BC BUILDING CODE CHANGES EFFECTIVE MARCH 10, 2025

The goal of the Building Inspection Department is to ensure the health, safety and protection of persons and property by confirming that buildings and their systems generally conform to relevant bylaws, the BC Building Code and other applicable standards. The Building Inspection Department administers Building Bylaw 643, 2009 and through this bylaw, the BC Building Code and other regulations.

A Building Permit is required when you

• Construct any new building or structure
• Construct a new accessory building (greater than 10 m²)
• Make alterations, additions or structural repairs to an existing building or structure
• Create a Secondary Suite or Garden Suite
• 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 / install a swimming pool
• Install or alter plumbing within a building or structure
• Install a new chimney, fireplace, or Woodstove
• Enclose your carport or change your garage to living space
• Change the use or occupancy of an existing building or space (i.e. from office to retail)

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

A Building Permit is not required for:

• 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);
• Window/Door replacement (providing no structural changes are made);
• landscaping or sidewalks;
• retaining structures less than 1.2 m in height;
• buildings (ie: storage shed) less than 10 m² (107 ft²) in size; (note: even though a permit is not required, the structure must still comply with zoning regulations with respect to setbacks and height)

Applying for a Building Permit

A registered owner or agent for the owner may apply for the building permit. Construction must commence 6 months from date of issuance, and must be completed within 12 months. It is the responsibility of the owner or his agent to call for the required inspections. Please ensure you have all the required documents and information before bringing in your building permit application. Projects requiring Development permits, Works and Services and Easement agreements, or other Planning and Engineering department approvals are to be completed prior to submitting Building permit applications. Only complete applications will be accepted for processing. Click Here for application forms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to process a building permit?

3 – 4 weeks processing time for residential permits (new houses, additions, alterations, and accessory buildings) and small commercial projects without development permits or off site works and services, provided you make a complete application. In slow periods these may be processed much faster. Tenant improvement permits also have a 3 – 4 week maximum processing time. Large commercial permits, including development permits and/or off-site works and services, vary from one project to the next.

How long is a building permit active?

The application remains active for 120 days from written notification that it is ready for payment. Once a permit is issued, it remains active for 12 months, subject to the commencement of work being made within 6 months from permit issue date and the construction not being suspended for more than 6 months. All permits expire 12 months after the date of permit issuance. It is possible to renew a permit for an additional 12 months. Again construction must not be suspended for more than 6 months.

Contact