Building

What to Know

Before you start a building or renovation project in Summerland, you need to find out:

What you are allowed to build on your property, and if you need a building permit

Your property's zoning will determine what you can build on your property. For example the District's Zoning Bylaw sets out what uses are permitted; how far a structure must be from the lot lines; and the amount of parking required. A permit is usually needed if you are building and renovating, making interior alterations to an existing building, putting up a sign, or opening a business in a new location.

Building Permits and building inspection help ensure that health and safety standards are met for new construction projects. Building Permits require that construction plans comply with the BC Building Code, Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw and Zoning Bylaw as well as other municipal and provincial regulations. We recommend that you contact our office when planning any new construction or renovation projects. We will be happy to help you with the necessary permits.

Planning to Build?

You will find a great combination of information and services to help you through the development process. This portion of web site is designed to serve both the resident and builder/developer alike. If you can't find what you are looking for, please give us a call.

Building and Planning Departments: 250-494-1373

Building Bulletins

• 2019-10-04 Buildings Height
• 2019-09-09 Carriage Home information
• Farm Home Plate Bulletin
• 2020-10-26 Cold Weather Protection
• 2019-09-06 Cross Connection
• 2019-09-09 Home Improvements
• 2019-09-10 Inspection Schedule
• 2019-09-10 Secondary Suites Information
• 2020-02-27 Landscaping & Retaining Wall Requirements
• 2019-09-09 Occupancy Permit
• 2020-08-24 Plumbing Under-slab Inspections
• 2020-08-24 Residential Guardrail Requirements
• 2019-09-09 Required Plan Details for a Building Permit
• 2020-04-21 Structural Engineering

Applications

•  Building Permit Application Package 1 2023
• Electrical Utility Service Request 
• Water / Sewer Service Request 
• Solid Fuel Burning Appliance 
• Plumbing Permit Application
•  Manufactured Home Guidelines
• Relocation Permit Dec. 2023
• Demolition Application 
•  Guide to Depositing Hazardous Materials at RDOS Landfill

2018 BC Codes

The British Columbia Codes 2018 provide the minimum requirements for a safely built environment and are the product of a unique partnership between industry practitioners, construction technology experts, and provincial regulators.

BC Building Code - FREE ONLINE ACCESS

BC Housing - Licensing & Consumer Services

All new homes within British Columbia are required to be registered, prior to making application for a Building Permit.  Learn how to become an owner builder when building a home for your personal use. Plus get tips on buying and selling an owner-built home.

https://www.bchousing.org/licensing-consumer-services/owner-builder/

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/building-or-renovating

BC Home Energy Coach

A free service to help you improve the energy efficiency of your home

• An incentives & rebates search tool
• Resources to learn about energy efficiency products and services
• A regularly updated Frequently Asked Questions series
• Knowledgeable program staff to answer your home energy improvement questions
• Contact BC Home Energy Coach at 1.844.881.9790 or visit bcenergycoach.ca

All Summerland utility customers qualify for rebates offered by FortisBC