Building Permits and Inspections

The City of West Kelowna Building Regulations Bylaw requires permits to be obtained for most projects on private property. These permits ensure that construction projects meet zoning regulations, fire and structural safety standards, and follow the requirements of the BC Building Code (BCBC). It is the responsibility of the property owner to obtain a required building permit, or to authorize a contractor/agent to do so on their behalf, and to ensure the permit is in place prior to works commencing. Failure to obtain the necessary building permits may result in delays, removal of works already completed, and/or legal action.

Fees

The Building Permit Application Fee is due at the time of application and is non-refundable.
This fee is based on actual construction value with a minimum $150 application fee.
The Building Permit Fee is due at the time of permit issuance and is calculated at 1.14% of actual construction value with a minimum $100 permit fee.
See our Fees and Charges Bylaw Schedule 2 for more information.
Accepted methods of payment include cash, cheque, or debit only – no credit cards.

Bulletins, Resources, and Information

Bulletins

Resources

BC Housing - Home Warranty

Information

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 alarm permit webpage.
Location surveys must be submitted and approved before proceeding beyond the foundation stage. For full details see the Submission of BCLS Site Survey Bulletin.
Changes to an issued Building Permit can be requested by submitting an Amendment Form to the building department for review. *additional fees may apply.
For changes to a Builder, Owner or Applicant on an approved building permit, please submit a completed Permit Transfer Form to the Building Department for review.

Property Information Requests

Property Owners and Contractors

Requests for city documents or plans can be submitted by emailing: building@westkelownacity.ca
An Owner's Authorization Form is required for anyone other than the property owner to access this information.

Real Estate Agents

Requests for city documents or plans can be submitted by emailing: building@westkelownacity.ca
A signed listing contract, accepted offer to purchase, or Owner's Authorization Form is required for the information to be released. Processing time is approximately 7 - 10 business days.

Application Process

Building Permit Applications are to be submitted in person to our City Hall location. Each permit type has a checklist of required documents to help guide the application process. The completed application package will be reviewed by a plan checker and once approved, the permit will be issued.

Building Permit by type

Residential

New Construction

This application applies to all new Single-Family Dwellings, Duplexes and Town Homes.

Required Documents:

Building Permit Application

Documents as required on the Application Checklist

BC Housing Warranty Registration or Owner Declaration

Septic Design accepted by Interior Health Authority and Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (ROWP) Drawings

Potable Water Log
Construction Fire Safety Plan - Not required for single family residential or duplex construction

* Development Cost Charges (DCCs) are payable upon issuance of the building permit. Information can be found in the Development Cost Charge Bylaw. Contact the Building Department for any questions regarding the fee schedule.

Resources:

Alterations and Improvements

This application applies to alterations and improvements, including the decommissioning of non-permitted secondary suites.

Required Documents:

Building Permit Application

Documents as required on the Application Checklist

Other residential permits:

Carriage House

Information regarding Carriage Houses can be found in the Carriage House Bulletin and by visiting section 3.19 Carriage Houses in Zoning Bylaw.

Required Documents:

Building Permit Application
Documents as required on the Application Checklist

Parking Plan

Retaining Wall

A building permit is required for retaining walls that are 1.2 meters or higher.

Required Documents:

Building Permit Application
Documents as required on the Application Checklist

Secondary Suite

Information regarding Secondary Suites can be found in the Secondary Suite Bulletin and the Secondary Suite Constructions Requirements document.

Required Documents:

Building Permit Application
Documents as required on the Application Checklist

Parking Plan

Solar Panel

Required Documents:

Building Permit Application
Documents as required on the Application Checklist (digital format preferred)

Installation package (indicating installation procedures)

Structural Schedule B and Site-Specific Permission Letter from Engineer

Solid Fuel Burning Appliance

Required Documents:

Building Permit Application
Documents as required on the Application Checklist (digital format preferred)

Wett Certified Contractor – contact information

Appliance information – manufacturer and model

Copy of the manual including Manufacturer Installation Instructions

2 sets of Construction Drawings – indicating the location of the stove

Installation of solid burning appliances in manufactured homes and garage/accessory buildings requires proof of acceptability by the manufacturer

Swimming Pool

Required Documents:

Building Permit Application
Documents as required on the Application Checklist (digital format preferred)

2 sets of Sealed Drawings (Digital Preferred)

Site plan illustrating gates and fences

Soil Comment or Report from Geotechnical Engineer

Water Service Connection

Required Documents:

Building Permit Application
Documents as required on the Application Checklist (digital format preferred)

Commercial

This application applies to Commercial/Industrial and Multi-Tenant Buildings, including Tenant Improvements.

Required Documents:

Building Permit Application
Construction Fire Safety Plan
Documents as required on the Application Checklist

* Development Cost Charges (DCCs) are payable upon issuance of the building permit (for new construction). Information can be found in the Development Cost Charge Bylaw. Contact the Building Department for any questions regarding the fee schedule.

Demolition

Residential

Required Documents:

Building Permit Application
Documents as required on the Application Checklist
Site plan indicating the location of all structures to be removed
Notice of Project (NOP) from Worksafe BC
Construction Fire Safety Plan
Hazardous Materials Risk Assessment, prepared by a qualified professional for any buildings potentially containing hazardous materials (mandatory for any buildings constructed prior to 1990)

Commercial

Required Documents:

Building Permit Application
Documents as required on the Application Checklist
Site plan indicating the location of all structures to be removed
Construction Fire Safety Plan
Notice of Project (NOP) from Worksafe BC
Hazardous Materials Risk Assessment, prepared by a qualified professional for any buildings potentially containing hazardous materials (mandatory for any buildings constructed prior to 1990)

Blasting

Required Documents:

Blasting Permit Application
Documents as required on the Blasting Permit Checklist (digital format preferred)

Sewer

It is recommended that a licensed servicing or plumbing company be hired to make these connections as they are trained and certified for this work. Residential Permits can be issued over the counter and Non-Residential Permits will need to go through the plan check process.

Required Documents:

Building Permit Application
Documents as required on the Application Checklist (digital format preferred)
Septic Pump Out receipt – required at time of inspection

Signs

Sign bylaws and permits allow the City of West Kelowna to regulate the number, size, type, form, appearance, and location of signage, and ensure that signage is properly and safely installed. Refer to Sign Bylaw No. 0250 for more information.

Sign Permit Application

Documents as required on the Application Checklist (digital format preferred)

Site Plan

Photos of the property and existing signage

Rendering of proposed sign (including colours)

Building Inspections

Inspections can be booked by calling 778-797-8820, or emailing building@westkelownacity.ca . When booking an inspection, the following information is required:

Site Address
Permit Number
Contact Name and Number
Type of Inspections
Access Instructions if Applicable

Please note:

Next day inspection requests must be received by 3:00 p.m. the day prior. Time preference (a.m./p.m.) can not be guaranteed.
We are unable to accommodate phone calls prior to inspection, it is at the responsibility of the permit holder to be present at time of inspection.
If you are unable to be present on site during the date of your scheduled inspection, please call to cancel your inspection. Any related questions can be directed via email or on-site with your Building Official.
Due to the volume of requests, we do not provide call backs to schedule. Please note we do not provide inspections on weekends or statutory holidays.
All required documentation must be submitted prior to inspection booking.

Updates

Cold Weather Construction Advisory

Winter construction can add challenges to both the building contractor and the local building inspection departments. This notice is intended to bring awareness for cold weather requirements as it relates to the 2024 British Columbia Building Code (BCBC) and best practices during the winter season.

Cold Weather Construction Advisory

Brace Wall Band Requirements

The 2024 BC Building Code introduced significant changes to the bracing requirements for wood frame construction, including the new braced wall requirements for Part 9 housing. These changes came into effect on March 10th, 2025 and are applicable to all Part 9 Housing in BC, including low seismic locations. The redesign of section 9.23 accommodates higher seismicity and includes new solutions for resisting lateral loads due to earthquakes and wind.

Energy Code for Step 3

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.
Effective 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, and must include an Energy Advisor's report.
To learn more, visit energystepcode.ca or email the Building and Safety Standards Branch at building.safety@gov.bc.ca

Building Permits Statistics

Monthly Issued Building Permits - Detailed

Building Permit Statistics - Summaries