Roofing permits · New Westminster, BC
Do you need a permit to replace a roof in New Westminster?
New Westminster's residential building permit guide lists roofing repairs and re-roofing as non-structural minor modifications that do not need a building permit, with a third-party inspection recommended. The guide is dated 2011, so confirm with the City (604-521-3711) that it is still current.
Ready to go? Compare roofers in New Westminster, with local prices, conditions and the roofing companies that work there.
What the rules say
New Westminster's roofing permit rules
Single Detached & Duplex Residential Building Permit Application Guide (DOC 105005, March 2011): 'Building Permits are NOT required for non-structural minor modifications such as:' ... 'roofing repairs or re-roofing (third party inspection recommended)'. The same guide says a permit is required to 'repair, renovate or add to an existing building'. Forms and Documentation page: 'Building permits are required for all work related to construction, alteration or demolition of new or existing structures.' Building Bylaw No. 6897, 2003 (superseded by Bylaw No. 8125, 2019, which could not be fetched) had no roofing-specific wording; 9.1.1 required a permit before 'constructing, repairing or altering a building or structure.'
Other local rules worth knowing
The City publishes a 'Roof Material & Installation Certificate' inspection form (used for permitted construction). Newer guides (Feb 2026 Single Family Residential Construction Guide) were not retrievable in this session and may have updated wording. Queensborough properties have additional geotechnical/flood requirements for permitted work.
Official source
City of New WestminsterRules and fees change. Always confirm with the municipality before work starts.
If a permit is needed
What a New Westminster roofing permit usually involves
- An application describing the work, with the contractor's details
- Drawings or engineering where the roof structure changes
- A site plan if the roof's footprint or height changes
- Inspection of framing and sheathing before it's covered, then a final inspection
- A third-party roof inspection report, where the municipality recommends one
- Permit fees, which are usually a small part of the job
A general guide. New Westminster may ask for more or less depending on the project.
Questions
New Westminster roofing permit questions
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in New Westminster?
New Westminster's residential building permit guide lists roofing repairs and re-roofing as non-structural minor modifications that do not need a building permit, with a third-party inspection recommended. The guide is dated 2011, so confirm with the City (604-521-3711) that it is still current.
What roofing work does need a permit in New Westminster?
The City publishes a 'Roof Material & Installation Certificate' inspection form (used for permitted construction). Newer guides (Feb 2026 Single Family Residential Construction Guide) were not retrievable in this session and may have updated wording. Queensborough properties have additional geotechnical/flood requirements for permitted work.
Who applies for a roofing permit in New Westminster?
Usually your roofing company prepares the application and books inspections as part of the job. Check that the permit, any engineering and a third-party inspection, where recommended, are included in each quote.
Roofing permits nearby
Get quotes from roofers who know New Westminster
Up to 3 vetted local roofing companies. Free, no obligation.