About Building Permits
Building permits are required in order to construct, alter, repair or demolish a building or structure within one of the capital region's three electoral areas.
Your application requires information outlining what work you would like to do and a fee for your permit. Information requested may include a set of drawings showing the project in detail, a Survey Certificate, proof of Home Warranty Insurance, or other documentation. Your Building Inspector should be consulted early on in your project planning in order to advise you on the exact needs of your particular application.
The homeowner is responsible for carrying out the work or having the work carried out in full accordance with the requirements of the British Columbia Building Code and other applicable regulations.
You may not start any stage of a project, including demolition or excavation, until a building permit has been obtained.
You will need a building permit when you wish to:
- construct any new building
- construct a new accessory building
- construct or locate a temporary building
- make alterations, renovations or repairs to an existing building or structure
- complete a previously unfinished area in an existing building, e.g., a recreation room or bathroom
- demolish or relocate a building or structure
- locate or relocate a manufactured home in a park or on a lot
- remodel or construct a deck
- construct a swimming pool
- install or alter plumbing within a structure or on a property
- connect to a sewer system, storm drain or water system
- install a new chimney or fireplace
- install a wood stove, fireplace insert or other wood burning appliance
- change the occupancy type of a building
- install an irrigation or sprinkler system