Guidelines

To assist applicants in preparing their applications and determining the scope of required studies, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has developed application guides and technical guidelines as listed below. If you have questions, please contact our Project and Environmental Review (PER) team at 604.665.9047 or at [email protected].

Latest updates:

  • The PER guideline for public engagement has been updated for added clarity. New guidance on operations communications plans was also included.
  • The port authority has prepared new guidelines to assist applicants in preparing Project and Environmental Review applications for submarine cable projects (e.g., installation, maintenance, repair, upgrades, and/or removal) proposed within our jurisdiction. This new document includes guidance on design criteria and environmental requirements.
  • Applicants reviewing the PER Categories document, please note that day 1 of the review timeline starts on the first business day after your application is deemed complete/accepted. The last day of the review timeline is the day the permit decision is made. The document has been updated to reflect this.

Application guides

Category A permit bundling (March 2020) [PDF]
Project and Environmental Review Application Guide (September 2022) [PDF]
Project and Environmental Review Categories (December 2023)[PDF]
Works and Activities Exclusion List (September 2019) [PDF]

Technical guidelines

Technical studies may be required to support the review of a Project Permit. Depending on the category of review, a project may also require Indigenous, stakeholder and/or public consultation. The need for technical studies will be confirmed in the preliminary review phase of the Project and Environmental Review Process, but will generally only be required for Category C and D reviews. Please note these guidelines may be updated, or new guidelines may be added to the list.

Air Emission Management Plan (July 2015) [PDF]
Archaeological Chance Find Procedure (July 2021)  [PDF]
Construction Environmental Management Plan (September 2021) [PDF]
Construction Outside of Regular Work Hours (March 2023) [PDF]
Demolition (January 2022) [PDF]
Designated Projects (October 2016) [PDF]
Environmental Air Assessment (April 2021) [PDF]
Environmental Noise Assessment (March 2023) [PDF]
Habitat Assessment (July 2015) [PDF]
Independent Monitors and Monitoring Work Plans (August 2020) [PDF]
Indigenous Consultation – Information for Applicants (July 2021) [PDF]
Lighting (June 2022) [PDF]
Project Energy Information (July 2021) [PDF]
Public Engagement (September 2023) [PDF]
Recreational dock guidelines for Burrard Inlet (December 2023) [PDF]
Shoreline Protection Guidelines – Inspection, Maintenance, Design and Repair – Fraser River (January 2020) [PDF]
Shoreline Protection Guidelines – Inspection, Maintenance, Design and Repair – Vancouver Harbour (June 2022)[PDF]
Stakeholder Consultation (January 2022)  [PDF]
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (July 2015) [PDF]
Submarine Cable Guidelines (July 2023) [PDF]
Transportation Guidelines (February 2022) [PDF]
View and Shade Impact (June 2015) [PDF]

Supporting materials

Land Use Plan [PDF]
Land Use Plan Map [PDF]
Project and Environmental Review Guiding Principles (September 2019) [PDF]
Record Drawing Standards for Infrastructure Projects (June 2021) [PDF]