How to get a building permit in Courtenay, BC

Step by step in Courtenay

1. 1

   Confirm zoning before anything else

   Check the property's zone, setbacks, height and lot coverage, and whether it sits in a Development Permit Area. If it does, that approval has to come before the building permit — Courtenay won't issue until land use is settled.

2. 2

   Work out which permits you need

   Structural work needs a building permit from City of Courtenay. Electrical and gas are separate and are issued by Technical Safety BC (province-wide issuer for electrical & gas permits; the City does not issue these). Plumbing is usually part of the building permit.

3. 3

   Prepare drawings and documents

   City of Courtenay asks for: All applications submitted digitally; processed only once all required components received and reviewed by a building official; Site plans showing final proposed elevations at the four main corners of the building (new residential/commercial); Construction fire safety plan for large commercial, industrial and multi-family developments; Stand-alone plumbing permits must show fixture locations; BC Building Code 2024 compliance — new adaptable-dwelling and seismic requirements effective March 10, 2025; Inspections required (footing forms, drain tile/damp-proofing, services, final).

4. 4

   Submit your application

   Online-only via the City's digital 'Apply for a building permit' smart form on courtenay.ca (custom online submission portal; no in-person or email applications accepted). A downloadable PDF application (building@courtenay.ca) also exists as backup.

5. 5

   Pay the permit fee

   Permit fees and associated costs calculated by staff, due upon permit issuance (no fixed schedule published on page; construction-value based). Governed by Courtenay Building Bylaw. Confirm the current schedule with Courtenay before you budget.

6. 6

   Plan review, then build to inspections

   The building department reviews against the BC Building Code and zoning; answer any comments quickly. Once issued, post the permit on site and book inspections at each stage — footings, framing, rough-in, insulation, final. Don't cover work before it's inspected.

Courtenay permit questions