Building Permits
Overview
Building Officials are responsible for building inspections mandatory under the Cowichan Valley Regional District Building Bylaw. These inspections are required at various stages of construction, and the inspection records are kept on file by the Building Official for future reference. Inspection records provide an independent third party verification of no longer visible building elements located within a building or structure.
NEW Digital Building Permit Application & Review
Building Permit Applications can be submitted digitally to the CVRD Plan Checker and digital plan reviewing will be starting Fall 2024.
Building Permit Application Documents
- Building Permit Application Form (FILLABLE)
- Demolition Permit Application
- Mechanical Ventilation Checklists
- Plumber Declaration Form (Fillable Form)
- FireSmart Manual and Scorecard
- FireSmart Scorecard (Fillable)
Covenant Templates
Covenants are usually required for all attached and detached suite applications. Please confirm with the Plan Checker if you need a Second Dwelling Covenant well in advance of your Building Permit Application as Covenants do take time to complete.
- Second Dwelling Covenant Template
- Second Dwelling Removal Covenant Template
- Second Dwelling on 2 Hectare Parcel Template
Realtor Forms (Routine Document Release)
Zero Carbon 2024
The CVRD requires compliance with the Zero Carbon Step Code at Emission Level 4 (EL-4) starting on July 1, 2024.
- Complete applications received prior to July 1 will be processed at EL-1.
- Permit applications received after July 1, 2024 are required to provide electrified space heating, water heating, and cooking facilities or otherwise demonstrate compliance by way of modelling and calculations.
- See Table 9.37.1.3. "Greenhouse Gas Emissions" of the 2024 BC Building Code and talk to your Energy Advisor.
- Certain back-up and redundant facilities are still permitted.