Review electrical installation requirements for multi-family units like townhouses and highrises.

The following information refers to electrical installation requirements for multi-family complexes like townhouses and apartment buildings (high rises).

Note that the contractor will be required to obtain a separate permit for each electrical room supplying individual buildings.

It is recommended that the contractor arranges inspections for 5 to 10 units per inspection request. The inspector may help the contractor to identify possible deficiencies and corrective action early in the project before completion of an entire project.

Only the Electrical Contractor or project FSR may call for an inspection. A Contractor's Authorization or Declaration form must be submitted to city hall for each final inspection.

The Commercial Service Guideline (750 Volt of Less) is to be submitted to the inspection department 2 working days prior to requesting an inspection.

Additional requirements:

  • Details of any other electrical work associated with multi-family complex to be provided in scope of work section.
  • Amenity Building associated with a multi-family complex.
  • Additions/alterations to an existing single-family dwelling unit of a multi-unit structure.

Download the Electrical Installation Permit Application and fee schedule, or apply online:

Online Electrical Permit Application

Electrical Installation Permits

A separate permit will be required for a coach house:

  • One additional wiring permit for the coach house plus individual permits for each vacuum, security, data telephone if installed by individual contractors. Each permit application fee will be based on the job value applicable to each individual permit application.
  • It is recommended that the contractor arrange inspections for 5 to units per inspection request. The inspector may help the contractor to identify possible deficiencies and corrective action early in the project before completion of an entire project.
  • Only the Electrical Contractor or FSR employed by the permit contractor may call for an inspection.
  • A Contractor's Authorization or Declaration form must be submitted to city hall for each final inspection.

Puck Lights

Extra-Low Voltage Lighting Installations (puck lights) of the field assembled type shall use fully certified or approved transformers and light fixtures identified for maximum wattage as stand-alone components. They must be installed as per section 12 or 16 of the BC Electrical Code. Modified pre-packaged kits with items certified for component only or component replacement will not be accepted.

Receptacles

Although we enforce all areas of the BC Electrical code and Section 26, we would like you to pay particular attention to islands, peninsulas and dining nook receptacles, balconies, arc fault in sleeping areas etc. These areas are the most frequent causes of concern for the inspector and contractor.

Electrical Rooms

A separate permit will be required for each electrical room where the electrical room supplies power to individual units located in other buildings. Often the electrical room is treated as a separate entity when dealing with Hydro for connections or the characteristics are beyond the scope of the FSR wiring residential dwelling units. Please check with the inspection department prior to applying for your electrical permit.

Where a two or more buildings share a common underground parkade, a separate electrical permit shall be obtained for the parkade.

Grounding and Bonding

In residential multi-unit buildings, a bonding connection should be made to each gas line at a suitable location within each unit [preferably at a hot water tank/boiler/furnace room.