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 Building Inspection Staff

• Review the Building Permit Application Form and required supporting documents (Part 9, Simple Buildings)
  • Page 2 of the Application Form has a checklist of required documentation based on your permit type
  • Page 3 and 4 are required to be submitted with your application package
  • For Part 3, Complex Buildings please contact Building Inspection to confirm requirements for your project
  • Do you drawings show and explain compliance with the 2024 BC Building Code Seismic Requirements? See CVRD Climatic and Seismic Data here.
• Email the Building Inspection Division if you have any questions about your project and applying for a Building Permit

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 digitally via email (the Building Permit application fee can be paid in person at our office or a cheque can be mailed. The CVRD is located at 175 Ingram St., Duncan, BC)
• 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

• Internal CVRD referrals are made to GIS Mapping, Development Services, and/or Operations divisions
• Applications are reviewed for CVRD Zoning Bylaw and CVRD Building Bylaw compliance
• The Building Official for your area will review your plans for BC Building Code and BC Energy Step Code compliance
• A Building Official may conduct a site visit or follow-up with questions during their review

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:

• *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