- The Building Permit Application Fee is due at the time of application, is non-refundable, and is based on actual construction value starting at a minimum of $150.
- The Building Permit Fee is due at the time of permit issuance and is calculated at 1.14 per cent of actual construction value starting at a minimum $100.
- Fees and Charges Bylaw - Schedule 2 provides detailed information.
- Accepted payment methods are cash, cheque, or debit. Credit cards are not accepted because the associated fees add to costs.
Building Permits and Inspections
Permits must be obtained for most projects on private properties in the City of West Kelowna. Permits are required under the Building Regulations Bylaw and ensure that zoning regulations, fire and structural safety standards, and the requirements of the BC Building Code are met.
Property owners, or their authorized contractor/agent, are responsible for obtaining the required building permits and ensuring they are in place before works begin.
Failure to obtain the necessary permits may result in delays, removal of works already completed, and/or legal action.
Bulletins
- Carriage House
- Secondary Suite
- Secondary Suite -Construction Requirements
- Secondary Suite - Legalize or Decommission
- Measuring Height
Resources
Information
- Any residence or business that owns or operates an alarm system must have a valid alarm permit. Find details on the Regional District of Central Okanagan alarm permit webpage.
- Location surveys must be submitted and approved before proceeding beyond the foundation stage. For full details see the Submission of BCLS Site Survey Bulletin.
- Changes to an issued Building Permit can be requested by submitting an Amendment Form to the building department for review; additional fees may apply.
- For changes to a builder, owner or applicant on an approved building permit, please submit a completed Permit Transfer Form to the Building Department for review.
Property Owners and Contractors
- Submit requests for city documents/plans to building@westkelownacity.ca.
- An Owner's Authorization Form is required for anyone other than the property owner to access this information.
Real Estate Agents
- Submit requests for city documents/plans to building@westkelownacity.ca.
- A signed listing contract, an accepted offer to purchase, or an Owner's Authorization Form is required for the information to be released.
- Processing time is approximately seven to 10 business days.
Application process
- Building Permit Applications must be submitted in person at City Hall.
- Each permit type has a required documents checklist to help applicants through the process.
- A city plan checker will review the completed application package.
- Once approved, the permit will be issued.
Building permit by type
New construction
A New Construction Application applies to all new single-family dwellings, duplexes and townhomes.
Required documents:
- Building Permit Application
- Documents as required on the Application Checklist
- BC Housing Warranty Registration or Owner Declaration
- Septic design accepted by Interior Health and Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (ROWP) Drawings
- Potable Water Log
- Construction Fire Safety Plan - not required for single family residential or duplex construction
Development Cost Charges (DCCs) must be paid when the building permit is issued. Find information in the Development Cost Charge Bylaw. Contact the Building Department for questions about the fees.
Resources:
Alterations and improvements
This application applies to alterations and improvements, including the decommissioning of non-permitted secondary suites.
Required documents:
- Building Permit Application
- Documents as required on the Application Checklist
Other residential permits
Carriage houses
Find information about Carriage Houses in the Carriage House Bulletin and see Zoning Bylaw Section 3.19 Carriage Houses.
Required documents:
- Building Permit Application
- Documents as required on the Application Checklist
- Parking Plan
Retaining walls
A building permit is required for retaining walls that are 1.2 meters or higher.
Required documents:
- Building Permit Application
- Documents as required on the Application Checklist
Secondary suites
Find information regarding Secondary Suites in the Secondary Suite Bulletin and the Secondary Suite Constructions Requirements document.
Required documents:
- Building Permit Application
- Documents as required on the Application Checklist
- Parking Plan
Solar panels
Building permits are no longer required for solar panel projects in the City of West Kelowna.
Exceptions and requirements may apply:
- Structural upgrades: If your solar installation involves structural modifications that require a structural engineer, a City of West Kelowna building permit is required.
- Electrical work: An electrical permit from Technical Safety BC is mandatory for all solar installations.
Solid fuel burning appliances
Required documents:
- Building Permit Application
- Documents as required on the Application Checklist - digital format preferred
- Wett-certified contractor – contact information
- Appliance information – manufacturer and model
- Copy of the manual including manufacturer installation instructions
- Two sets of construction drawings that indicate the stove's location
- Installation of solid burning appliances in manufactured homes and garage/accessory buildings requires proof of acceptability by the manufacturer
Swimming pools
Required documents:
- Building Permit Application
- Documents as required on the Application Checklist - digital format preferred
- Two sets of sealed drawings, digital preferred
- Site plan illustrating gates and fences
- Soil comment or report from geotechnical engineer
Water Service Connection
Required documents:
- Building Permit Application
- Documents as required on the Application Checklist - digital format preferred
This application applies to commercial/industrial and multi-tenant buildings, including tenant improvements.
Required documents:
- Building Permit Application
- Construction Fire Safety Plan
- Documents as required on the Application Checklist - digital preferred.
- Development Cost Charges (DCCs) must be paid once the building permit is issued for all new construction. Find information in the Development Cost Charge Bylaw. Contact the Building Department with questions about the fee schedule.
Residential
Required documents:
- Building Permit Application
- Documents as required on the Application Checklist - digital preferred
- Site plan indicating the location of all structures to be removed
- Notice of Project (NOP) from WorkSafeBC
- Construction Fire Safety Plan
- Hazardous Materials Risk Assessment, prepared by a qualified professional for any buildings potentially containing hazardous materials - mandatory for buildings constructed before 1990
Commercial
Required documents:
- Building Permit Application
- Documents as required on the Application Checklist - digital preferred
- Site plan indicating the location of all structures to be removed
- Construction Fire Safety Plan
- Notice of Project (NOP) from Worksafe BC
- Hazardous Materials Risk Assessment, prepared by a qualified professional for any buildings potentially containing hazardous materials - mandatory for buildings constructed before 1990
Required documents:
- Blasting Permit Application
- Documents as required on the Blasting Permit Checklist - digital format preferred
A licensed servicing or plumbing company should be hired to make these connections as they are trained and certified. Residential Permits can be issued over the counter and Non-Residential Permits must go through the plan check process.
Required documents:
- Building Permit Application
- Documents as required on the Application Checklist - digital format preferred
- Septic Pump Out Receipt – required at time of inspection
Sign bylaws and permits allow the City of West Kelowna to regulate the number, size, type, form, appearance, and location of signage, and ensure that signage is properly and safely installed.
Refer to Sign Bylaw No. 0250 for more information.
Required documents:
- Sign Permit Application
- Documents as required on the Application Checklist - digital format preferred
- Site Plan
- Photos of the property and existing signage
- Rendering of proposed sign, including colours
Building inspections
Book inspections by calling 778-797-8820 or emailing building@westkelownacity.ca.
When booking an inspection, the following information is required:
- Site address
- Permit number
- Contact name and number
- Type of inspections
- Access instructions, if applicable
For details regarding building and plumbing‑related inspections, see our Inspection Guide, which provides homeowners, contractors and sub-contractors with a list of inspections that must be scheduled prior to concealing any works. This list provides general guidance only and we recommend connecting with your building or plumbing officials to determine if additional inspections may be required for your project.
Please note:
- Next day inspection requests must be received before 3 p.m. the day prior and an a.m. or p.m. time preference cannot be guaranteed.
- We cannot accommodate phone calls prior to inspection and the permit holder is responsible to be present at time of inspection.
- If you cannot be on site on the date of your scheduled inspection, please call to cancel.
- Any related questions can be directed via email or on-site with your building official.
- Due to the volume of requests, we cannot provide call backs to schedule.
- We do not provide inspections on weekends or statutory holidays.
- All required documentation must be submitted prior to inspection booking.
Updates
Cold weather construction advisory
Winter construction can add challenges to the building contractor and Building Department staff. This notice brings awareness for cold weather requirements as it relates to the BC Building Code (BCBC) and best practices during winter:
The BC Building Code requires bracing for wood frame construction, including braced wall requirements for all Part 9 Housing, including low seismic locations.
Section 9.23 accommodates higher seismicity and includes solutions for resisting lateral loads due to earthquakes and wind.
- Ministerial Orders M40 and BA 2023 08 amended the Building Act and the BC Building Code and require all new Part 9 residential buildings to comply with the Energy Code for Step 3.
- Since May 1, 2023, all new applications submitted to the City of West Kelowna for Part 9 residential building permits have requried designs that comply with Energy Code for Step 3 and must include an Energy Advisor's Report.
- To learn more, visit energystepcode.ca or email the Building and Safety Standards Branch at building.safety@gov.bc.ca.
Building permit statistics
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