Building and plumbing permits

Building permits

A building permit is required before you build, demolish, repair or alter most structures, including:

buildings
accessory buildings and structures
deck construction or alterations
garages and carports
secondary suites

Plumbing permits

A plumbing permit is required for the following:

alterations to commercial or residential plumbing systems
installation of fire suppression systems
installation of irrigation systems

Applying for a permit

All permit applications must be submitted digitally using the online application form.

Apply for a building permit

If your project includes a building permit, a separate plumbing permit is not required. Plumbing details, such as the number of fixtures and plumbing contractor information, are included in the building permit application.
For stand-alone plumbing permits, use the same building permit application form. Be sure to include a drawing showing fixture locations.

Your application will only be processed once all required components are received and reviewed by a building official.

Fire safety on construction sites

A construction fire safety plan must be submitted with the building permit application for large commercial, industrial and multi-family developments.

Geodetic elevations on site plans

In accordance with Building Bylaw No. 3114, all new building permit applications for standard buildings (e.g. new residential and commercial projects) must include a site plans showing the final proposed elevations at the four main corners of the building. This ensures compliance with the development's lot grading plan.

Please note: Permit fees and other associated costs will be calculated by staff and are due upon permit issuance.

Inspections

Once you have a building permit, certain inspections must be completed before construction can move forward. The types of inspections include:

Foundation and drainage

Footing forms: Before concrete is poured.
Drain tile and damp-proofing: After foundation forms are removed and drainage is installed, but before backfilling.

Plumbing and underground services

Services inspection: When water, sewer and storm piping are connected at the street but before being covered (must be under test).
Under-slab insulation and vapor barrier: After services inspection.
Plumbing under-slab: Before concealing any part of the plumbing.

Framing and insulation

Rough-in plumbing: When drain, waste and vent (DWV) and domestic water piping are complete and under test.
Framing: After all framework and sheathing are complete but before insulation or exterior finishing. A site survey must be submitted before this inspection.
Insulation and vapor barrier: Before covering insulation.

Final inspection

Final building inspection: When all construction is complete but before occupying the building. All documentation is to be provided before inspection (e.g. Letters of Assurance Schedule C-Bs, electrical final, energy compliance report, etc.)

Please note: A $100 re-inspection fee applies if more than two inspections are required due to incomplete or non-compliant work.

Scheduling an inspection

To book an inspection, email inspections@courtenay.ca.

Requests must be submitted with a minimum of 24 hours’ notice.
Inspections are conducted Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Inspectors are available for inquiries during office hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Work must not continue beyond each inspection stage until it has been accepted.

Information guides

The following handouts have been created to help understand the plans and attachments required for submission when making permit applications: