SERVICE AREA · VANCOUVER, BC
Traffic Control Plans in Vancouver, BC
Vancouver's permit process is the most complex in BC. Engineer seal required for Category 2 and 3. Coordinate engineer review before submission, not after.
Vancouver uses a Street Use Permit with a mandatory Traffic Control Plan component for any work affecting the road right-of-way. Applications go through the City of Vancouver Permits, Licences & Business Planning department. The review window is 10–15 business days; complex projects may require a pre-application meeting before submission is accepted.
Vancouver is one of two municipalities in the Lower Mainland, along with Burnaby, that mandates an engineer seal on Category 2 and 3 plans. Do not prepare a Category 2 or 3 plan for Vancouver without coordinating the P.Eng review first. The permit office will not accept an unsealed plan where one is required. BPB coordinates the engineer review as part of the process, so you do not need to source a P.Eng separately.
BPB has prepared traffic control plans for Vancouver projects including work for Vancouver International Airport (YVR). We know the City's submission requirements and the additional standards that apply beyond the BC TMM 2020.
Downtown and arterial corridors have strict peak-hour restrictions. Night work requires a separate permit. Insurance minimum is $5,000,000 CGL naming the City of Vancouver as additional insured.
QUICK REFERENCE
PERMIT TYPE
Street Use Permit (TCP required)
ISSUING BODY
City of Vancouver, Permits, Licences & Business Planning
INSURANCE MIN
$5,000,000 CGL + additional insured
LEAD TIME
10–15 business days
ENGINEER SEAL
Required for Category 2 and 3
NIGHT WORK
Separate permit required
GOVERNING BYLAW
Street and Traffic By-law No. 2849
Engineer seal required for Category 2 and 3
Vancouver will not accept an unsealed Category 2 or 3 plan. Coordinate P.Eng review before submission. Adding it after a rejection adds days you may not have. BPB includes engineer coordination in the quote for all Vancouver Category 2 and 3 plans.
What We Handle in Vancouver
Traffic control plans
Category 1, 2, and 3. Built to BC TMM 2020 and City of Vancouver standards. Engineer seal included for Category 2 and 3.
Street Use Permit applications
Application preparation and submission. Pre-application coordination for complex projects. Follow-up through approval.
Risk assessments
WorkSafeBC OHSR 18.3.1-compliant. Standalone or bundled with TCP.
Engineer review coordination
P.Eng review for all Category 2 and 3 plans. Coordinated by BPB, required, not optional, for Vancouver.
TOOL
Jurisdiction Requirements
Select a municipality to see permit type, insurance requirements, lead times, and engineer-seal rules.
Vancouver
| Permit type | Street Use Permit (TCP component required) |
|---|---|
| Issuing body | City of Vancouver, Permits, Licences & Business Planning |
| Minimum insurance | $5,000,000 CGL naming City of Vancouver as additional insured |
| Review lead time | 10–15 business days; complex projects may require pre-application |
| Engineer seal | Required for Category 2 and 3; engineer coordination before submission |
| Timing notes | Downtown and arterial restrictions apply; night work permits separate; peak hour restrictions strictly enforced |
| Governing bylaw | Vancouver Street and Traffic By-law No. 2849 |
Requirements confirmed at time of research. Confirm current standards with the issuing office before submitting.
Project in Vancouver? Let's confirm the category and engineer requirement upfront.