How to get a building permit in Highlands, BC

Step by step in Highlands

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 — Highlands won't issue until land use is settled.

2. 2

   Work out which permits you need

   Structural work needs a building permit from District of Highlands. Electrical and gas are separate and are issued by Technical Safety BC issues both electrical and gas permits (1-866-566-7233). Plumbing is usually part of the building permit.

3. 3

   Prepare drawings and documents

   District of Highlands asks for: Only complete applications with all required documents are accepted; Governed by Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192 and the BC Building Code (minimum requirements for safety, health, accessibility, fire, structural, energy and water efficiency); Permit required before constructing, repairing, altering, moving or demolishing any building or structure; no stage of work may start before permit issuance; Detailed document requirements (site plan, drawings, engineered drawings for complex work, septic approval) are listed on the application/checklist.

4. 4

   Submit your application

   In person / email (info@highlands.ca) / mail. No online portal.

5. 5

   Pay the permit fee

   Fees per District bylaw (not detailed on the building page); refer to Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192. Confirm the current schedule with Highlands 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.

Permit types in Highlands

Highlands permit questions