Building Permit Application Process:

Step 1: Complete Preliminary Planning Review Form

• Complete the Preliminary Planning Review Form and submit to Development Services
  • Development Services will review your project for any applicable Development Permit Areas, Zoning Bylaw compliance, and for land use compliance
  • MUST be done ahead of Building Permits (Building Permits cannot be issued until Development Permits or Development Variance Permits are issued)

Step 2: Review your Application with the Plan Checker 

• Incomplete applications take longer to process than completed applications
• The Plan Checker will review your application and advise on what documents are required for submission
• Email the Plan Checker if you have any questions about your project and applying for a Building Permit

Step 3:  Submit your complete Building Permit Application

• Proceed to this step once you have your APPROVED Preliminary Planning Review Form
• Building Permit Application & General Requirements
  • Building Permit Applications must be signed by the property owners listed on title 
• Applications must include all required paperwork and 2 sets of full size, scale drawings
• Applications can be submitted in person at our CVRD main office location at 175 Ingram St. and/or submitted digitally to inspections@cvrd.bc.ca (all documents can be submitted digitally however, hard copy drawings are required to be submitted)
• BC Energy Step Code requirements for new builds or substantial reconstruction 
• Building permits are paid for upon issue, not upon application (see here for Building Permit Fee Schedule)
• Are you applying for a Secondary Suite or an Accessory Dwelling (small suite or 2nd dwelling) on your property? A Covenant is required to be registered on Title per the Zoning Bylaw.

Step 4: Application begins to be processed internally

• Internal CVRD referrals are made to GIS Mapping, Development Services, and/or Operations divisions
• Applications are reviewed for CVRD Zoning Bylaw and CVRD Building Bylaw compliance
• The Building Official for your area will review your plans for BC Building Code and BC Energy Step Code compliance 
• A Building Official may conduct a site visit

Step 5: Building Permit is Issued

• You will be notified by Building Administration via email when your permit is ready for pick-up
• Building Permits must be picked up in-person at our office
• Accepted methods of payment are debit, cash or cheque (payable to the Cowichan Valley Regional District and cheques also need to be clearly marked with a Building Permit number and address).
• We do not accept credit card for fees