Building Permits

Commercial Building Permits include:

• Part 3 - Complex
• Part 3 - Demolition Permit
• Part 3 - Tenant Improvements
• Part 9 - Tenant Improvements
• Plumbing Permit

Visit our Sign Permits page to learn more.

Residential Building Permits include:

• Part 9 - Addition and Renovation
• Part 9 - Demolition Permit
• Part 9 - New Construction
• Deck
• Garage
• Plumbing Pemrit
• Shed
• Weeping Tile
• Wood Burning Appliance

You must contact our Building Inspector a minimum of 24 hours before scheduling an inspection. Schedule an inspection for:

• Drain tile, drain rock, damp proofing, and foundation prior to backfill 
• Final building and final plumbing 
• Footings formwork before concrete is placed - a survey certificate must be provided prior to inspection
• Foundation formwork before concrete is placed 
• Framing after floor, wall, roof, doors and windows are complete 
• Garage slab formwork before concrete is placed - a survey certificate must be provided prior to inspection
• Insulation and vapour barrier 

• Rough in plumbing

• Water and sanitary service connection

• Wood burning appliance 

• Underground piping or plumbing prior to covering 

You are responsible for ensuring electrical and gas inspections are completed. Please contact Technical Safety BC. 

For construction projects of Part 3 buildings, plans must include construction fire fire safety, architectural, structural, mechanical and plumbing, electrical and, if applicable, a geotechnical report and sprinkler system plan.

There are two categories for construction of Part 9 buildings:

•  Single family dwellings up to a triplex – plans must include, site plan, foundation, floor plan, elevations, and cross sections. 
• Tenant improvements – plans must include a construction fire safety plan, site plan, floor plan, elevations, and cross sections, and if applicable a foundation plan. 

For decks, shed, and detached garages, plans are included in the permit applications. If using engineered products (TJI systems or trusses) on any type of project, a preliminary drawing must be submitted with the application and stamped drawings submitted prior to final inspection. You must apply to the BC Housing Homeowner Protection Office before applying for a building permit.

The time it takes to get a permit depends on the time of year and how large the project is. 

• Summer months are the busiest time of year. 
• We recommend applying for a permit at least two weeks before you plan to start your project.