Archaeological Inspection Permit

Archaeological Inspection Permit

Archaeological Inspection Permit: An application for a Heritage Inspection Permit to conduct an Archaeological Impact Assessment. Only an eligible qualified archaeologist can hold the permit and conduct the work. 

Related Activities: Archaeological Permit Amendment, Archaeological Site Alteration, Archaeological Site Data Request

Contents:

About this Activity Guide

This guide summarizes the most common requirements and recommendations for your chosen activity and is designed to help you submit a complete application. Be aware that this information is for guidance purposes only.

Mandatory Authorizations

Authorization Name Link to Authorization Guidance Link to Application
Heritage Inspection Permit Authorization Guidance Apply Now

Costs

Cost may be a specific value or range of values. The cost includes GST, where applicable.

Cost Type Cost Description Cost Link to Details
Application fee Not applicable, however there is a cost associated with hiring an eligible, qualified archaeologist to conduct an assessment. Not applicable.

Eligibility Requirements

Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements prior to applying.

Requirement Description
Consent of land owner For private land, signed consent of the land owner is required.
Client Certification Client who will accept financial responsibility for the study.
Qualified Archaeologist Only a qualified archaeologist can hold this permit.

Information Requirements

Requirement Description Link to Details
Application for Heritage Inspection Permit Application will provide detail regarding the scope of the proposed study and present a summary of timelines, permit personnel and proposed archaeological methods. Application for Heritage Inspection Permit
Maps Maps will show the proposed assessment at various scales including location and development maps. Maps will also include detail such as nearby archaeological sites and will comply to standards. See link for detailed standards. Map and Shapefile Standards
Permit Area Shapefiles Provide applicable, clean polygon data in BC Albers for permit and development areas. Map and Shapefile Standards
Consent or Agreement Document Consent to use personal information in the application document. Certification that applicant is familiar with Heritage Conservation Act and contents of application. Note: additional client certifications can be added.
Disposition of materials collected Name of branch-approved repository for materials collected during assessment.

Potential Additional Requirements

Requirement Description When is it Required?
Archaeological site map Submit applicable map. When a known archaeological site is within or adjacent to the development area.
Client Endorsement Letter Client signature acknowledging they are not required to commission a Heritage Inspection Permit (Section 14 Permit). Provide when a Heritage inspection permit is not required under legislation (e.g., mine developments authorized by the Ministry of Energy and Mines).
Drawings Architecture or engineered drawings showing the depth and details of development. If additional drawings and or figures exist for area, submit with application for reviewers.
Link Description
Archaeological Site Form Guide An online form required for reporting archaeological sites.
British Columbia Association of Professional Archaeologists A web page providing a list of British Columbia Association of Professional Archaeologists consulting firms.

Other Things You Should Know

Archaeology Information
Archaeological sites are protected under the Heritage Conservation Act and must not be altered or damaged without a permit issued by the Archaeology Branch. Information regarding potential risks to protected archaeological sites may be obtained by submitting an online data request form to the Archaeology Branch or by contacting a professional archaeologist via the BC Association of Professional Archaeologists (www.bcapa.ca) or via local directories. Visit the Archaeology Branch website for more information.

BCeID - What Is It and Why Get It?
BCeID is an online service that allows you to create a user ID and password to sign in securely to many Government services in British Columbia. The benefits of having a BCeID account include:

  • Stop and start. Save and return later to complete your application without losing any information previously entered.
  • Real time status information. Check the status of your application in real time.
  • Access your applications for multiple people (Business BCeID only) to edit or submit your application or check its status. To enroll in this service, visit the BCeID web page: FrontCounter BC - BCeID

Consulting with First Nations

  • The Province is committed to reconciliation as part of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Act.
  • The Province is responsible for ensuring adequate and appropriate consultation and accommodation, it may involve the proponent in the procedural aspects of consultation.
Proponents are encouraged to engage with First Nations as early as possible in the planning stages to build relationships and for information sharing purposes. To get more information about the guidelines and procedure manuals that are designed to assist government officials and proponents with meeting consultation obligations, please visit the Consulting with First Nations web page.

Legal Disclaimer
This guide provides the most current and accurate information available to the Government of British Columbia at the time of publishing; however, we make no warranty regarding the completeness, currency or accuracy of this information. This information is for guidance purposes only and does not replace legislated requirements. Each application is unique and circumstances may result in additional requirements beyond those included in this guide.

Last Updated: July 14, 2023