Building Permits

What is a building permit?

A building Permit is formal permission from the District to start a building project. We must review your permit plans to make sure they follow the BC Building Code, Zoning Bylaw, Building Regulation Bylaw and other regulations.

Active building permits 

View the GIS map to see the basic information on the current building permits currently in progress in Lake Country.

To check on the status of a current application, view Building Permit Application Status.

Why do I need a building permit?

Permits make sure construction projects meet zoning requirements, fire and structural safety standards and other building standards required by the BC Building Code. Failure to get a building permit could result in costly delays, legal action and/or the removal of work already completed.

How much are the fees?

• Between $100 and $500 for the application fee plus 1.2% value of construction (payable when permit is ready for pick up) and any other fees such as water, sewer or development cost charges.
• Access Permit - $50

• Rebates are in accordance with Section 17.3 of the Building Regulation Bylaw which specifies: "Permits issued on or after the date of adoption of this bylaw for any dwelling which achieves Step 3, 4 or 5 of the Step Code will be eligible to receive a rebate as outlined in the District’s Fees Bylaw."

  While dwellings are currently required to meet Step 1, they can aim for higher steps and if achieved, be eligible for a rebate.

• Fees are set out in schedule 5 of Fees Bylaw 987, 2016.
• Development Cost Charges may apply for your project.  For further details regarding Development Cost Charges please see the DCC Bylaw.  

Who is responsible for obtaining a building permit?

The owner is responsible for obtaining a permit although as the owner you can authorize your contractor in writing to apply for a permit for you. As the owner you must ensure your contractor has the permit before starting work. All required documentation must be submitted for a complete application.

How do I apply for a building permit?

The owner or person authorized in writing completes the Application for Building Permit, submits plans, specifications, fees, a certificate of title and other required document shown on the Building Application Checklist (attached to the above linked Application document).

Notice - Incomplete Building Permit Applications

How do I book an appointment for a new or complex permit?

Building Division staff will be available for two 45-minute appointments each day to accept new applications or review complex issues. Appointments are available from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Appointments can be booked by calling 250-766-6675.

Notice - Incomplete Building Permit Applications

Building Division staff will be available to take general inquiries at two dedicated times during each business day from 9 to 10 a.m. and 3:15 to 4:15 pm every day. Building staff will be available on a first come first service basis and will limit conversations to under 15 minutes if possible.

Call 250-766-6675 for general inquiries.

How do I find out about building permit history for a property? 

You can do a District of Lake Country "Request for Info - Building" for a property you own, or one you are considering purchasing.  

• Prior to processing your request, we will require the following: (sent to Building@lakecountry.bc.ca)
• Listing contract/Accepted Offer (if not applicable, please fill out the Letter of Authorization)
• Non-refundable $42.00 (incl GST) processing fee

Proof of payment (receipt must be attached with request. Acceptable forms of payment: cash, cheque, credit and debit card payments. Online credit card payments can be made through Option Pay (third party credit card processing fees apply). When making an online payment, please select "City File Request" in "Type" field and reference property roll#. It will autofill the amount to $42.00 plus $2.00 for the credit card fees. 

Please note: There is no guarantee what is in the file until retrieved from the archives.  

Any requested information above and beyond a building permit file will be processed as a Property Status Letter. 

Current processing times: 5-7 business days. 

Building Application and Forms

• Building Permit Application & Checklist
• Building Permit Extension Request
• Building Permit Revision Request
• Complex Building - Confirmation of Required Documents
• Confirmation of Professional Liability Insurance
• Letter of Authorization 
• Owner's Undertaking
• STEP CODE Compliance Report (As-Built)
• STEP CODE Compliance Report (Pre-Build)

What is the process?

We review complete applications and refer them to internal and/or external departments and agencies for comment. Incomplete applications are not accepted. Depending on the project additional applications, licences and permits may be required. The most commonly required permits are an Application for Access Permit or an Application for Water/Sewer connection. Once approved we advise the applicant when the permit is ready for pick up and what fees are owed.

• Accessory Building Application Checklist
• Agricultural Building Application Checklist
• Building Repair Application Checklist
• Commercial Building Application Checklist
• Decommission Suite Application Checklist
• Demolish or Move a Building Application Checklist
• Engineering Department Approval Checklist
• Modular - Mobile Home Placement Application Checklist
• Multiple Dwelling Application Checklist
• Residential Addition Application Checklist
• Residential Basement Finish - Interior Alteration Application Checklist
• Retaining Wall Application Checklist
• Secondary or Accessory Suite Building Application Checklist
• Single Detached or Duplex Dwelling Application Checklist
• Swimming Pool Application Checklist
• Temporary Residence During the Period of Construction Application Checklist
• Temporary Sales Centre or Worksite Trailer Building Application Checklist
• Temporary Use Building Application Checklist
• Tenant Improvement Building Application Checklist
• Wood Burning Appliance Application Checklist

Inspections

You will receive a schedule of inspections with your building permit. When you're ready submit a Building Inspection Request or call 250-766-6676 to book an inspection and leave the following information:

• Building permit number
• Type of inspection
• Civic address of building
• Contact name
• Contact phone number
• Requested inspection date

Information Bulletins