A PERMIT IS REQUIRED IF YOU WISH TO:

• construct a new home
• construct a new accessory building or accessory structure (garage, shed, etc.)
• repair, renovate, or add to an existing building
• complete a previously unfinished area in an existing building
• enclose a porch or roof over a sundeck
• construct swimming pools
• demolish or relocate buildings
• do trades work involving plumbing, gas, propane, oil burner or electrical
• connect to municipal services
• locate a new driveway
• construct or install a chimney or solid fuel burning appliance (fireplace or wood stove)
• enclose a carport
• fences (fence height must comply with City of Fort St. John Zoning Bylaw
• Roof Replacement or repairs
• exterior finish repair or replacement i.e., stucco or siding

Permits are not required for non-structural minor modifications such as: cupboards
perimeter hedges, painting, landscaping or sidewalks

NOTE: Although the above work does not require permits, homeowners should ensure that the construction conforms to the requirements of the Provincial Building Code and applicable City of Fort St. John Bylaws.

Things you should know when planning your project:

1. Check the zoning allocated to your property, to ensure your intended use is permitted. See City of Fort St. John Zoning Bylaws for in depth descriptions.

2. Check the required setbacks from the property lines and the maximum site coverage permitted. Information can be found on the City of Fort St. John Zoning Bylaws or by contacting the Building Inspection Department at City Hall by phoning 250-787-8150.

3. Check the location and depth of services (water, storm, sanitary sewer, street lights, gas, hydro, communications etc) by calling BC ONE CALL at 1-800-474-6886l. For Shaw Cable services please contact Andre Cote at 250-785-3773 as they do not subscribe to the BC One Call. Any inquiries pertaining to municipal services, new service connections, culverts and road accessibility may also be directed to the Engineering Department.

4. Check for easements or right-of-way on your property. Municipal records are not always complete. The information is available at the Land Tiltes Office in New Westminister. Title Certificates are available from realtors, lawyers, notaries and your local government agency.

Any questions pertaining to building sites, set backs, permit applications and/or any other building inquiries, contact the Building Inspections Department at 250-787-8150.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS


How do I obtain a building permit?
You may obtain a building permit by printing one off from above or by visiting City Hall. You may apply in person or by representative to the Building Inspector, 10631 - 100th Street, Fort St. John, B.C.

 NOTE: A form titled "Owner's Declaration" must be completed and accompany the building permit application.

How long will it take to process my building permit?
For residential building pemit applications we try to maintain a maximum "turn around time" of 10 working days. This allows for the natural fluctuations that occur in the rate of applications received. You will be telephoned immediately when your permit is ready.

What will my building permit cost?
Fees payable for the issuance of permit for the erection, addition, alteration, repair, removal or demolition of any building or structure or part thereof shall be as follows:

PERMIT FEES


Building Permit Fees
Fee for each $1,000.00 of Value of Construction: $5.00 per $1,000.00
To a maximum permit fee of $500,000 ($100 million dollars Value of Construction)

Building Permit Fee if Constuction Commenced Without Building Permit and a Stop Work Notice was Issued
Fee for each $1000.00 of Value of Construction: $7.50 per $1000.00
To a maximum fee of $750,000.00 ($100 million Value of Construction)

Plan Processing Fees
To construct a new Standard Building: $125.00
To construct a new Complex Building: $250.00
To construct an addition/renovation on a Standard Building up to 50m²: $75.00
To construct an addition/renovation on a Standard Building 51m² or larger: $100.00
To construct an addition/renovation on a Complex Building up to 100m²: $100.00
To construct an addition/renovation on a Complex Building 101m² or larger: $150.00

Plumbing Permit Fees
Permit Fee: $50.00
Additional Fee per Plumbing Fixture: $5.00

Fire Sprinkler Permit Fees
Permit Fee: $50.00
Additional Fee per Sprinkler Head: $0.50

Demolition Permit Fee
For the issuance of a permit to demolish a building: $50.00

Moving Permit Fees
For issuance of a permit to move a building: $50.00

Fence Permit, Deck Permit and Shed Permit
Basic Fee: $50.00

Solid Fuel Burning Appliance
Basic Fee: $50.00

Re-inspection Fee: $100.00

DRAWINGS REQUIRED FOR PERMIT APPLICATION
(Samples of drawings can be supplied upon request.)

Two fully detailed sets of plans drawn to scale are required to be submitted at the time of application, plans must contain sufficient detail to allow any competent person to construct the building or addition.

Two complete sets of drawings are to include:

Site Plan - scale 1/16" or 1/20" (1:200 metric) Legal description.
Size of site and adjoining street names.
Size and location, including required yard set back from all property lines of buildings, proposed buildings or additions including accessory buildings.

Floor Plans - scale in 1/4" = 1' (1:150 metric)

• All rooms and use of each room.
• Size of each room.
• Size of windows and doors.
• All plumbing fixtures.
• All outside dimensions.
• Structural details i.e.: joist size and spacing, size of beams and columns.
• Total area of building.

Elevations - scale 1/8" = 1' or 1:100 metric
Full views of front, rear and both sides of the building including additions.
Exterior finish details i.e.: materials used.
Sundeck addition requires railing details i.e.: height and type of construction.
Cross Section
Scale of 1/4" = 1' (1:50 metric)
Showing method of construction.
Showing structural and other pertinent details.
Building Permits will be issued following approval of plans, location, zoning, water and sewer connections, etc., and upon receipt of permit fees.

Additional Required Information:
Site Coverage (SC) - land covered by buildings (includes deck and accessory buildings)/ area of lot.

INSPECTIONS REQUIRED

Please note: The street address must be posted on the lot and approved plans must remain on site.

1. Footings Inspection - on completion of concrete formwork prior to placing concrete for foundations (please submit survey certificate prior to concrete placement).

2. Plumbing and Drainage Inspections - rough in plumbing inspection is required when all drains, vents and water piping are complete with the appropriate test applied. NOTE: any plumbing to be covered by concrete must first be inspected and approved. Water service, storm and sanitary sewer inspections are required when all piping is installed but prior to backfilling. Drain tile inspection is required when drain tile, drain rock and foundation damp-proofing are in place prior to backfilling. Backfilling must be completed within 24 hours of drain tile approval. Final plumbing inspection is required when all plumbing fixtures are installed.

3. Required Chimney Inspections - 1. Footing forms; 2. Smoke chamber - fireplaces; 3. Thimble stage - wood heaters; 4. Complete - with cap in place.

4. Frame Inspection - to be called for when all framework, sheathing, ductwork and chimney construction are complete and before application of insulation or exterior cladding. Rough plumbing, B vent and Electrical wiring must be inspected and approved before requesting a frame inspection.

5. Insulation and Vapour Barrier Inspection - when thermal insulation and vapour barrier are complete and prior to application of wallboard or paneling

6. Final Inspection - when all construction is completed and before an Occupancy Permit is issued. Final inspections must be passed on plumbing, gas, electrical, oil and propane installations prior to final inspection.

Electrical Safety Officer (Inspections)
British Columbia Safety Authority
10600 - 100th Street, Fort St. John BC
250-787-3242

Gas Safety Officer (Inspections)
British Columbia Safety Authority
10600 - 100th Street, Fort St. John BC
250-787-3243 

 

BUILDING PERMIT REPORTS 2010

September (available early October)

August 2010

July 2010

June 2010

May 2010

April 2010

March 2010

February 2010

January 2010