The Regional Development and Planning department is responsible for building, zoning, development applications, subdivisions (including rural subdivisions) and other land-use related activities.
If you're interested in commercial/industrial development, you can find more information at our Invest Northern Rockies website.
If you are a contractor or agent submitting an application on behalf of a property owner, you must include written and signed authorization or an Owner's Authorization form completed by the owner with your application package.
When Do I Need a Building Permit?
See our guide, When Do I Need a Building Permit? for examples of when a building permit is required.
If you are uncertain if a permit is required prior to making changes to your property or buildings, please contact the Regional Development and Planning department at 250.774.2541 Option 8. We always suggest arranging an appointment with the Development and Planning team before the start of any project so you can be well informed on all the requirements necessary to complete your project successfully – we’re here to help!
Below is information relating to common projects requiring building and development permits and some tips to help determine if a permit is needed.
| Building a New Home? |
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The following applications are required: |
| Building a Deck? |
| Is it over 10 metres squared? Is it over 2 feet off the ground? If you answered yes to either of these you will need a Simple Building Permit. |
| Building a Shed or Shop? |
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Is it over 10 metres squared? Considering a slab or grade foundation? If the foundation 55 metre squared or larger sealed engineered drawings will be required. If you answered yes to either of there you will need a Simple Building Permit. |
When Do I Need a Building Inspection?
There are several points during construction when it is important to arrange an inspection. Click the button below to find out more on our "When Do I Need an Inspection?" webpage.
When and How to Arrange Inspections
New as of May 1st, 2023 - BC Energy Step Code Mandatory Compliance
The BC Energy Step Code was introduced in 2017 as a step-by-step building efficiency strategy designed to help meet the Provincial Government’s target of all new homes being net-zero energy ready by 2032. As of May 1st, 2023 aspects of the BC Energy Step Code will become mandatory for all new builds.
Achieving Step Code compliance:
- The builder works with an energy advisor from the design phase to create a model (energy efficiency target) for the new build.
- Energy Advisor provides a standardized “pre-built” report that is to be submitted at the time of building permit application. - Refer to Part 9 Compliance Tools. Note: the building permit will not be issued without a satisfactory energy model from a qualified third party.
- The builder and energy advisor stay in communication throughout the build. The energy model is updated with any changes to the design (e.g. window specification updates, mechanical system exchange, insulation level change, etc).
- Optional but advised: mid-construction blower door test conducted by energy advisor to find any air leaks and allow repair BEFORE seal-up stage.
- Final inspection and air-tightness test conducted by the energy advisor. The energy advisor submits a standardized “as-built” report to the AHJ following construction and prior to final inspection or occupancy, to verify air tightness and energy performance.
- An occupancy permit can be issued if the minimum required energy efficiency is achieved, as verified by the energy advisor in the “as-built” report.
Permit Applications and Guides |
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Permit Fees |
Plan Processing FeesStandard Buildings $125 Complex Buildings $250 Building Permit Fee$75 for first $10,000 of construction value plus $5 per $1,000 of all construction value exceeding $10,000
Subject to a security deposit of $2,500 depending on project size. $2,450 of all security deposits are refundable upon satisfactory completion of all inspections and confirmation of no damage to municipal infrastructure
If any work related to a permit commences prior to issuance of the permit, the permit fee payable shall be doubled up to a maximum fee of $500 Civic Address Change Application Fee$50 Plumbing Permit FeesPermit Fee $50 Additional fee per plumbing fixture $5 Fire Sprinkler Permit FeesPermit Fee $50 Additional fee per sprinkler head $0.50 Demolition Permit FeesBasic Fee $50 Security deposit of $2,500. $2,450 of all security deposits are refundable upon satisfactory completion of all inspections and confirmation of no damage to municipal infrastructure Moving Permit FeesBasic Fee $50 Security deposit of $2,500. $2,450 of all security deposits are refundable upon satisfactory completion of all inspections and confirmation of no damage to municipal infrastructure Solid Fuel Burning Appliance PermitBasic Fee $75 Re-Inspection FeeAfter two inspections due to non-compliance $75 per additional inspection Security Deposit$2,500 The full amount of the security, less an administration fee of $50 shall be refunded upon the building official being satisfied with the repair, replacement and clean-up of any water and sewer works, roadways, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, boulevards and other municipal works or property damaged in the course of the construction authorized by the permit Street Name Change Application Fee$50 |