Serving the Capital Region’s Electoral Areas of Juan de Fuca, Salt Spring Island and Southern Gulf Islands.
Notice
A building permit must be obtained prior to:
Starting any stage of a project including excavation, repairing, altering, construction, moving or demolition of a structure.
Apply for a Building Permit
Step 1: Before You Apply
Make sure your project meets these requirements before submitting your application:
You are the registered owner of the property or have permission to act on the owner's behalf (by completing an Appointment of an Authorized Agent form).
The property has the correct zoning.
The property is registered with the Land Title and Survey Authority of BC (LTSA).
The property is accessible by an approved access/driveway.
Essential services have or will be provided for.
Building plans conform to current building code, land use and zoning bylaws and all other applicable enactments.
Property address has been assigned.
Electrical, gas and sewage disposal work require separate permits and inspections. Contact the appropriate agency.
Complete all applicable permit applications (building, plumbing, fireplace/chimney etc.).
Assemble all required documents including a PDF of drawings, drawn to scale that are clear, legible and show the nature of the work. Mirror image drawings will not be accepted. Refer to the Building Permit Guide [PDF/28.5MB].
Note that incomplete applications will not be processed.
Step 3: Submit Your Application and Make Payment
Email the building permit application, Application Checklist, construction drawings and all required documents in PDF using Zendto (CRD secure file drop off, no account set-up required):
Add your name, organization and email. Click "Send confirmation" button.
An email will be sent to you with a link. Click on link
Add recipient "CRD Building Inspection" and email bpapplication@crd.bc.ca. Click "Add and Close" button.
Add pdf attachment(s).
Click "Drop-off Files" button.
Pay the plan processing fee. Cheque, bank draft or money order can be 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.
Demolishing, deconstructing or removal of a building.
Installation of any plumbing.
Construction of a masonry fireplace or installation of a solid fuel burning appliance or factory/masonry chimney.
Installation of an oil burning appliance or oil tank.
Construct, repair or alteration of a deck.
Changing the occupancy.
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.
If you are unsure whether your project will require a permit, contact the Building Inspection office in your area.
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. The review can either be an approval of the application or require revisions or additional information.
There are two fees: a plan processing fee and a permit fee.
Plan Processing Fee
The plan processing fee is due when the application is emailed. Payment can be made by cheque, bank draft or money order.
$100 for construction value of less than $50,000
$200 for construction value between $50,000 - $200,000
$300 for construction value greater than $200,000
If your building permit is not issued within six months of receipt of the application, your building permit application will be cancelled and the plan processing fee forfeited.
Permit Fee
Permit fees are calculated as per CRD Bylaw No. 3741 [PDF/582KB]. Once the Building Inspector reviews the permit application and determines the permit is ready to be issued, the applicant will be notified of the permit fee via email. Payment can be made by cheque, bank draft or money order. Once payment is received the permit is issued.
Two years from the date of issuance.
Or, at six months if no work has commenced.
Or, after a period of 12 months if work has discontinued or there have been no inspections.
Note: If the permit is not completed within two years, a one-time, one-year renewal can be applied for.
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
