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Planning & Development

Building Permits & Inspections

Building Permits
When is a Building Permit Required?

A Building Permit is required for most construction, renovation, and structural projects to ensure work complies with safety standards, building codes, and local regulations.

You must obtain a Building Permit if you plan to:

  • Construct any new building or structure
  • Construct a new accessory building
  • Make alterations, additions or repairs to an existing building or structure
  • Complete a previously unfinished area in an existing building, (e.g., a recreation room or bathroom)
  • Make interior structural renovations
  • Demolish or relocate a building or structure
  • Locate or relocate a manufactured or mobile home on a lot
  • Build or Remodel a deck
  • Construct a swimming pool
  • Install or alter plumbing within a building or structure or on a property
  • Install a new chimney or fireplace
  • Enclose your carport
  • Change the use or occupancy of an existing building, (i.e., from office to retail)
When is a Building Permit not required?

A Building Permit is not required for:

  • Installing cupboards
  • Roofing repairs or replacements (providing that no structural changes are made)
  • Exterior finish repair or replacement (e.g., stucco or siding, providing that no structural changes are made)
  • Landscaping or sidewalks
  • Buildings (e.g., a storage shed) less than 10 square metres in size (note: even though a permit is not required, the structure must still comply with zoning regulations with respect to setbacks and height)

Not sure if you need a permit?

This list is not comprehensive, and additional projects may require permits depending on the scope of work.

If you are unsure whether your project requires a Building Permit:

  • Visit the Contacts Page to find the appropriate email, or
  • Call 250-720-2700 for assistance

Our staff are happy to help you determine permit requirements before you begin your project.

Building Permit Fees
  • Building Permit Application Fee: $100
  • Building Permit Fees (paid at time of permit issuance and calculated on total value of work):
    • For the first $2,000 or fraction thereof - $100
    • For each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof up to $499,999.99 - $7
    • For each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof exceeding $500,000 - $6
  • Demolition Permit: $30
  • Solid Fuel Burning Appliance Permit: $100
Building Permit Application Requirements

The following information is required upon application for a building permit. If all items listed below are not attached, the permit application will not be accepted.

BUILDING PERMIT REQUIREMENTS include:

  • 1 completed Building Permit Application
  • 2 sets of plans that include foundation layout and details, floor plans and point loads, roof plan and point loads, cross section, north/south/east/west elevation drawings
  • 1 site plan showing location of existing and proposed structures on property. Note: any structure within 20 feet of a given setback will require a registered BC Land Survey
  • 1 current (within 6 months) Certificate of Title (can be obtained from LTSA )
  • Proof of Island Health Filing of Sewerage System Form
  • 1 homeowner protection form approved by the homeowner protection office. Forms can be obtained from the Homeowner Protection Office 1-800-407-7757
Resources

Contact Us

Visit the Contacts Page for electronic document submissions, application or permit inquiries or other external agency contact information.