A building permit is required for any construction, addition, alteration, change of use or demolition of a building or structure. An accessory building that is less than ten square meters (approximately 107 square feet) which does not create a hazard is exempt. Please check the appropriate zoning requirements for whether a building permit is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
A building Permit is formal permission from the District to start a building project. We must review your permit plans to make sure they follow the BC Building Code, Zoning Bylaw [PDF/6.9MB], Building Regulation Bylaw [PDF/1.3MB] and other regulations.
Permits make sure construction projects meet zoning requirements, fire and structural safety standards and other building standards required by the BC Building Code. Failure to get a building permit could result in costly delays, legal action and/or the removal of work already completed.
The owner is responsible for obtaining a permit although as the owner you can authorize your contractor in writing to apply for a permit for you. As the owner you must ensure your contractor has the permit before starting work. All required documentation must be submitted for a complete application.
The owner or person authorized in writing completes the Application for Building Permit [PDF/208KB], submits plans, specifications, fees, a certificate of title and other required document shown on the Building Application Checklist (attached to the above linked Application document).
We review complete applications and refer them to internal and/or external departments and agencies for comment. Incomplete applications are not accepted. Depending on the project additional applications, licences and permits may be required. The most commonly required permits are an Application for Access Permit [PDF/410KB] or an Application for Water/Sewer connection [PDF/237KB]. Once approved we will advise the applicant when the permit is ready for pick up and what fees are owed.
View the GIS map to see the basic information on the current building permits currently in progress in Lake Country.
To check on the status of a current application, view Building Permit Application Status [PDF/109KB].
- Application Fee = between $100 and $500 plus 1.2% value of construction (payable when permit is ready for pick up) and any other fees such as water, sewer or development cost charges.
- Access Permit = $50
Rebates are in accordance with Section 17.3 of the Building Regulation Bylaw [PDF/1.3MB] which specifies: "Permits issued on or after the date of adoption of this bylaw for any dwelling which achieves Step 3, 4 or 5 of the Step Code will be eligible to receive a rebate as outlined in the District's Fees Bylaw."
While dwellings are currently required to meet Step 1, they can aim for higher steps and if achieved, be eligible for a rebate.
- Fees are set out in schedule 5 of Fees Bylaw 987, 2016 [PDF/311KB].
- Development Cost Charges may apply for your project. For further details regarding Development Cost Charges please see the DCC Bylaw [PDF/4.1MB].
You can request a Request for Information (RFI) on property you own or one you consider purchasing.
Please read the following instructions carefully:
- Prior to processing your request, we will require the attached Letter of Authorization [PDF/181KB]/ or MLS contract/ or Accepted Offer sent to building@lakecountry.bc.ca
- Once received by the Building Department, a fee slip with file # will be generated and provided to you via email.
- Once fee slip is received, please proceed with payment of non-refundable $42.00 fee (includes $2.00 GST) + $2.00 processing fee. Cash, cheque or credit/debit card payments are accepted at Municipal Hall customer service desk.
Please note: until retrieved from the archives, there is no guarantee what is in the file. Any requested information above and beyond building permit file will be processed as a Property Status Letter.
Inspections occur Monday-Friday between the hours of 9am - 3:30pm. To receive a next day business inspection, bookings must be made prior to 3:30pm of the previous business day.
- Building Permit Application [PDF/208KB]
- Building Permit Extension Request [PDF/145KB]
- Building Permit Revision Request [PDF/143KB]
- Complex Building - Confirmation of Required Documents [PDF/492KB]
- Confirmation of Professional Liability Insurance [PDF/132KB]
- Agent Authorization [PDF/181KB]
- Owner's Undertaking [PDF/545KB]
- STEP CODE Compliance Report (As-Built)
- STEP CODE Compliance Report (Pre-Build)
Application forms and checklists are available at the front counter on the 2nd Floor of Municipal Hall and on our website. Please carefully review the checklist to ensure your application is complete so you do not experience delays with your application submission.
Inspections can now be booked online through MyLakeCountry.