Building Permit Hub

Understand your local bylaws   

Before starting your application, you need to understand your area’s zoning and land use bylaw requirements (e.g., development permits, etc.). Some jurisdictions offer pre-application consultations to guide you through your specific project. For more information, please consult your local jurisdiction page in the Building Permit Hub.      

Building projects that need permits

You will need to get all the required permits before you can start any work on your building project. Permits ensure your project complies with:

• local building and zoning bylaws
• the BC Building Code
• health and safety standards  

Permits are needed for most new construction projects, major renovations, demolition, and plumbing work. Projects for the interior of your home or minor repairs may not require a building permit depending on your local jurisdiction and geographic location. 

These building projects require permits:

New construction, new builds such as building a new house, garden apartment, laneway house or building a new detached garage on your property.

Additional permits, agreements or authorizations may be required such as an authorization for temporary use of municipal sidewalks for access and material storage during construction. 

Major renovations and additions, modifying your home by adding new living space or converting existing building areas into living space, such as:

• adding secondary suites
• house additions or extensions
• finishing basements or attics
• converting sunrooms, garages, carports, sheds or storage into residential use.

For homes less than 10 years old, check with your builder to avoid affecting home warranty insurance coverage. For strata housing, approval may be required. 

Repairs after flood, fire, or wind damage, repairs needed following natural disasters or severe weather events, such as: 

• re-siding
• window replacements or enlargements
• structural changes like repairing load-bearing walls or foundations 

Gather documents

Register for a BCeID account to see the full list of required documentation based on your jurisdiction. Most applicants must submit the following documentation:   

• Contact information
• Project information 
• Location information
• Site servicing information 
• Standardized Requirement Checklist 09/2024 for building design drawings and site/survey plans
• Structural drawings 
• Step Code information 
• Additional permits and reports required by the jurisdiction, which could include items such as a plumbing permit and geotechnical or arborist reports 

Submit your building permit application  

You can submit building permit applications digitally through the Building Permit Hub: 

• Log in to the Building Permit Hub with your username and password or your BCeID account 
• Locate your local jurisdiction, start your application, and follow the prompts to complete the application 
• Submit your application to the local jurisdiction approving your permit 
• Look for a confirmation email with your BC Building Permit application ID. You can log in to the BC Building Permit Hub at any time to view a history of the applications you have submitted

Wait for application review   

A review officer from the local jurisdiction will review your application in 2 steps:

1. An initial check to see if your submission is complete 
2. A detailed evaluation to ensure that your application complies with the BC Building Code and local bylaws 

Once your application has been reviewed, you will be notified via email or phone about the progress of your application or if further documentation is required.