Building permits are required for most types of construction, including new homes, commercial buildings, and the renovation or expansion of existing properties.
Applying for a Permit
Compile all required documentation following the requirements of your Building Permit Application. See the checklists and forms below for the City’s requirements for common projects:
- Building Permit Package - Complex [PDF/2MB](for large BC Building Code Part 3 residential, commercial, industrial and institutional buildings)
- Building Permit Package - Simple [PDF/1.6MB] (for small BC Building Code Part 9 residential, commercial and accessory buildings)
- Building Permit Package - Garage and Accessory Buildings [PDF/437KB] (for garage and accessory buildings)
For additional forms, visit the Documents Library.
Requesting an Inspection
Inspections are to be formally requested by the owner or his/her agent.
When requesting an inspection, please note:
- 24 hours notice is required prior to any inspection request.
- All work to be inspected must be complete and ready prior to inspection.
- Work must not proceed past any of the stages listed without prior clearance by a City Building Inspector.
- Building permit number, the address of worksite, and the type of inspection being requested is required when booking an inspection.
- Inspections can be requested during normal business hours by contacting the Planning and Engineering Department at 250-787-8150.
- All inspection requests performed are subject to the availability of a Building Inspector and occur on a first come first serve basis.
BC Energy Step Code Requirements
Requirements
In May 2023, the BC Building Code will require that all new builds must be 20% more energy-efficient than the base building code requirements today, which is Step 3 for Part 9 buildings, and Step 2 for Part 3 buildings.
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.
- For additional BC Energy Step Code resources, visit: BC Energy Step Code.
Sign Permits
As per the Sign Bylaw, a sign permit is required prior to installing a sign within the City.
An application form [PDF/118KB] is to be completed and submitted to the Building Inspection department.
Sign Permit Application fee is $50.00.