How to get a building permit in Lions Bay, BC

Step by step in Lions Bay

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 — Lions Bay won't issue until land use is settled.

2. 2

   Work out which permits you need

   Structural work needs a building permit from Village of Lions Bay. Electrical and gas are separate and are issued by Technical Safety BC (standard for BC — Village issues building permits; electrical and gas are not municipally issued). Plumbing is usually part of the building permit.

3. 3

   Prepare drawings and documents

   Village of Lions Bay asks for: Construction plans and supporting documentation demonstrating compliance with applicable Codes, Regulations, Bylaws and property encumbrances; Permit must be obtained before commencing work; Agent Authorization Form for representatives acting on owner's behalf.

4. 4

   Submit your application

   In person / online forms via lionsbay.ca or through the Village Office — no third-party portal named. Submit construction plans and supporting documentation to the Village Office.

5. 5

   Pay the permit fee

   $100 application fee; building permit fees based on the value of construction. Additional charges/securities (Development Cost Charges, damage deposits) may be collected when the permit fee balance is due. Confirm the current schedule with Lions Bay 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.

Lions Bay permit questions