Permit
A like-for-like replacement may be covered by a permit decal that a licensed gas contractor applies, instead of a full permit. Technical Safety BC limits decals to water heaters of 50,000 Btu/hr or less, dryers, ranges, range tops, wall ovens and barbecues in residential homes.
Who does the work
A licensed gas contractor can use a decal. A homeowner has to apply for a homeowner gas permit instead; decals are a contractor program.
- The decal only applies if nothing else changes: same fuel, same type of unit, same venting method.
- Homeowner permits carry duties: you request inspections at each construction stage and after completion, and at least one inspection within 180 days of the permit being issued.
- A water heater job can also involve a municipal plumbing or electrical permit. Check with your municipality.
Guidance only. Confirm with Technical Safety BC (1-866-566-7233) or your municipality before you start.
Gas work in BC is regulated by Technical Safety BC, and the rules depend on the kind of home you own and the job. This checker applies Technical Safety BC's published rules for homeowner gas permits and replacement appliance permit decals. It tells you whether a permit is needed, whether a licensed gas contractor can cover a like-for-like swap with a decal, and whether you can apply for a homeowner permit or must hire a contractor.
Our guide to Technical Safety BC gas permits explains the process step by step. If the gas work is one part of a larger build, municipal building permits run on a separate track; the building permit timelines across Greater Victoria are published by municipality.
How the numbers are worked out
The checker applies these Technical Safety BC rules:
- Homeowner gas permits are available to owners of a single-family home. Technical Safety BC says owners of a strata, a non-strata duplex, and those operating a business from their home cannot obtain homeowner permits.
- Work a homeowner permit can cover: installing or replacing gas appliances (furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, boilers, ranges, cooktops), installing or replacing gas piping or vent systems, and installing built-in gas barbecues.
- Replacement decals: a licensed gas contractor can use a decal for a like-for-like replacement of a water heater (50,000 Btu/hr input or less), dryer, range, range top, wall oven or barbecue in a residential home. A change from a tank to a tankless water heater, from atmospheric to power venting, or from one energy source to another needs an installation permit instead.
- Plug-in barbecues: replacing an existing plug-in style gas barbecue does not need a permit.
- Homeowner duties: request inspections at each construction stage and after completion, and at least one inspection within 180 days of the permit being issued.
What this tool does not cover
The directive on replacement decals is dated August 27, 2012 (Revision 2) and Technical Safety BC may update it. This tool does not cover propane systems, commercial or multi-unit buildings, or municipal plumbing and building permits, which are separate. Gas work is hazardous, and a licensed gas fitter is the safe choice even where a homeowner permit is available. Always confirm with Technical Safety BC or your municipality before you start.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to replace my gas water heater?
A like-for-like replacement may be covered by a permit decal that a licensed gas contractor applies. Changing to a tankless unit, changing the venting method or changing fuel needs an installation permit.
Can a homeowner get a gas permit in a strata?
No. Technical Safety BC says owners of a strata, a non-strata duplex, and those operating a business from their home cannot obtain homeowner permits.
Do I need a permit to replace a plug-in barbecue?
Technical Safety BC says replacing an existing plug-in style gas barbecue does not require a permit. A built-in barbecue or a new gas line does.
Who inspects the work?
The permit holder requests inspections from Technical Safety BC at each construction stage and after completion. A homeowner permit requires at least one inspection within 180 days of issue.
Sources
Last verified October 9, 2026. Codes, rebates and permit rules change; confirm with your plumber, Technical Safety BC or your municipality before you rely on a result.