Building Department

The Building Department administers the City's Building, Zoning, Safe Premises and Sign Bylaws and oversees building permits and inspections.

The department ensures that the construction of buildings and structures meets the standards of the Building Bylaw, BC Building Code and applicable federal regulations.

The department deals primarily with the regulation and inspection of new construction, renovations, alterations, additions, and changes in occupancy of existing buildings. Residents looking to connect to sewer and upgrade or repair water lines should also contact the Building Department for assistance.

Latest News

Energy Code for Step 3 amendments

Starting May 1, 2023, all new applications submitted to the City for Part 9 residential building permits must have designs that comply with Energy Code for Step 3 per amendments to the Building Act and B.C. Building Code.

An accompanying Energy Advisor’s report is also required.

Applications will be delayed and cannot be entered into our plan checking queue if they fail to comply with Energy Code for Step 3 and are submitted without an Energy Advisor’s Report.

Frequently asked questions

Why are these changes required?

The provincial government passed Ministerial Orders M40 and BA 2023 08, which amended the Building Act and the B.C. Building Code, requiring all new Part 9 residential buildings to comply with the Energy Code for Step 3. Newly constructed residential buildings should be at least 20 per cent more energy-efficient than buildings built to the 2018 BC Building Code.

Do the changes apply to other types of occupancies and buildings?

Yes, to learn more visit energystepcode.ca.

Where can I find more information about changes to B.C.’s Energy Step Code?

Find more information by visiting energystepcode.ca or by emailing the Building and Safety Standards Branch at building.safety@gov.bc.ca.

New water meter pit requirements

Starting June 5, 2023, City of West Kelowna water regulations require that water meter pits be installed at time of subdivision for new lots and at time of building permit for existing lots and for new homes that are to be connected to municipal water services.

Previously, water meters for houses and duplexes were located inside water meter pits in the yard, or within the residence. By now requiring water meters to be installed within pits, the City is improving safety and accessibility for maintenance technicians, enhancing leak detection, and reducing non-metered consumption.

For additional information please refer to the following bulletin:

Water meter pits

Other News

Did you know? 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 website.

Secondary Suite Construction Requirements

We are happy to provide our customers with further guidance on the construction requirements for Secondary Suites. Please see our new guide sheet found here.

Please use this guide in conjunction with our Secondary Suite Application Form and Building Permit Application Form.

Booking Inspections

The Inspection booking deadline is 3:00 p.m. the day prior.

For example: to book an inspection for a Tuesday, the request needs to be received by 3:00 p.m. on the Monday prior, for a Monday inspection the request is needed before 3:00 p.m. on the Friday prior.

Please book your inspection by phone or email including site address, permit number, contact name and phone number and the specific inspection. Inspections are booked in the order that they are received and assigned to an area inspector for the requested day. We are not able to guarantee time or AM/PM requests. Access instructions will be noted in the request.

If you are not ready for your inspection or need to cancel for any reason, please contact us to cancel your request as early as possible.

Please be sure to submit any required documentation to our office prior to requesting your inspection, and that you are ready for the inspection PRIOR to making your request. Failure to be ready may result in a Failed inspection result and re-inspection fees.

Submission of BCLS Surveyed Site Plans

The City has encountered ongoing issues with incorrectly sited buildings and having the location surveys being submitted too late in the building process.

As of February 8, 2021, location surveys must be submitted and approved before proceeding beyond the foundation stage.

For full details see the Submission of BCLS Site Survey Bulletin.

Application Pre-screening

All applications will be pre-screened by our front counter staff and an inspector to ensure all documents are filled out completely and the basic required documentation is present. Once the required documentation has been supplied the permit will then be entered into the Plan Check Queue to determine compliance with the BC Building Code and City of West Kelowna Bylaws. You may be required to submit further documentation once the plan check procedure is underway based on the scope of work.

BC Building Code Free Online

The Province of BC is now offering the BC Building, Plumbing and Fire Codes online at no charge. To access visit the Province of BC Codes website at bccodes.ca.

Property Information Requests

Property Owners and Contractors

You can submit your request to us in writing to building@westkelownacity.ca or visit City Hall to request City documents and plans from the Building Department regarding a specific property. If you are a contractor, please have the property owner provide us with written authorization so we can release information to you directly. We will send you the requested information via email or you may come and pick it up at City Hall.

Real Estate Agents

Due to the high demand, we ask that you please submit via email only your signed listing contract, accepted offer to purchase or Owner’s Authorization Form to building@westkelownacity.ca to request City documents and plans from the Building Department regarding a specific property. We will gladly send you the requested information via email within approximately 2-5 business days. Thank you for your cooperation.

Customer Service

Inspectors are available for general inquiries from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. on simple buildings and structures (ie: single family dwellings, accessory buildings, sign permits). Inquiries involving more complex projects (ie: commercial, industrial, institutional, multi-family) require an appointment with an Inspector. Please call 778-797-8820 to arrange an appointment. Alternatively, we encourage you to email your inquiry to us. All inquiries are directed to the appropriate team member for review and response. Please do not send inquiries through multiple channels. All process, property inquiry and administrative type questions will be addressed by our Building Administrative Team at the front counter throughout the business day. Email correspondence is encouraged for these queries.

When making an inquiry, we need the following information: