Commercial Building Permits

• All Building and Plumbing Permits are to be applied for ONLINE ONLY
• Building Code Analysis (Page 2 of paper application OR directly on plans)
• Title Search, dated within 30 days of permit application (available from BC Land Title & Survey or other private services)
• Three copies of the sealed construction drawings or upload digital plans online
• All Registered Professional's Schedule B, copy of insurance and Form 2
• Plan processing fee - part of Building Permit fee (details here)

• Servicing information if effected by project (sewer, water, storm)
• Storm water management plan for new construction or large additions
• Other related permits/details as applicable (see Site Permits for possible requirements)

Please note that due to increased applications, renovation projects may take 4 - 6 weeks for the initial review and new, complex projects could take between 6 - 8 weeks. You will be advised when staff have feedback for you - if your documents or plans need amending, you can complete the updates and submit via your CSOnline account.

New construction includes new buildings and additions, and there are a few things to consider prior to making a building permit application.

• In almost all cases, registered professionals (architect and engineers) will be required for your project.
• Generally, a Development Permit (for form and character) would be necessary for new construction or exterior alterations.
• If the project does not comply with the current zoning, you may also need Development Variance Permit or Rezoning.

If you have a concept, it is always a good idea to review your proposal with staff to know what permits will be applicable.

If you are changing the use or occupancy of any tenant space or commercial building, you will require a building permit prior to any construction or occupancy. Perhaps the use is the same as previous, but if you are planning alterations such as adding or removing walls, a building permit would also be required. In either case, registered professionals (architects and engineers) are often required based on the scope of work, the use or size of a building. Cosmetic improvements, like new flooring or paint, would not require a building permit, if the use was staying the same. Further details are available in our "Guide to Tenant Improvements".

A plumbing permit would be required for any changes or additions to existing plumbing systems, including backflow prevention devices, lateral connections, storm water detention or sprinkler systems, with the design and supervision by a Plumbing, Fire Suppression and/or a Civil Engineer.  Licenced plumbers (granted a British Columbia Trades Qualification or TQ) with valid business licence are required to obtain plumbing permits as per the BC Plumbing Code. After an application is submitted online, staff will review the submission for compliance with the previously issued building permit and BC Plumbing Code. 

Electrical and Gas Permits are issued to Certified Electricians by Technical Safety BC.

Any work to the building exterior, new signage, landscaping, parking, or a change of building use may also require a development permit. New or replacement business signage (free-standing or attached to the building) will require a sign permit; new signs may also require a development permit. Regulations relating to other sites works or landscaping can be found on the Trees and Sites Works page.

Also check out the section on Business Licences, for information on licencing and other approvals that may be required.  This could include Island Health (VIHA) for food facility approvals or the Capital Regional District to deal with waste discharge and backflow prevention devices, as well as the BC Liquor & Cannabis Regulation Branch if necessary.

Anyone who repairs, renovates, or demolishes older buildings in B.C. is at risk of inhaling asbestos fibres. Found in dozens of items in older buildings, asbestos breaks down into small fibres as it ages or when it is disturbed. Touching or moving it releases the fibres into the air, where they can linger for hours.

Worksafe BC has implemented regulations regarding training and licensing requirements for asbestos abatement work.  More details are available from the WorksafeBC website.