North Vancouver
Asbestos and hazardous materials abatement in North Vancouver
“North Vancouver” is two separate municipalities: the City of North Vancouver and the District of North Vancouver. Each has its own permit process. Both expect hazardous materials to be identified by a qualified person and dealt with before demolition, and both control when abatement can start. Bowfinn plans abatement around whichever process applies to your address.
- Occupied facilitiesContained work areas, phasing planned with you to limit disruption
- UA Local 170Signatory contractor
- Trained and certified crewsOn every asbestos abatement job
- InsuredInsurance certificates available on request.
Travel: North Vancouver projects are served from our New Westminster office.
City or District: which rules apply?
The City of North Vancouver (incorporated in 1907) and the District of North Vancouver are separate local governments, each with its own building department (District of North Vancouver Official Community Plan). A North Vancouver mailing address does not tell you which one issues your permit. Check your property tax notice or ask the municipality before you plan the schedule.
What does the City of North Vancouver require before demolition?
- Hazmat report and Notice of Project first: the City asks for a Hazardous Material Assessment Report and a WorkSafeBC Notice of Project for asbestos removal before it issues the Manager's Approval to Proceed (City of North Vancouver Demolition Permit Policy).
- Removal under the Manager's Approval: hazardous materials may be removed once the Manager's Approval Permit is received and posted on the site safety fencing. A clearance letter is then presented to the City, and the demolition permit follows (City of North Vancouver).
- Commercial and multi-residential: the checklist asks for a Hazardous Materials Survey Report and a Hazardous Materials Clearance Letter, both completed by a qualified company. The letter confirms that the asbestos listed on the Notice of Project has been properly removed (City of North Vancouver checklist).
What does the District of North Vancouver require?
- Survey: the District's handout says that, for buildings constructed before 1990, a qualified person must complete a hazardous materials survey before any demolition or renovation work begins (District of North Vancouver).
- Timing: abatement must not proceed until a building or demolition permit has been issued. Documents showing the materials were identified, removed and properly disposed of must be posted on site (District of North Vancouver).
- Renovations and additions: before an inspection can be scheduled, the owner or contractor must submit written confirmation from a qualified person that the hazardous materials have been safely removed or contained (District of North Vancouver).
Renovating in the City of North Vancouver?
For single- and two-family interior renovations in buildings constructed before 1990, the City's checklist asks for a hazardous materials inspection report by a qualified person. If the work will disturb hazardous materials, a WorkSafeBC Notice of Project, a clearance letter and air clearance testing results are required before the first inspection (City of North Vancouver). The survey, clearance letter and air testing come from your hazardous materials consultant; Bowfinn carries out the abatement between those steps.
Where does the asbestos waste go?
Both North Vancouvers are part of Metro Vancouver. Metro Vancouver facilities do not accept waste asbestos (Metro Vancouver). The Vancouver Landfill accepts commercial asbestos waste from within the region, with a manifest and 24 hours' notice (City of Vancouver).
Services in North Vancouver
North Vancouver FAQs
Are the City and the District of North Vancouver the same?
No. They are separate municipalities with separate permit processes (District of North Vancouver). Confirm which one your property is in before you apply.
When can abatement start in the City of North Vancouver?
After the City issues the Manager's Approval Permit to remove hazardous materials, which needs the Hazardous Material Assessment Report and the WorkSafeBC Notice of Project first (City of North Vancouver).
Can abatement start before a District of North Vancouver permit is issued?
No. The District says abatement must not proceed until a building or demolition permit has been issued (District of North Vancouver).
Does Bowfinn do the hazardous materials survey?
No. The survey, sampling and clearance air testing are done by your independent hazardous materials consultant, a qualified person. We plan and carry out the abatement from their report and coordinate with them.
General information, not legal advice. Requirements depend on your project; confirm with WorkSafeBC, your municipality or a qualified professional.
Planning work in an older building?
Book a Site Consultation and we'll walk the scope, the schedule and the building with you.
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