Building Division

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Be advised that City Hall is currently closed to public access. Applications are still being accepted, see "Interim Permit Application Procedures" below.

Interim Permit Application Procedures

Please be advised that while City Hall is currently closed to the public, Development Services is continuing to accept permit applications digitally. For small projects (accessory buildings, interior alterations of houses, etc), it is possible to submit hardcopy applications through the drop box at City Hall, however, all submissions will be held for 24 hours before being opened by City Staff. All new single family homes, new multi-family sites and commercial projects MUST be submitted 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. Applications submissions are not entered in the system until all applicable components are received.

Interim Inspection Procedures

Building Inspection are still being conducted at this time. Please note that 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.

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.

Quick Links

Click on the links below for detailed supplemental information and supporting documents (the information headings below are listed in alphabetical order).

NOTE: Geodetic Elevations on Site Plans

In accordance with the City of Courtenay's Building Bylaw No. 3001, 2020 for all new building permit applications relating to standard buildings (new residential, new commercial, etc). All submitted site plans should include the final proposed elevations at the four main corners of the building. This will allow City Staff to ensure that the plans comply with the development's lot grading plan.

Building and Plumbing Inspections and Inquiries

Please note the following information is superceded by the above Interim Inspection Procedures until further notice.

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

For inspection requests please email building@courtenay.ca or 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.