Building Permits

Find applications for constructing, renovating, or demolishing buildings or structures. Building permits (including plumbing permits) are required before you: 

  • Build, demolish, repair or alter a building or structure, including carports, decks and pools 
  • Change the occupancy of an existing building or make interior renovations 
  • Make changes to the exit from an existing building 
  • Make additions or changes to the plumbing, furnaces, fire alarm or fire sprinkler system 

Inspections are part of the permitting process, to ensure buildings meet current structural, health, security and fire protection safety standards.

Weekly Building Permit Report

Why Get A Building Permit?

  • It’s required. If you undertake work without a permit, you might be required to tear it all down and start all over with proper permits. 
  • To ensure you meet BC Building Code requirements for fire safety, structural support, soil and foundation strength, energy efficiency, plumbing, electrical, water conservation, trip-and-fall prevention, etc. 
  • To ensure all buildings and structures, renovations, alterations, additions, decks, mezzanines, retaining walls, accessory buildings, swimming pools, carports etc. comply with required setbacks from your property line, height, floor area and other regulations of the  Building & Plumbing Bylaw.
  • To enable your commercial tenants to get business licences. Tenant premises must comply with the City’s regulations and BC Building Code before receiving a licence. 
  • To ensure your contractor is doing the work you are paying for, and help you avoid unscrupulous contractors or shortcuts in their work. 
  • To maintain value: buyers will avoid purchasing buildings with unauthorized construction.