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Home / Community / Planning & Development / Building Permits and Inspections 

Building Permits and Inspections 

About

Building inspections provide property owners with guidance and direction for meeting the minimum BC Building Code requirements. 

Some of the responsibilities of the Building Inspection Department are:

  • providing a detailed plan review service, and the issuance of building permits 
  • providing building and plumbing inspections pursuant to the Building Bylaw 
  • issuing permits for solid fuel burning appliances (woodstoves & pellet stoves) and inspections to confirm safe installations 
  • responding to public enquiries relating to construction standards and regulations 
  • ensure projects follow the District’s Zoning Bylaw

Building Inspection services are provided by the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako’s Building Inspection department.

Building Permit Requirements

Building permits are required for most projects, including renovations and minor additions. When applying for a building permit, you will be required to provide: 

  • Copies of the current state of title certificate and documents for registered charges on title; 
  • Site layout, elevation, and building plans; 
  • Any structural drawings required to demonstrate compliance with the BC Building Code; and 
  • Any submissions required from a qualified professional, such as an engineer or architect.
When is a Building Permit required?

The following types of developments require a Building Permit Application:

CategoryType
New Homes & Demolition
  • New construction
  • Demolition of part of a house
  • Demolition of a whole house
  • Existing home or mobile home relocation
  • Change of use or occupancy
Exterior Renovations & Additions
  • An addition to a house (enlarging the footprint)
  • A porch or balcony
  • A basement door well
  • A sunroom
  • Enclosing a sundeck or porch
  • New window or door openings
  • Major roofing projects
  • Solar panel installation
Interior Renovations
  • Completing a previously unfinished area (i.e., basement, carport)
  • Changes to load-bearing walls
  • Removing, relocating, altering, or constructing interior walls
  • Creating a secondary suite
  • A change of use (i.e., converting a garage into a living space)
  • Adding or altering plumbing
Plumbing & Mechanical
  • Making changes to plumbing systems
  • Replacing water or sewer services
  • Installing or modifying heating systems
  • Constructing chimneys and fireplaces
  • Installing wood or pellet stove appliances
Accessory Buildings & Structures
  • Constructing or demolishing an accessory structure over 10 square metres (108 square feet)
  • Change of use (i.e., converting a garage into a living space)
  • Construction of a Carriage House
  • Building retaining walls over 1.22 meters (4.0 feet) in height (a design by a Professional Engineer and BCBC Schedule B is also required) that are part of a building or structure that supports occupancy
Carriage Houses & Secondary Suites
  • Constructing a self-contained accessory dwelling within a home (secondary suite)
  • Constructing a self-contained dwelling inside an accessory building (carriage house)
Landscaping & Pools
  • Constructing or structurally repairing a swimming pool
  • Constructing a hot tub, spa, or water feature deeper than 60 centimeters (24 inches)
Fire & Flood Damage
  • Repair work

If you are unsure about needing a Building Permit, please contact 250-845-2238.

Forms & Guides 
Building Permit Guide Building Permit Application Building Regulations Bylaw Demolition Permit Application

Requesting Building Permit Information

Building permits and all information submitted as part of an application is subject to the disclosure requirements and protections under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. In general, it is recommended that the property owner’s written permission be obtained before requesting any building permit or property record to reduce delays in providing access to information. 

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