Effective May 1, 2023, the BC Building Code (the Code) will require 20%-better energy efficiency for most new buildings throughout the province. The Zero Carbon Step Code provides tools to local governments to incentivize or require lower emissions from new buildings. Read more....
*Prior to construction, ALL new homes must be enrolled / registered with BC Housing Home Warranty Insurance, as per the Homeowner Protection Act. * Provide proof of your New Home Registration when submitting your application to avoid delays in the approval process.
A building permit is required to build a single detached home, semi-detached home, duplex, garden suites, row houses and other dwellings. If you are unsure, please contact us.
A site plan is required for all applications. Follow the steps below to submit a correct site plan and minimize application processing times.
Understand your location restrictions |
Fill out a zoning request form and submit to the Planning Department to find out the property setbacks from lot edges, waterways and possible hazards to consider. |
Prepare a site plan |
A site plan should:
A site plan must include:
|
Building location surveys |
Requirements for Building Location Surveys:
Setbacks to property lines shall be indicated on the survey plan for all exterior wall faces. Building Location Survey Plans derived from GPS instruments may be accepted by the building inspector for buildings located on large lots or un-surveyed lots, if the limits of accuracy of the instruments used are added to the required buffer and setback. |
Design drawing standards |
Design Drawings must include:
Design Drawings Requirements:
An owner or builder may prepare their own plans provided they meet the following criteria:
Reference should also be made to the provincial “Architect's Act” Engineered designsWhen the proposed work is not covered by the prescriptive parts (Part 9) of the BC Building Code, a registered professional (an architect or a professional engineer) must be consulted and may be required, under provincial acts or codes, to design and inspect certain elements of the construction. |
Documents required for 'Single Family Dwelling (SFD)' permit application |
Incomplete applications will not be accepted
The following items if applicable:
“Pursuant to section 26 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (the Act), the personal information collected will only be used for the purposes of evaluating your application. Your personal information will not be released except in accordance with the Act. |
Fees |
Each application is unique. Typical applications involve the following fees: |