When is a Building Permit required?
- construct any new building or structure
- construct a new accessory building over 10 m2 (106.7 ft2)
- make alterations, additions or repairs to an existing building or structure
- locate or relocate a manufactured or mobile home on a lot
- remodel or construct a deck attached to another building
- any deck constructed with a roof
- construct a freestanding deck more than 0.6 m (24 in) above finished grade
- install or alter plumbing within a building or structure
- installation of a solid fuel burning appliance and chimney in new builds only
- enclose a carport or change a garage to living space
- change the use or occupancy of an existing building (from storage to residential)
- demolish or relocate a building or structure
- fences
- roof repairs or replacements with no structural changes
- landscaping for sidewalks
- buildings under 10 m2 (107.6 ft2) in size like sheds or greenhouses
- existing masonry chimneys or fireplaces
- fabric covered temporary parking structures for up to two passenger vehicles
- repair or replacement of existing plumbing fixtures with no venting or sewage system changes
Note: A detached accessory building under 10 m2 (107.6 ft2) does not require a building permit, but it must still meet Zoning Bylaw setback requirements.
More information
Building permit fees depend on the type of permit requested. Building permits for structures are calculated at $6 for each $1,000 of the true value of construction. For example, a true value of $300,000 will equal a $1,800 permit fee. The true value of construction includes material and labour, and the amount is calculated by Building Inspection Services.
A $100 non-refundable application processing fee is charged for any permit application. A security deposit fee is also charged when the building permit is issued. The security deposit is based on the type of construction and it is refunded within 30 days of the owner submitting a written request after the final inspection is completed and accepted by the building inspector.
Read the Building Bylaw for a complete list of permit fees:
Your permit will expire if either of the following occurs:
- the work authorized by the permit has not started within 270 days from the date the building permit was issued
- the work is not completed within three years of the date the permit was issued
A permit can be extended for two one-year periods if the extension is made before the expiry date. The fee for the first building permit extension is $300 and the fee for the second extension is $600. If the permit has expired, extensions are $600 each.
Residential construction building permits for projects like new houses, additions, renovations and accessory buildings can take one to two weeks to process, depending on the time of the year and the volume of applications.The processing time for a complex building permit depends on the individual project.
Don't start construction before you have a Building Permit. Fees may be doubled for each permit application submitted if construction begins before a permit is issued (to a maximum of $10,000).