Building FAQs

Are you undergoing a building or renovation project? There are some cases where you may not need a building permit. To find out if you need a building permit, you can direct your inquiry to the Building Department.

Anyone (including contractors) may prepare drawings, fill out the forms, or bring in the application. However, the property owner must sign the application.

The property owner must sign the building permit application, but anyone may pick up the permit as long as payment is provided. The permit sign must be visibly displayed on the property for the entire duration of construction.

• The inspections required for your project will be indicated on your permit form. The Building Inspector can advise when your first inspection should take place.
• Please call at least 24 hours in advance to schedule any inspection.
• For detailed or project-specific questions, please contact the Building Inspector directly.

• For most residential projects, property owners may complete the work themselves as long as it meets BC Building Code requirements.
• To build your own home, you must be a Registered Owner Builder; the Building Inspector can provide more information.
• In some cases, such as commercial or multi-unit buildings, a journeyman plumber or other registered professional may be required.

For small residential projects, owners may create their own drawings if they are clear and legible and provide enough detail to determine compliance with the BC Building Code.
Sample drawings and kits are available for reference, including:

• A garage kit with fill-in-the-blank forms for accessory buildings. We strongly recommend using these forms if they are suitable for the project.
• A sample deck drawing
• A mobile home addition kit that can be adapted for similar additions

If submitted drawings are unclear or incomplete, the Building Inspector may request revised or professionally prepared drawings.

If the shed is bigger than 10 m2 108 square feet then yes, a permit is required. Even if the shed is under the size for a permit it’s still required to comply with the setbacks for your zoning. For more information contact the Planning Department.

250-992-2111
Email Planning Department

No permit is required for a patio supported directly on the ground, but if the deck is supported off the ground by joists and beams, a building permit is required.

Yes, a permit is required.

Provided the kitchen sink is being replaced only and is not being moved or relocated, then no permits are required.

Yes, you will require a plumbing permit. A building permit is required if the exterior walls are also part of the renovation.

• Gas and electrical permits are issued through Technical Safety BC.
• Plumbing permits are issued by City Hall using the same application as a building permit.