structural, fire, and public-safety hazards.
  • Immediate measures: boarding, barricading, or restricting access if there is imminent danger.
  • Remedial actions: orders to repair or demolish unsafe work.
Keep photos, dates, and witness names to help investigators assess the situation.

FAQ

How do I report an unsafe building?
Use the City of Vancouver dangerous-buildings page or the bylaw complaint form to submit details, photos, and contact information; emergency threats should be reported to 911.[1][2]
Who enforces orders for unsafe buildings?
By-law Enforcement and Building Inspections for the City of Vancouver enforce orders and arrange inspections.[1]
Will I be told the outcome of my report?
The City may follow up with the complainant when further information is needed or when enforcement action is taken, subject to privacy rules.

How-To

  1. Document the hazard with dated photos and a clear description of the location.
  2. Use the City of Vancouver dangerous-buildings page to submit the report and upload photos.[1]
  3. If not available, submit a bylaw complaint through the City reporting page or call 311 for guidance.[2]
  4. Keep a record of the complaint reference number and any correspondence.
  5. Follow up with the City if the hazard is not addressed within the timeline given in the enforcement notice.
  6. If immediate risk to life or property exists, call 911.
You do not need to be the property owner to file a complaint about an unsafe building.

Key Takeaways

  • Report hazards quickly using the City reporting pages to start an inspection.
  • Keep clear evidence and follow the enforcement notice for next steps.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Vancouver - Dangerous buildings
  2. [2] City of Vancouver - Report a bylaw problem

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Daniel Roy

Daniel Roy

Municipal Bylaw Analyst

Daniel analyses municipal bylaws across Canadian provinces and territories. He checks every guide against official municipal and provincial sources.