How to get a building permit in Kimberley, BC

Step by step in Kimberley

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 — Kimberley 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 Kimberley. Electrical and gas are separate and are issued by Technical Safety BC — 'New or alterations to electrical and gas systems will require a permit from the Technical Safety BC. Plumbing is usually part of the building permit.

3. 3

   Prepare drawings and documents

   City of Kimberley asks for: Permit required for any new detached building/structure over 10 m2 (108 sq ft) and for structural repairs/alterations/additions including decks; One (1) set of construction blueprints/sketches with dimensions, foundation details, floor plans (showing use), elevations and structural section details (electronic copies preferred); Detailed plot plan showing location of proposed work and distances from all property lines; Proof of property ownership or owner authorization letter; BC Housing Certified New Home Registration form for new dwellings; BC Energy Step Code compliance for new residential construction; WorkSafeBC / asbestos clearance for demolition or renovation work; Engineered drawings (Schedule B professionals) for complex/engineered structures; Minor work (repainting, cabinets, like-for-like plumbing fixture swaps) does not require a permit.

4. 4

   Submit your application

   In person / email — NO named online portal. Application forms obtained at City Hall during office hours or downloaded from the city document centre; electronic copies of drawings preferred. Building Official reachable by email/phone.

5. 5

   Pay the permit fee

   Permit fees per Building Bylaw No. 2620, 2025 — value-of-construction based; fee due when the City is ready to issue. Complete applications generally assessed within 10 working days. Permits valid 2 years from issuance (renewable 1 year). Confirm the current schedule with Kimberley 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.

Kimberley permit questions