Applying for a Building Permit

Building Permit Application Process

Step 1: Review Project and Subject Property with Development Services

  • Development Services will review your project and the parcel for any applicable Development Permit Areas, Zoning Bylaw compliance, and land use compliance 

Step 2: Review Application with the Plan Checker 

  • Review and complete the Building Permit Application Form and all required documents for your project type
  • Email the Plan Checker if you have any questions about your project and applying for a Building Permit 
  • Incomplete applications take longer to process than completed applications!

Step 3:  Submit Building Permit Application

  • Building Permit Application & General Requirements
    • Building Permit Application Form must be signed by the property owners listed on title 
  • Applications can be submitted in person at our CVRD main office location at 175 Ingram St. or submitted digitally (fees still need to be paid in person)
  • Building Permit Application Fees must be paid at time of application per the CVRD Building Bylaw

Step 4: Application is Processed 

Step 5: Building Permit is Issued

  • You will be notified via email when your permit is ready for pick-up and your permit must be picked up in-person at our office
  • Accepted methods of payment are debit, cash, or cheque (payable to the Cowichan Valley Regional District and cheques also need to be clearly marked with a Building Permit number and address)
  • We do not currently accept credit card for fees  

Building Permit Application Required Documents

Not all documents are required for all projects. This is a comprehensive list that includes all potential documents for a project. 

Please confirm with the Plan Checker what is required for your specific parcel and project or review the Building Permit Application Form page 2 Checklist.

 

  • Building Permit Application Form signed and completed (page 1)
  • Land Title Certificate dated within 30 days of application, including copies of all registered covenants, easements, and rights of way
  • Non-Refundable Application Fee
    • Construction Value under $50,000 = $100, over $50,000 = $250
  • Construction Drawings 
    • ¼”:1’ scale with the following detail:
    • Demonstrated compliance with applicable CVRD Zoning Bylaw(s), CVRD Building Bylaw, and the current edition of the BC Building Code
    • Site Plan including driveway (see next page for requirements) 
    • Foundation details and dimensions (Foundation Plan)
    • The dimensions of the building with proposed use and layout of each room (Floor Plan)
    • The location of all plumbing fixtures and mechanical devices including the hot water tank and furnace
    • All brace wall band and brace wall panel locations per the seismic framing requirements of the Building Code or Structural Engineered drawings to accompany design drawings with a Schedule B
    • Elevations illustrating total building height, cladding type, roof pitch, guard details, and Flood Construction Levels (if applicable)
    • Cross Section plans illustrating insulation, stairs and headroom, and any fire separations
  • BC Energy Step Code Pre-Construction Report 
  • Site Plan or Site Survey (survey prepared by a BC Land Surveyor)
  • Sewerage Filing (if on septic system) Record of Sewerage System filing with Island Health by ROWP or Professional Engineers report
  • BC Housing New Home Warranty Registration or Owner-Builder Authorization form (required for all NEW dwellings or substantial alterations)
  • Structural Engineering if required or provided, sealed drawings, and BC Building Code Letter of Assurance (Schedule B)
  • Assurance of Structural Compliance for Moved or Relocated Buildings completed by Professional Engineer
  • Preliminary Truss & Beam Layouts including factored loads (required if no Structural Engineer)
  • CSA Certification Number & Manufacturer’s Specification Sheet
  • Geotechnical Report and/or Geohazard Assurance Statement
  • Proof of Water - Community System: Written approval from Improvement District or other private utility
  • Proof of Water - Natural Source or Well: Written approval from a professional that the source is licensed, free of contaminants and of sufficient volume
  • Hazardous Materials Report and Risk Assessment - required if there are any changes to structures constructed pre-1991
  • Mechanical Vent Checklist/Design (not required for permit application, submit prior to insulation inspection)
  • Attached or Detached Suite Covenant required for a single parcel with 2 dwelling units
  • Development Permit or Variance Permit where project falls within a Development Permit Area (DPA) or does not meet the Zoning setbacks.
  • Contaminated Site Disclosure Statement if a property has been used for industrial or commercial purposes listed in the Schedule 2: CSR
  • ALC Notice of Intent for the removal and import of fill associated with building construction within the ALR
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