A Guide for
constructing buildings and structures within the City
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The B.C. Building Code requires
building permits for any structure used or intended for supporting or
sheltering any use or occupancy.
When to apply
If you are constructing, repairing, altering adding to, demolishing, or
reconstructing any building you will require a building permit. This
includes new homes, new accessory buildings or structures, retaining
walls over 4 feet, repair, alterations or additions to an existing
building, moving, adding or removing interior walls, siting mobile
homes, completing unfinished areas, enclosing decks or porches,
constructing swimming pools and demolitions.
When you don’t need a permit
You don’t need a building permit for painting, non-structural
re-roofing/roof repairs, exterior finish repair, cupboards, retaining
walls less than 4 feet in height, accessory buildings less than 110
feet² (not hazardous), and roofless open decks less than 24 inches above
grade and 110 feet² which are ancillary to a single family home.
What you need to submit an
application
- A complete
application form;
- An accurate site plan to scale
showing existing and proposed buildings in relation to your property
lines;
- Two sets of building plans of the
pro posed building or structure;
- Copy of Certificate of Title and
any covenants, easements or agreements registered to the property.
- Copy of approved Ministry of
Health Sewage Disposal application (required for new homes or when
adding bath rooms or bedrooms, where a septic system is being used);
and
- Homeowner Protection Office forms
required for new homes only.
- Any additional permits, as
required.
What other permits you may need
Your building must meet certain
requirements and, if it does not, it may not be allowed or may need
additional permits before you can get a building permit. Examples
include:
- If you are in a
development permit area, a development permit is required.
- If you are
proposing a building or structure that does not comply with Zoning
standards, like setbacks, a variance is required.
- If a building is
over a property line, you will need to adjust or remove the lot
line.
What happens to your
application
A complete application, will be
processed by Staff and reviewed by a Building Official. The examination
process will generally be done within 5-10 working days, depending on
the complexity of the building plans.
What to do after you get your
permit
After the Building Official signs
your application, you can begin work. You must make an inspection
appointment 24 hours in advance. Inspections are required before
concealing work at the following stages:
- footings and
foundation walls (before you pour any concrete)
- drain tile and
dampproofing (before you backfill)
- sewer, water or
storm drains (before you backfill)
- plumbing (before
it is covered)
- any framing,
sheathing, firestopping, bracing, plumbing, wiring, ductwork,
chimney or gas venting (before insulation or exterior finish)
- masonry fireplace
to the first flue liner above the smoke chamber
- masonry fireplace
to the flue pipe connection
- air/vapor barrier
(before interior finish that would conceal work)
- any work that did
not pass inspection
Frequently Asked Questions
How
long will it take to process my application?
We can generally process your application within 5-10 working days. The
Building Official needs to review and sign all permit applications.
Allow for longer processing times for larger projects.
How are the
fees calculated?
The fees are based on the value of construction. It is best to check
with the Building Official for agreement of value before you pay the
fee. The construction value is the market rate, not necessarily what you
will be paying (especially when you are doing the work yourself). The
base rate is $50 with an additional $7 for each $1,000 of construction
value up to $1 million, then $4 for each $1,000 after that.
How long is
the permit valid for?
Construction needs to be completed within two years of the permit being
issued. Construction needs to begin within 12 months of the permit being
issued.
Can I draw my
own plans?
Yes, for basic projects. For complex buildings, a certified professional
needs to prepare the plans and submit the required schedules.
This publication is
intended to provide general information only. It is not intended to
be used as an official interpretation of the various codes and
regulations in effect.
Updated January 2007
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