A Building Permit is required when you...

A Building Permit is required when you:

• Construct any new building or structure
• Construct a new accessory building
• Make alterations, additions or repairs to an existing building or structure
• Complete a previously unfinished area in an existing building, (e.g., a recreation room or bathroom)
• Make interior structural renovations
• Demolish or relocate a building or structure
• Locate or relocate a manufactured or mobile home on a lot
• Remodel or construct a deck
• Construct a swimming pool
• Install or alter plumbing within a building or structure or on a property
• Connect to a municipal sanitary or storm sewer system
• Install a new chimney or fireplace
• Enclose your carport
• Change the use/occupancy of an existing building, (i.e., from office to retail)

This is not a comprehensive list. If you are unsure whether your project will require a permit please call Building Inspection Services at 250-390-6530, 250-954-3809 or 1-877-607-4111.

You may not start any stage of a project, including demolition or excavation, until a building permit has been obtained.

A Building Permit is not required for:

• Installing cupboards
• Roofing repairs or replacements (providing that no structural changes are made)
• Exterior finish repair or replacement (e.g., stucco or siding, providing that no structural changes are made)
• Landscaping or sidewalks
• Fences less than 2 meters in height
• Retaining structures less than 1.0 metres in height, that retain less than 1.0 metre of earth
• Buildings (e.g., a storage shed) less than 10 square metres in size (note: even though a permit is not required, the structure must still comply with zoning regulations with respect to setbacks and height)
• Farm Buildings on land designated for agricultural use and with farm status under the Assessment Act (note: farm buildings must comply with the requirements of the National Farm Building Code and the applicable zoning regulations [e.g., setbacks] for the property)

NOTE: A detached accessory building less than 10 sq m (107 sq ft) and built on properties containing a single family dwelling is exempt from requiring a building permit, but must still meet setback requirements specified in the Zoning Bylaw.