Can 

You 

Really 

Get 

Permits 

Over 

the 

Holidays? 

What 

to 

Know 

Before 

You 

Apply 

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year, but for many homeowners in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, it’s also when renovation planning kicks into high gear. As you map out your 2026 projects, you might be wondering:

“Can I actually get permits approved over the holidays?”

The short answer: Yes… but with important limitations.

If you’re planning a kitchen renovation, opening up a floor plan, adding an extension, or doing any structural work, here’s what you need to know before submitting applications in December or early January.

Do Municipalities Process Permits During the Holidays?

Most cities do not fully shut down, but they do operate with reduced staff and longer wait times.

Across municipalities like Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford, Vancouver, Burnaby, and Delta, holiday permitting follows a consistent pattern:

✔️ Permit Offices Stay Open

Municipal offices usually remain operational except for statutory holidays.

✔️ Response Time Slows Down

With staff vacations, applications move more slowly, sometimes significantly.

✔️ Engineering & Plan-Check Departments Experience Delays

These teams often operate with skeleton staff, which impacts processing time for structural reviews.

✔️ Internal Reviews Take Longer

Even if the front desk accepts your application, internal approvals may be paused or delayed.

❌ No Permit Rush Processing

Most cities don’t offer “expedited” reviews during December.

So… Should You Submit During the Holidays?

Surprisingly, it can be a smart move — if you plan correctly.

👍 Why Applying in December Can Be Helpful

• You get into the queue early for January
• Less competition — many homeowners wait until the new year
• Early planning = earlier construction start dates
• You can resolve corrections over the break, speeding up January approvals

👎 Why It Can Be Challenging

• Reviews take longer due to low staffing
• Engineers and planners may be away
• Any missing documents can stall your application by weeks

Permit Types Affected by Holiday Delays

Different permits move at different speeds. Here’s how the holidays typically affect them:

1. Building Permits (Most Affected)

Structural changes, wall removals, additions, and major renovations require building permits. Expect slower review times because multiple departments need to sign off.

2. Electrical & Plumbing Permits (Moderately Affected)

These are usually quicker but still subject to holiday staffing reductions.

3. Demolition Permits (Less Affected)

If no structural review is required, these tend to move faster.

4. Trade Permits (Varies by Municipality)

Some cities process these electronically, which helps, but internal review is still slower.

How Long Do Holiday Permit Approvals Take?

Timelines vary dramatically by municipality, but here’s a realistic holiday-season expectation:

Surrey:

3–10 weeks depending on scope & corrections (holidays can push timelines further)

Langley (City + Township):

2–6 weeks (smaller municipalities = slightly faster)

Vancouver:

8–16+ weeks (highest volume, most delayed during holidays)

Abbotsford, Maple Ridge, Mission:

2–8 weeks depending on permit type

Bottom line: Submitting in December doesn’t stop your application, but you should expect slower movement until the second week of January.

Holiday Permit Tips to Avoid Delays

If you want your application to move smoothly, here’s what experienced builders recommend:

1. Have Your Engineering Drawings Ready Before December

Missing documents = automatic delays.

2. Triple-check your submission package

Holidays leave little room for rework cycles.

3. Know your city’s closure dates

Many municipalities close for a few days between Christmas and New Year’s.

4. Respond to correction requests immediately

If the city sends comments during the holidays, quick replies keep you at the front of the line come January.

5. Work with a contractor who handles permits for you

Professionals know municipal schedules, required documents, and submission quirks.

At Square One Construction, our team submits, tracks, and manages permits throughout the holidays — which often speeds up start dates for early-year renovations.

When Should You

Hold off if:

❌ Your designs or engineering drawings aren’t finalized ❌ You need fast approval within 2–3 weeks ❌ Your project is still in concept phase ❌ You’re missing required documents (surveys, asbestos reports, mechanical drawings, etc.)

In these cases, it’s better to prepare everything in December and submit the first or second week of January.

Planning a Renovation Over the Holidays? We Can Help.

Whether you’re preparing to renovate your kitchen, open up your main floor, or start a major home transformation, getting your permit strategy right will save time, and headaches.

Our team at Square One Construction is experienced in submitting and managing permits through December and January so your project can start as early as possible.

📧 info@squareoneconstruction.ca 📞 (778) 400-7948

Let’s start your renovation on the right foot, even during the holidays.

🔗 Fresh Useful Reads from Square One Construction

• How Will Tariffs Affect Your Project in Vancouver? — discusses how rising tariffs on construction materials (lumber, steel, fixtures, etc.) are influencing renovation and building costs, scheduling, and sourcing decisions. Useful if you’re budgeting a kitchen reno or structural change today.
• How Much Does It Cost to Renovate a Home in Vancouver? — a broad look at total renovation cost ranges for typical homes, helping homeowners estimate what their project might realistically cost before contacting a builder.
• Year-Round Outdoor Living: Key Upgrades for a Functional and Weather-Proof Space — a timely read if you’re considering expanding living space or improving flow between indoor and outdoor areas, sometimes opening up floor plans leads naturally to outdoor extensions.
• Top Home Design Trends for 2025 — gives insight into what’s trending right now in layouts, finishes, and overall home design, useful for kitchen or open-concept renovations if you want your home to feel modern and resale-ready.