WHAT IS A BUILDING PERMIT?

The Provincial Government, through the Community Charter and BC Building Regulations, has granted municipalities the power to regulate the construction of buildings and structures and the installation of plumbing, electrical and gas services. Municipalities therefore issue Building Permits as a means of regulating construction to ensure compliance with the applicable Municipal bylaws and Provincial regulations. To ensure that buildings are constructed and facilities are installed in accordance with appropriate regulations, municipalities have also been empowered to undertake inspections.

WHEN IS A BUILDING PERMIT REQUIRED?

A Building Permit must be obtained prior to the excavation, erection, enlargement, alteration, removal or demolition of any building or structure. This includes, but is not limited to, construction of a new home, renovation of an existing home, construction of a carport, garage, or shed, addition of floor area, or re-roofing and re-siding. For any of these circumstances, an application for a Building Permit must be filed with the Village. In cases where a property is situated within a Development Permit Area, a Building Permit cannot be issued until a Development Permit is first obtained.

WHO IS INVOLVED IN THE BUILDING PERMIT PROCESS?

Building Inspector - The Building Inspector undertakes the review of all Building Permit applications and conducts the inspections. Other Municipal Officials - Depending upon the complexity of the application, there may be involvement with other officials including the Clerk, Planner, the Works Foreman and the Fire Chief. Provincial Government Agencies - Building Permit applications may also require approval from the Ministry of Environment and the Vancouver Coast Health Unit.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE BUILDING PERMIT PROCESS?

The primary purpose for the issuance of a Building Permit is to ensure that all buildings comply with safety, health, and zoning requirements of the Province and Municipality. Building codes have been established by the Province in order to uphold public safety standards, and until a proposed building design meets with requirements of the codes and applicable bylaws, a permit will not be issued.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE?

On average, a permit for a single family dwelling takes 20-25 working days to process, once an application has been submitted. During the busy spring and summer months, additional time may be needed. As might be expected, the amount of time to process a Building Permit is also largely dependent upon the completeness and accuracy of the application. In addition, the time frame is affected by how well the applicant responds to meeting the requirements outlined in the applicable regulations.

THE BUILDING PERMIT AND INSPECTION PROCESS

Stage I: Submit Application

1. A Building Permit Application Package must be completed and sent to the Village with a $250.00 non-refundable application fee. Form B of this package must be signed as the Acknowledgement of Owner's Responsibilities, or if someone other than the owner is making the application, Form D (Authorization of Owner's Agent) must be completed and signed.

Along with the application Package, you must also submit:

a) four (4) sets of scaled working drawings (in metric) that include floor plans, elevations, and longitudinal sections including: statistical notes on footings, foundations, framing, clear spans, building beams, truss and roof design, design loads, etc. typical details of foundations, walls, roof and ceiling joints, beams, etc. A Professional Engineer's stamp will be required for all commercial and industrial buildings, and for all other buildings with a floor area exceeding 557m2 (6,000 square feet).

b) a Site Plan illustrating property lines and setbacks, proposed and existing elevations at each corner of the lot and building, proposed driveway access and parking and proposed drainage system and disposal of drainage.
c) State of Title Certificate (This can be obtained through the Village for a fee of $20.00).

d) Geotechnical Report (unless it is an existing building).

e) Foundation Design (unless it is an existing building).

f) Homeowner Protection Office Documentation

g) Legal description of land, lot coverage, and height of building

h) Any other information as requested by the Building Inspector or as required by the Building Bylaw. Please note that incomplete applications WILL NOT be accepted.

Stage II: Application Review

2. The Building Inspector is assigned the responsibility of processing the application which may include referral to the Clerk, Planner, Works Superintendent and Fire Chief as required for comment. The Building Inspector undertakes a review of the application with respect to its compliance with the Provincial Building Code and appropriate Municipal Bylaws.

3. Once the comments from the other municipal officials have been reviewed, the Building Inspector determines whether the Building Permit can be issued or the application requires corrections. If revisions are needed, you are informed accordingly.

Stage III: Building Permit Prerequisites

4. In cases where an access permit is required from the Ministry of Transportation and Highways, you will be required to obtain this permit. The Building Inspector will assist you in determining whether such a permit will be required.

5. All buildings with electrical installations will require an Electrical Permit which are issued by the provincial government.

6. In cases where your building is located within the floodplain, the Building Inspector or Clerk will provide you with the Flood Construction Level as recommended to the Village by the Ministry of Environment. You will be required to provide evidence of compliance with the flood-proofing requirements at the time of inspection, as required by the Building Inspector. Stage IV: Issuance of Building Permit

7. A Building Permit will be issued once ALL the requirements are met, and the necessary provincial approvals are secured. When the Building Permit is issued, you will pay the Building Permit and Plumbing Permit fees as set in the Fee Schedule of the bylaw.

Stage V: Construction Inspection

8. As the construction project proceeds through the various stages, inspections are conducted by the Building Inspector and Works Foreman. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to contact the Village Office to request an inspection. Please be advised that Seventy-two (72) hours notice is required.

9. Once all the final inspections have been completed and site service drawings have been approved (see below), you may occupy the building.

PLEASE NOTE that Final Inspection will not be issued until Site Service Drawings have been received and approved by the Village as per section 9.2.1 of building bylaw No 518, 2004.

Last Updated on Wednesday, October 20, 2010