When planning a renovation in Abbotsford, one of the most important—and often misunderstood—steps is the permit process. Many homeowners assume permits take a few weeks, but the reality is that from the initial design phase to final approval, the full process can take several months. Understanding what’s involved can help set realistic expectations and prevent unnecessary frustration along the way.
The Permit Process: More Than Just Paperwork
Whether you’re adding a suite, removing structural walls, or building an addition, permits are in place to ensure your renovation is safe, up to code, and compliant with local bylaws. But getting those permits isn’t as simple as submitting a form and waiting a few days.
There are two main phases in the permit journey:
- Design & Preparation
- Submission & Review
Let’s walk through what each involves—and why they take time.
Phase One: Design & Preparation
This phase is where most of the behind-the-scenes work happens. You’ll likely work with a draftsperson, designer, and sometimes engineers to create plans that meet both your vision and Abbotsford’s building regulations.
Expect to spend time:
- Developing detailed design drawings
- Meeting with your contractor and design team
- Making revisions based on zoning rules or property restrictions
- Ensuring your plans align with the city’s specific requirements
Even for a straightforward project, this process can take several weeks to a few months depending on the complexity and number of revisions. If you’re hoping to start construction “next month,” this stage alone may push that timeline further than expected.
Phase Two: Submission to the City & Review
Once your permit package is complete, it’s submitted to the City of Abbotsford for review. While the city might say reviews take a few weeks, that often refers to the time it takes for someone to begin reviewing the file—not to complete it.
During this stage:
- City staff review your submission for compliance
- You may be asked to provide additional documents or make changes
- If zoning variances or engineering approvals are involved, the timeline will increase
- Revised plans often go through another round of review
This back-and-forth is normal—and it can be frustrating—but it’s a standard part of the process. It’s not uncommon for this phase to stretch over several weeks to a few months, especially during busy seasons.
Why It Feels Slow (But Matters So Much)
Permitting isn’t just red tape—it’s a safeguard. And while it can feel painfully slow at times, especially when revisions are requested, it’s part of what ensures your renovation is safe, insurable, and legal. Projects that try to cut corners here often end up costing more down the road.
What to Expect as a Homeowner
No two projects follow the exact same path. A cosmetic update might need no permit at all, while structural work or suite additions can face multiple rounds of revisions. The more you understand about the full scope—from planning to review—the more smoothly your renovation can go.
In general, you should budget at least a couple of months for the entire permit process—sometimes longer for complex or large-scale work.
Permits aren’t the most exciting part of renovating, but they are important. By understanding the two main phases of the process—and the fact that it takes time—you’ll be better prepared for the journey.
Renovations are an investment in your home. Permits are the foundation that help protect that investment for years to come.
