Apply for a Building Permit
The City of Castlegar’s Development Services department provides support to homeowners and builders in implementing provincial building requirements.
Development Services
Through the issuance of building permits and inspections at various stages of construction, the City works to ensure that new construction and renovations meet the minimum standards of the BC Building Code and the City’s servicing standards and land use regulations.
Bylaw No. 1338 – Building is the document that regulates construction within the City in the interest of the general public. The bylaw requires that a building permit be obtained prior to any changes, alterations, or additions to a structure.
When you have a building project in Castlegar, we will receive your complete application for a building permit, then:
- review your plans and paperwork
- make certain the plans meet all required codes
- issue the building permit
- inspect the work
2024 BC Building & Plumbing Code Changes
As of March 8, 2024 all building permit applications are required to meet the new 2024 BC Building & Plumbing Code Requirements, handouts of changes can be found here.
When Do I Need a Building Permit?
- constructing a new building or an addition to an existing building
- construction of a new accessory building or structure over 9.5 square meters in area
- repair, renovation, or demolition of existing buildings
- placement of a mobile home on a mobile home pad and additions to a mobile home
- complete a previously unfinished area in an existing building
- installation of swimming pools, chimneys or fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances
- alterations to a plumbing system
- sundecks
- changing the use or occupancy of a building
What Can I Do Without a Building Permit?
- fencing (fence height must comply with applicable zoning)
- roofing, gutters, drains
- paving and sidewalks (driveway width must comply with applicable zoning)
- window or door repair and exchange (if the replacement window or door is of the same size as the existing window or door)
- installation of new cupboards, linoleum, carpet, or paint
- exterior finishings
- storage and garden sheds for residential use that do not exceed 10 square meters (however these buildings must comply with all other applicable bylaws)
BC Energy Step Code
The City of Castlegar has implemented BC Energy Step Code. The BC Energy Step Code is a provincial regulation that local governments in British Columbia may use if they wish to incentivize or require a level of energy efficiency in new construction that goes above and beyond the requirements of the base building code.
As of December 31, 2022, in alignment to changes to the BC Building Code, the City will require all Part 9 Buildings to meet Step 3 of the BC Energy Step Code and all Part 3 Buildings to meet Step 2 of the BC Energy Step Code.
To learn more about how these changes may impact your proposed building project, we encourage applicants to review the Province of BC’s Building Code information.
The City offers a full rebate on a first come basis for mid-construction blower door tests. Please enquire at the time of Building Permit Application.
Other Resources
For title information please visit Land Title and Survey Authority of BC.
General information about all property in the province, including the age of a house, can be accessed through BC Assessment.