Permits

The BC Codes 2024 came into effect on March 8, 2024, and will apply to building permits applied for on or after that date. Buildings with permits in place under the BC Codes 2018 will generally not be affected by the new BC Codes (view the Ministerial Order adopting the BC Building Code 2024 for details).

Code changes to be incorporated in 2024 include:

• Requiring rough-ins for radon safety province-wide.
• More complete and specific language for constructing extended rough-ins for radon subfloor depressurization systems.
• Adopting cooling requirements to provide one living space that does not exceed 26 degrees Celsius.
• Retaining existing ventilation requirements for systems serving single-dwelling units.

2025 Code Requirements

Code changes for new adaptable dwellings and earthquake design changes will come into effect March 10, 2025. This delay is to allow for additional engagement and sufficient training for low or no-cost design solutions. According to the Province of BC, this measured approach aims to balance accessibility and housing supply priorities and considers human rights, equity for all people, accessibility engagement feedback, product availability and affordability, and moderate-to-minimal impacts on the industry.

Code changes to come into effect in 2025 include:

• Reinforcement of bathroom walls to allow future installation of grab bars.
• Early adopting national provisions to improve earthquake design changes for housing and small buildings with high seismic hazard values.

The Building and Safety Standards Branch (Government of BC) will release more information. Please email if you have questions.

Planning and Development Services

Our current anticipated building permit processing time is eight weeks.

The following MUST BE COMPLETED prior to submitting a building permit application. All planning applications and approvals:

• Development Permits
• Variances
• Floodplain Relaxations
• Agricultural Land Commission Approvals including Soils Notice of Intent for secondary dwellings in the Agricultural Land Reserve

Floodplain guidelines are applicable within 100m of the Strait of Georgia. Please email Planning and Development for requirements.

Building Services staff are committed to helping you advance your project and answer any questions you may have. Please email or call 250-334-6006 to inquire? about your property and a technician will be able to assess whether you will need to set up a pre-application meeting with planning and building staff to discuss upcoming projects.

Before submitting a Planning application, our staff will review with you any requirements for archaeology permits. This includes permits required under the K’́ómoks First Nation’s Cultural Heritage Policy and the province of BC’s Heritage Conservation Act. Please visit our Archaeology Permits page for more information about required permits.

If you wish to construct, alter, repair, demolish a building or structure within one of the three electoral areas (excluding Denman and Hornby Islands) of the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD), you may require a permit.

• building
• plumbing
• sprinkler
• demolition
• fireplace and chimney

Applying for a permit from the CVRD requires filling out a permit application, paying a processing fee and providing information detailing the proposed work.

Your project may require additional planning approvals such as a development permit, variance, etc. which could affect the timing of your project. Check with the Building Services staff prior to your building permit application to advise you on the exact needs of your application.

Digital or Hardcopy?

Building and Plumbing permit applications can be submitted digitally or a hardcopy can be couriered/mailed or dropped off to our main office. If possible, we prefer digital.

To submit your building permit application digitally, please first download and complete the building permit application form (fillable PDF). See page two of the application package for the list of documents required at the time of submission. When you are ready to apply, please contact us via email with the property address and we will send you a secure link with detailed instructions on how to upload your files. As soon as all the files are uploaded please send us an email to let us know. Incomplete applications will significantly delay processing time.

Your submission will be reviewed by staff and you will be notified whether your submission is complete for the purpose of review. Once your application is determined complete and you have received a confirmation email the application payment is required. You can call 250-334-6000 to pay by credit card or come into the office during regular business hours to pay with debit/cash or cheque.

1. Download and complete the fillable PDF Plumbing Permit Application form.
2. Email the completed PDF form to the Building Department.
3. Please ensure you indicate the count for each fixture (example, three water closets), the address for the property and your contact information. Incomplete applications will significantly delay processing time.
4. Staff will review the application and contact the plumber to advise of the amount owing and provide payment instructions. Payment can be made over the phone with a credit card or by coming into the office during regular business hours to pay with debit/cash or cheque.
5. Once the permit fees have been paid, the permit will be issued and sent to the plumber.
6. Please allow 1-2 weeks to process the plumbing permit application.

An application for a building or other permit must be accompanied by the appropriate application processing fee. The application fee is non-refundable and shall be credited against the permit fee when the permit is ready for issuance. The building permit fee is based on a percentage of the value of construction, including material and labour. Depending on the project, additional inspection fees may also apply. Building Fees & Fines

Parkland Development Cost Charges (DCC) are fees collected to support the acquisition and development of electoral area parks and trails, ensuring that these important community amenities continue to meet the needs of residents as the population grows. Beginning December 5th, 2024, parkland development cost charges will be collected for each new dwelling at the time of building permit issuance. Prior to this change, some development cost charges were collected per lot at the time of subdivision while others were collected per dwelling unit at building permit issuance.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Development cost charge for tourist accommodations will be collected per-bedroom rather than per room;
• All development cost charges will be collected at the time of building permit issuance. Previously, some development cost charges were collected at the time of subdivision approval while others were levied at time of building permit issuance;
• All residential development cost charges will be collected on a per dwelling unit basis. Previously, some residential development cost charges were collected per lot while others were collected per dwelling unit;

Why were these changes made?
The Province of British Columbia requires that local governments review development cost charge bylaws every five years. Following a 2023 review, the CVRD amended the bylaw to make it inconsistent with other CVRD bylaws, to clarify requirements for tourist accommodations, and to streamline the collection process.

Who pays parkland development cost charges?
Parkland development cost charges (DCC) are paid by anyone constructing one or more new residential dwelling units or tourist accommodation for which a DCC has not already been paid. See the Comox Valley Regional District Parkland Development Cost Charges Bylaw No. 238, 2012 bylaw for further details.

What dwelling units are subject to parkland development cost charges?
Parkland development cost charges are required for all new residential dwelling units and tourist accommodations. They are not required for renovations or alterations of existing dwellings, for dwellings for which a charge has already been paid, or dwellings with floor areas of 29 square metres or less. A dwelling unit is a self-contained residential unit.

What happens when development cost charges were paid prior to December 5, 2024?
Parkland development cost charges will be collected for all new dwelling units accept where a fee was paid at subdivision prior to December 5, 2024. In these cases, a charge will be collected each new dwelling units less one.

What do parkland DCC pay for?
Parkland development cost charges go towards developing new parks and adding new infrastructure to existing parks within the Comox Valley Regional District. Parkland development cost charges do not cover park operations and maintenance costs.

Contact Us

For all questions and concerns about parkland development cost charges, please contact CVRD Parks at 250-898-3730 or email us.

Need more information on the building permit process? Please give us a call and we’ll be happy to review things and provide tips to make your building permit review and inspection processes as easy as possible.

Please call: 250-334-6006 or email to book an inspection. The building official will email a copy of the inspection results after the inspection is completed.