Does replacing a bathtub with a shower require a permit in Vancouver?

In most cases, yes — replacing a bathtub with a shower in Vancouver requires a plumbing permit because the drain location, drain size, and plumbing rough-in typically change when converting from a tub to a shower. A bathtub drain and a shower drain have different requirements under the BC Plumbing Code, and relocating the drain even a short distance constitutes plumbing rough-in work that must be permitted and inspected.

Why the permit is needed comes down to plumbing differences between tubs and showers. A bathtub has a 1.5-inch drain with an overflow, positioned at one end of the tub. A shower requires a 2-inch drain (BC Plumbing Code requirement for shower drains), positioned at the low point of a sloped shower floor, and has no overflow. Even if the new shower drain is placed in approximately the same area as the old tub drain, the drain pipe must be upsized from 1.5 inches to 2 inches, the trap configuration changes, and the venting must be verified for the new fixture type. This work must be done by a licensed plumber and inspected under a plumbing permit — typically costing $100-$250 for the permit plus $800-$2,000 for the plumber's labour depending on complexity and access.

An electrical permit through Technical Safety BC may also be required if the conversion involves new electrical work. Adding a dedicated GFCI receptacle near the shower, installing recessed lighting rated for wet locations in the shower area, wiring an upgraded exhaust fan, or installing electric in-floor heating in the new shower all require electrical permits and licensed electrician work. If you're adding heated flooring to the new shower area, budget $1,500-$3,500 for the heating system and electrical work combined.

A building permit may be required in addition to the plumbing permit if the conversion involves structural modifications — for example, removing a wall between the tub alcove and an adjacent closet to create a larger shower, adding structural blocking for a glass shower enclosure, or modifying framing to accommodate a curbless shower design that requires lowering the subfloor. If you're simply replacing a tub in a standard alcove with a shower in the same footprint, a building permit is typically not required beyond the plumbing and electrical permits.

The one scenario where a permit might not be required is if you're replacing a bathtub with a prefabricated shower unit that connects to the existing drain in the exact same location with the same drain size — essentially a direct swap with no plumbing modifications. In practice, this is uncommon because tub drains and shower drains are different sizes and positioned differently, but if your existing plumbing happens to accommodate the new shower without any rough-in changes, you may not need a plumbing permit. Confirm with the City of Vancouver's 311 line or your local municipality's building department before assuming your project is permit-exempt.

For Vancouver condos and strata properties, a tub-to-shower conversion almost always requires strata council approval in addition to the municipal permit. The conversion involves waterproofing changes that directly affect the risk of water damage to units below. Most strata corporations require detailed documentation of the waterproofing plan — specifying the membrane system (Schluter Kerdi is the most commonly accepted), the shower pan construction, and the drain connection. Some strata corporations require a post-installation waterproofing flood test before tile is installed, and a few require a professional waterproofing inspection report. Review your strata's renovation bylaws carefully and submit your application well before your planned start date — strata approval can take 2-6 weeks.

Budget for a tub-to-shower conversion in Metro Vancouver typically ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the finish level and complexity. A basic conversion with an acrylic shower base, tile surround, and standard fixtures runs $5,000-$8,000. A custom tile shower with a linear drain, frameless glass enclosure, niche, and quality fixtures runs $10,000-$15,000 or more. These costs include plumbing modifications, waterproofing, tile installation, fixtures, glass, and permit fees.

The permit process protects your investment. A permitted and inspected tub-to-shower conversion ensures the plumbing meets code, the waterproofing is verified, and you have documentation that the work was done properly. This matters for insurance coverage, resale value, and — in condos — protection against liability if water damage occurs in neighbouring units.