Building Division

**Be advised that City Hall is currently closed to public access**

Our inspectors are still conducting inspections at this time. To book an inspection, email building@courtenay.ca or call 250-703-4862. Social distancing measures must be in place on all sites: all tradespeople who are not required to liaise with the City inspector should not be onsite at the time of inspection.

For further information on the Province of BC's regulations surrounding construction sites and Covid-19, please see: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020EMBC0002-000542

The Building Division is still accepting applications. Please see the digital procedures below for information on how to submit an application.

Permit Applications - Digital Procedure

Please be advised that while City Hall is currently closed to the public, Development Services is continuing to accept permit applications digitally. Please review the following handouts for information on how to apply for a permit and what requirements must be provided. Please note that we are currently not collecting fees at the time of application: all fees will be collected when the permit is ready to be issued.

It is possible to submit hardcopy applications through the drop box at City Hall. However, all submissions will be held for 72 hours before being opened by City Staff.

General Information

The Building Services Division is responsible for the enforcement of the British Columbia Building and Plumbing Codes and municipal bylaws relating to building construction, business licence administration, the review and investigation of complaints on building matters and the technical review of development applications.

A building permit must be obtained prior to commencing with any of the following:

  • New construction
  • Alterations
  • Reconstruction
  • Demolition
  • Removal, relocation or change of occupancy of any building or structure including excavation or other work related to construction

Building permits ensure that all buildings comply with the safety, health, building and zoning requirements of the City of Courtenay and Province of British Columbia.

Building and Plumbing Inspections and Inquiries

An inspector is available for phone calls and inquiries during regular office hours, Monday - Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.

For inspection requests please call 250-703-4862. 24 hours notice is required for all inspections. Contractors have the option of morning or afternoon inspections, with inspection times running between 9:00am to 11:30am and 1:30pm to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays).

Please note that due to operational constraints, the Building Division is unable to provide an exact time that the inspector will arrive on site.