Building Permits & Inspections
Request an Inspection
To request an inspection for your permit please email inspection@summerland.ca
with the Civic address, permit number, date the inspection is requested and a contact name.
Inspections must be booked by 3pm the day prior to the requested date.
When You Need a Permit
Building permits are usually required for new building or renovation projects. All new construction, including accessory buildings (garage, carport, garden shed etc.) that is allowed within the zoning of your property will most likely require a building permit prior to work initiating. A building permit is also required for the following:
- Additions or alterations to existing buildings, including:
- Moving interior walls and partitions
- Moving existing plumbing, electrical or gas lines
- Installing new plumbing, electrical or gas lines
- Replacement of Poly-B
- Making structural repairs or changes that are permitted outright (specifically allowed) by your zoning
- Some "hard" landscaping features, such as pool fences or retaining walls (over 1.2m in height or a sequence of retaining walls)
- Farm buildings greater than 50 m2 (538 sq. feet) in floor area.
When You Don't Need a Permit
You do not need a permit for the following:
- Replace fixtures, cabinets, and flooring
- Paint the interior of your home
- Carry out non-structural maintenance or minor repairs to the exterior of your home
- Above ground swimming pools
- Replacement of mechanical and ventilation equipment only (i.e. HVAC)
- Farm buildings less than 50 m2 (538 sq. feet)
- Retaining walls under 1.2m in height. (as long as it is not in a sequence of retaining walls)
Building Permits are valid for a two year period.
Please consult the Building Bylaw No. 2022-002 Parts 6 & 12 for a list of required permits and exemptions to permits.
If you are unsure please call Municipal Hall and ask to talk to a Building official or planner.
How Do I Apply For Building Permit?
There are two options, to apply for a Building Permit:
1. Apply in Person at Municipal Hall (13211 Henry Avenue)
Download and fill-in the "Building Permit Application -2025" form from below links and along with all other plans, schedules, and documentation required from the checklist items for the building type, submit the documentation package to the Development Services counter at Municipal Hall (13211 Henry Avenue). Our staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have of the process!
Application Forms
Agent Auth Form
Building Permit Application Package 2025 fillable
Complex Building Permit Application Package
Demolition Application
Owners Indemnification
Plumbing Permit Application 2025
Signage Permit Application
Relocation Application 2024 DoS
Solid Fuel Burning Appliance Application
Sample Site Plan
Sample Site Plan-Hand Drawn
2. Apply online
Until Monday, February 2, 2026 (included)
Click on the "Apply Online Now!" button below to be redirected to the District's portal and follow the prompts to create an account and apply for a Building Permit.
If you would like to have our building staff provide electronic mark-ups on your digital plans, please be sure to select "Yes" on the question "Are you applying for an Electronic Plans Review"?
If your building project has a plumbing component (i.e. all new single family dwellings will have an associated plumbing permit in addition to a building permit), please be sure to click on "Plumbing" under "Select Permit Types" (see below):
If there are additional types of permits/applications needed for your building project, please apply for these permits separately from the building permit process. For Works & Infrastructure related permits:
Driveway Access Permit, Electrical Utility Service Request, Water/Sewer Utility Service Request, Temporary Road, Lane or Sidewalk Closure for Construction Purposes, Earthwork Permit, Permit to Construct or Perform Work within a Highway or Municipal Property, etc.), please schedule an appointment with Works &Infrastructure by phoning 250-494-0431 or email works@summerland.ca.
District staff will then be able to link all relevant applications to your building project so that you may easily track them through the permit issuance and inspections process.
Ready?! Do you have all your necessary documents you need to apply? Please feel free to click on the below link to get started on your project!
From Tuesday, February 3, 2026
The District of Summerland has joined municipalities from across BC on Building Permit Hub, an online provincial permitting platform that makes it faster and easier to apply for building permits.
What is Building Permit Hub?
Designed for residents, builders, and designers, Building Permit Hub streamlines the entire permitting process through a user-friendly digital interface. It helps ensure submissions are complete, code-compliant, and ready for review, right from the start,
Building Permit Hub is a new way to submit building permits in BC. Here is what it can help you do:
- Find out what’s required before you apply: Tools and checklists to help you prepare your application package
- Submit your application online: Consistent application forms, even when rules vary by community
- Track progress and talk to reviewers: Stay up to date and respond to building officials directly, all in one place
With the Hub you can:
- Receive an early compliance check with BC Building Code and Step Codes
- Easily manage multi-permit submissions with project folders
- Have a more consistent experience when working in multiple communities
How do I use Building Permit Hub?
If there are additional types of permits/applications needed for your building project, please remember to apply for these permits separately from the building permit process. For Works and Infrastructure related permits: Driveway Access Permit, Electrical Utility Service Request, Water/Sewer Utility Service Request, Temporary Road, Lane or Sidewalk Closure for Construction Purposes, Earthwork Permit, Permit to Construct or Perform Work within a Highway or Municipal Property, etc.), please schedule an appointment with Works &Infrastructure by phone 250-494-0431 or email works@summerland.ca.
To apply for a Planning Application, an Address Assignment or a Property Information Request, you can download the required application form and mail it in to Devserv@summerland.ca or drop off at 13211 Henry Avenue at the Planning and Development Counter.