When is a building permit required?

Any property owner who wishes to undertake construction in Areas B, E,F (five communities), and C on March 4, 2019 will need to apply for and receive a building permit (and, in most cases, a plumbing permit too) before commencing construction. Building permits are required for most construction, demolition and excavation, including:

  • Construction of a house, townhouse, commercial and industrial building
  • Construction of accessory buildings, including most garages and sheds
  • Demolition of a building
  • Significant alteration to or repair of an existing building (e.g. structural changes, electrical updates, construction of a second floor deck, moving of plumbing)
  • Changes to the use or occupancy of an existing building (e.g. from a garage to a dwelling, or from a residence to a commercial use)
  • Relocation of a building
  • Alterations that affect a venting or sewer- age system
  • Installation of a factory-built or manufactured building
  • Installation of a temporary building

Anyone who is unsure whether a project requires a BP is encouraged to contact the Building Department at 888-248-2773 or 250-832-8194 or email the Building Department.

Show All Answers

1. Do I need a building permit for a cannabis production facility?
2. Do I need a building permit for a farm building?
3. How do Building Inspections protect the public health and safety?
4. How do I arrange a Building Inspection?
5. How does an owner apply for a building permit?
6. How will inspections be carried out in remote locations throughout in EA B, EA C and EA E?
7. In what new Electoral Areas (EAs) are Building Permits (BPs) required?
8. Is a building permit required for a structure that is under construction when the service takes effect?
9. What are the building permit fees?
10. What can I do if I am concerned about my neighbor who may be constructing without a building permit?
11. What days will inspections be available in our area?
12. What do the new six inspections cover?
13. What happens in EA F if my current BP that was issued under the previous Building Regulation Bylaw No. 630 expires and is renewed after the new Building Bylaw No. 660 is effective March 5, 2018?
14. What is a Site Disclosure Statement?
15. What is Building Inspection?
16. What is the building permit process?
17. What is the time period between issuance and expiry of a building permit?
18. What other permits (in addition to a building permit) may be required?
19. When did the Building Inspection service start in Electoral Area C? When did it start in Electoral Areas B and E? When did it start in Electoral Area F?
20. When is a building permit NOT required?
21. When is a building permit required?
22. Where can I find information on the BC Building Code?
23. Why are six inspections required?