Building Division

The Building division enforces the BC Building and Plumbing codes and municipal bylaws relating to building construction, business licence administration, complaint investigation on building matters and the technical review of development applications.

Building permits

A building permit must be obtained before starting 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

Updates and bylaw changes

  • Information bulletin: Radon rough-in

  • New BC Building Code: The updated BC Building Code took effect on March 8, 2024. For details, visit the BC Codes 2024 page.
    • Buildings regulated under Part 3 of the BC Building Code must be designed and constructed to meet the minimum performance requirements specified in Step 3 of the Energy Step Code (or Step 4 for permit applications submitted after its adoption in the code).
    • Buildings regulated under Part 9 of the BC Building Code must be designed and constructed to meet the minimum performance requirements specified in: Step 4 of the Energy Step Code (or Step 5 for permit applications submitted after its adoption in the code).
    • New fees: Fees and Charges Bylaw 3114.pdf [PDF - 392 KB]

Applying for a permit

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

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

Required 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. – 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.