Download the permit application form:
What's Next?
Applying for a crossing permit is the first step in a process designed to keep you, your workers and the surrounding community safe.
The application and approvals process for a permit safeguards pipeline integrity and furthers our goal of delivering natural gas safely and efficiently to homes and businesses throughout BC.
- Applying for a crossing permit
- What to do when your approval is issued
- On-site inspections
Applying for a crossing permit
Please complete the entire application, attaching three copies of each of the following drawings:
a) Plan view — Drawn to a suggested scale of 1:500 or larger, this view should show the proposed changes and supply sufficient geographical reference such as legal property lines and roads. It should also include all details pertinent to the proposal, such as tie-in dimensions from some known point along the gas pipeline (road allowance or property line) to a point where the crossing facility intersects the pipeline.
b) Profile view — Drawn at a suggested scale of 1:200 horizontal or larger and 1:100 vertical or larger, the profile view (cross section view) should show a profile along the gas pipeline and/or a profile across the pipeline, indicating depth of cover over the pipeline, and the clearance between the pipeline and the applicant's facility.
Submit your application by mail or fax to one of the following FortisBC offices:
Lower Mainland & Interior
Fortis BC Energy Inc.
Property Services Department
16705 Fraser Highway
Surrey, BC, V4N 0E8
Fax: 1-877-212-1312
Coquitlam Watershed, Squamish, Sunshine Coast, Texada Island, Powell River, Vancouver Island and Whistler
FortisBC Energy (Vancouver Island) Inc.
Property Services Department
20 Garbally Road
Victoria, BC, V8T 2K1
Fax: 1-250-388-6876
Once approval is issued
Applicants will receive a "Pipeline and/or Right of Way Permit" and drawings. You're now required to book an on-site inspection with FortisBC.
On-site inspections
If you start work in the right of way or over a pipeline, you require an on-site inspection.
Inspections require a minimum of 72 hours’ notice, excluding weekends and statutory holidays. Please plan your work schedule accordingly.
Please quote your permit number when booking your inspection appointment. Have copies of the approved permit and associated plans at the work site at all times. Call the FortisBC representative listed on the first page of your permit.
Permits
Pipeline and right of way crossing permit applications
A FortisBC right of way is a corridor of land that protects the natural gas pipelines that run beneath it. Safety is always our first priority and we take all steps possible to ensure our pipeline is well protected from natural hazards and third-party damage.
Any activity that could potentially increase the risk of damaging a pipeline — including digging or operating motorized vehicles — requires a permit. A permit is always necessary when projects include digging within a FortisBC right of way or near a FortisBC facility.
Talk to us first
Whether you're a contractor or a homeowner, check with FortisBC to find out if a crossing permit is required for your project.
If your proposed activity includes land-use changes, such as subdivisions or road crossings, we recommend you contact a FortisBC Permit Clerk before submitting your right of way crossing application. A short discussion may save you time and money.
We need details and time to process your crossing application
To issue your permit, we require you to include specific site information in your crossing application. Please allow 15 days for processing.