Assemble all required documents in pdf (must be unlocked).
Note that incomplete applications will not be processed.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Email the building permit application, Application Checklist, construction drawings and all required documents in an unlocked PDF using ZendTo (CRD secure file drop off, no account set-up required):
A message will appear on the screen "Your files have been sent successfully".
Once the CRD has retrieved your pdf file(s) from ZendTo, you will receive a confirmation email.
Applications sent to other file-sharing sites will not be received.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
Once a permit application has been screened, an invoice for the $300 application fee will be emailed to the applicant. Online payment is not available at this time, payment can be made by cash, debit, cheque, bank draft or money order at CRD offices in Victoria, Juan de Fuca or Salt Spring Island or mailed to:
Capital Regional District Attention: Building Inspection 625 Fisgard Street Victoria, BC V8W 1R7
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
Changing the occupancy of a building
Placement of a manufactured home on a parcel of land for residential use
Demolition of a building or structure
Deconstruction of a building (whereby at least 70% of the framing members removed can be reused for framing)
Installation of any plumbing
Construction of a masonry fireplace or installation of a solid fuel burning appliance or factory/masonry chimney
Construct, repair or alteration of a deck
Installation of solar panels on a roof
replacement of roofing material or external siding material with dissimilar materials
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 30o off vertical
construction of a fence
construction of a deck, the surface of which is less than 600 mm above grade
Although the above work does not require a building permit, homeowners should ensure that the work conforms to the requirements of the BC Building Code, zoning bylaws and other applicable regulations. If you are unsure whether your project will require a permit, contact the Building Inspection office in your area or email permitquestion@crd.bc.ca.
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 or if the Building Official requests revisions or additional information, this may extend the time before a permit can be issued.
It is important that all required information is provided and that unlocked pdf documents are submitted through ZendTo. For more information visit the Building Permit Guide [PDF/3.3MB].
There are two fees: an application fee and a permit fee.
Application Fee
Once a permit application has been screened, an invoice for the $300 application fee will be emailed to the applicant.
If your building permit is not issued within six months of receipt of the application, your building permit application will be cancelled and the application fee forfeited.
Permit Fee
The Permit fee is equivalent to 1.4% of the construction value of the work proposed as per CRD Bylaw No. 3741 [PDF/272KB]. Once the Building Official has reviewed and approved a permit application and the permit is ready to be issued, an invoice for the permit fee will be emailed to the applicant.
Payment
Payment can be made by cash, debit, cheque, bank draft or money order at CRD offices in Victoria, Juan de Fuca and Salt Spring Island or mailed to:
Capital Regional District Attention: Building Inspection 625 Fisgard Street Victoria, BC V8W 1R7
Online payment is not available at this time.
If work has not been completed within four years from the date of issuance.
Or, at 12 months if no work has commenced.
Or, after a period of 12 months if work has discontinued or there have been no inspections.
There is a sale or transfer of the property unless the owner first notified the Building Official in writing and the Building Official authorized the transfer to the new owner, provided the scope of the work is the same as under the original permit.
If Your Permit Expires you must either renew or reapply to complete the work:
Renew - A permit can be renewed once for up to one-year. A renewal must be applied for within 30 days of the permit expiring. Submit a building permit application. Once the application has been screened, an invoice for the $300 application fee will be emailed to the applicant.
Reapply - If the one-year renewal has expired you must reapply. Complete a building permit application and submit all required documentation. Once the application has been screened, an invoice for the $300 application fee will be emailed to the applicant. Once the Building Official has completed their review, an invoice for the permit fee to complete the work will be emailed to the applicant.
Territorial Acknowledgement
The CRD conducts its business within the Territories of many First Nations, all of whom have a long-standing relationship with the land and waters from time immemorial that continues to this day. Statement of Reconciliation
