Building Department

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.

The Inspection booking deadline is 3:00  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. 

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.