How to get a building permit in Revelstoke, BC

Step by step in Revelstoke

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 — Revelstoke 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 Revelstoke. Electrical and gas are separate and are issued by Technical Safety BC (EXPLICITLY STATED by the City) — Revelstoke does NOT issue electrical or gas permits; apply to Technical Safety BC at (866) 566-7233. Plumbing is usually part of the building permit.

3. 3

   Prepare drawings and documents

   City of Revelstoke asks for: Property zoning verified via the City's interactive map; Site plans and drawings (requirements vary by build type); Valuation schedule and plumbing fixture count; Building location certificate; Final permits from utility providers (e.g. Technical Safety BC electrical/gas) before occupancy; BC Energy Step Code compliance for new buildings; Home warranty insurance for new homes; Owner authorization; engineered drawings for complex/structural work.

4. 4

   Submit your application

   In person / email — no online portal named. Applications are paper/PDF-based; submit and inquire via building@revelstoke.ca or (250) 837-3637. Building Services main page: https://revelstoke.ca/170/Building-Services.

5. 5

   Pay the permit fee

   Intake fee covers initial application review; final fees due on permit release. Rates set by the City's Fees and Charges Bylaw; different rates apply for mobile/modular homes. Inspection costs included in the permit fees. Confirm the current schedule with Revelstoke 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.

Revelstoke permit questions