Serving the Capital Region’s Electoral Areas of Juan de Fuca, Salt Spring Island and Southern Gulf Islands.
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 two sets of full-size 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 Residential Building Permit Guide [PDF/6.2MB].
Note that incomplete applications will not be processed.
Step 3: Make Payment and Submit Your Application
Submit the building permit application(s), building permit checklist, full-size building plans and all required documents as a complete package to a local office by mail, courier or in-person.
Email a pdf of the construction plans to the corresponding office
Pay the plan processing fee
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 average processing time for building permits, provided all required documents were submitted with the application. If outside agency approval is required, the processing time may take longer.
Location
Time
Juan de Fuca
Up to 16 weeks
Malahat, Willis Point, Southern Gulf Islands
Up to 8 weeks
Salt Spring Island
Up to 8 weeks
Plan Processing Fee
The plan processing fee is due at the time the application is submitted. Payment can be made by cash, debit, cheque, bank draft or money order. In-person payments can be made at the Victoria, Juan de Fuca and Salt Spring offices. Cheques, bank drafts and money orders can be mailed or sent via courier.
$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 cash, debit, cheque, bank draft or money order. In-person payments can be made at the Victoria, Juan de Fuca and Salt Spring offices. Cheques, bank drafts and money orders can be mailed or sent via courier. 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
