Apply for a Building Permit

A building permit is required before starting any of the following:

• Site excavation or blasting.
• Construction, repairing or altering a building or structure.
• Moving a building.
• Demolishing, deconstructing or removal of a building.
• Installation of any plumbing.
• Construction of a masonry fireplace or installation of a solid fuel burning appliance or factory/masonry chimney.
• Installation of an oil burning appliance or oil tank.
• Construct, repair or alteration of a deck.
• Changing the occupancy.

A building permit is not required for:

• Minor repairs or alterations to non-structural components of the building.
• When a valve, faucet, fixture or service water heater is repaired or replaced, stoppage cleared, or a leak repaired if no change to the piping is required.
• For an accessory building less than 10m² that is used for utility purposes that does not create a hazard.
• Retaining structures less than 1.2 meters in height.
• Other retaining structures more than 1.2 meters in height and greater than 30^o off vertical.

If you are unsure whether your project will require a permit, contact the Building Inspection office in your area.

The target timeline to review a building permit application (provided all required documents are submitted) is 4 weeks. If an outside agency approval is also required, this may delay the review time. The review can either be an approval of the application or require revisions or additional information. 

There are two fees: a plan processing fee and a permit fee.

Plan Processing Fee

The plan processing fee is due when the application is emailed. Payment can be made by cheque, bank draft or money order. 

• $100 for construction value of less than $50,000
• $200 for construction value between $50,000 - $200,000
• $300 for construction value greater than $200,000

If your building permit is not issued within six months of receipt of the application, your building permit application will be cancelled and the plan processing fee forfeited.

Permit Fee

Permit fees are calculated as per CRD Bylaw No. 3741 [PDF/582KB]. Once the Building Inspector reviews the permit application and determines the permit is ready to be issued, the applicant will be notified of the permit fee via email. Payment can be made by cheque, bank draft or money order. Once payment is received the permit is issued. 

• Two years from the date of issuance.
• Or, at six months if no work has commenced.
• Or, after a period of 12 months if work has discontinued or there have been no inspections.

Note:  If the permit is not completed within two years, a one-time, one-year renewal can be applied for.