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 the 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.
Inspection Booking Procedures
One full business day notice is now required prior to any building permit inspections.
Monday inspections will be restricted to morning time slots only.
How to book an inspection appointment?
We will no longer be accepting inspection requests by phone. There are currently only two options for booking an inspection:
In booking an inspection, please provide us the following:
- Location of project & permit number
- Contact name & number of the representative who will meet the building official on site
- Type of inspection
- Preferred morning or afternoon time slot
- Notes relevant to the inspection
To book an inspection through the
portal, please log-in to the portal go to "My Items" on the top menu:
Find your active Building Permit and select "Request an Inspection":
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.
Development Services Department: 250-494-1373
Building Bulletins
Application Forms
2024 BC Codes
The British Columbia Codes 2024 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 with BC Housing, 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
This is a free, web-based service to help you improve the energy efficiency of your home through:
- 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