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 
  • Start Second Dwelling Covenant process if you are adding an additional dwelling (Attached or Detached Suites) to your parcel (confirm with Plan Checker or Development Services if this is required for your project)

Step 3:  Submit Building Permit Application

  • Building Permit Application Form (FILLABLE)
    • Form must be signed by ALL property owners listed on title 
    • Submit the required documents for your project type (found on page 2 of the Building Permit Application Form) with your completed and signed application form
  • Applications can be submitted in person at our CVRD main office location at 175 Ingram St. or submitted digitally via email (application fee can be paid in person at our office or a cheque can be mailed)
  • Building Permit Application Fees must be paid at time of application per the CVRD Building Bylaw (we do not currently accept credit card for fees)

Step 4: Application is Reviewed

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 Checklist

Document Applicable to?
Building Permit Application Form  ALL Permit Applications
Building Permit Declaration Form Most Permit Applications
Development Permit or Variance *
Land Title Certificate ALL Permit Applications
Construction Drawings ALL Permit Applications**
Structural Drawings ***
BC Energy Step Code Pre-Construction Report New Dwellings ONLY
BC Housing New Home Warranty New Dwellings ONLY****
Sewerage System Filing New Dwellings ONLY
Assurance of Structural Compliance Moved on Structures ONLY
Preliminary Truss & Beam Layouts All Structures with Trusses
CSA Certification Manufactured/Modular Dwellings
Geotechnical Report Depends on parcel, confirm with Plan Checker
Proof of Water New Dwellings ONLY
HAZMAT Report and Risk Assessment Alterations to Structures pre-1991
Attached or Detached Suite Covenant All parcels with 2 or more dwellings
  • *Confirm with Development Service PRIOR to applying for a Building Permit if required
  • **Drawings need to illustrate compliance with the 2024 BCBC, CVRD Building Bylaw, the applicable CVRD Zoning Bylaw, and should include, a Foundation Plan, Elevations, Cross Sections, Floorplans, and are typically 1/4":1' scale. Dimensions of the building and each room with the proposed use labelled on each room (building height must also be on the Elevations). Location of all plumbing fixtures and mechanical devices should be noted. 
  • ***Confirm with Building Official if Required
  • ****New Dwellings AND "Substantially Reconstructed" Dwellings as defined by BC Housing
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