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.
- 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.
Information guides
The following handouts have been created to help understand the plans and attachments required for submission when making permit applications:
- Building location surveys [PDF/221KB]
- Building move information [PDF/177KB]
- Fire safety at construction sites [PDF/148KB]
- Glass guard bulletin [PDF/218KB]
- Guide to residential deck construction [PDF/427KB]
- House move handout [PDF/177KB]
- Partial building permit bulletin [PDF/262KB]
- Party wall fire separation [PDF/422KB]
- Secondary suites [PDF/2.3MB]
Related links
- Application forms
- Building Bylaw No. 3114, 2023 [PDF/398KB]
- Business Licence Bylaw [PDF/1.1MB]
- Development Cost Charges Bylaw [PDF/92KB]
- Development Procedures Bylaw No. 3106, 2023
- Downtown Courtenay Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaw [PDF/1.3MB]
- Fill Placement & Soil Removal Bylaw [PDF/173KB]
- Official Community Plan
- Pesticide Use Bylaw [PDF/47KB]
- Road permits
- Sign Bylaw [PDF/1.1MB]
- Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw [PDF/11.4MB]
- Tree Protection Bylaw [PDF/425KB]
- Zoning Bylaw 2500, 2007 [PDF/4.9MB]