How to get a building permit in Sayward, BC

Step by step in Sayward

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 — Sayward 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 Sayward. Electrical and gas are separate and are issued by Technical Safety BC issues electrical and gas permits (standard across BC); the Village issues building/plumbing under its own bylaw only. Plumbing is usually part of the building permit.

3. 3

   Prepare drawings and documents

   Village of Sayward asks for: A building permit is required for any construction, addition, alteration, change of use or demolition (incl. excavation/demolition) — obtain BEFORE starting any stage; Rezoning/OCP amendment must be approved first if the project requires it; Completed Building Permit Application; conform to BC Building Code 2024 + Building Bylaw No. 334; Agent Authorization Form (if a contractor/agent applies on owner's behalf); Owner's Acknowledgment of Responsibility and Undertakings; Assurance of Professional Liability Insurance; Schedule A (Confirmation of Commitment by Owner & Coordinating Registered Professional) and Schedule B (Assurance of Professional Design & Commitment for Field Review) for complex/engineered work; Copy of Land Title Search made within 14 days of application, plus copies of all easements, rights-of-way and covenants registered on title; Site Plan prepared by a BC Land Surveyor (scale not less than 1:200) showing street address, legal description, setbacks, etc.; Full drawings: foundation plan, floor plan, cross section (foundations, drainage, ceiling heights, construction systems), elevations of all sides showing finish, roof slopes, windows, doors, finished grade; Supply of Water & Sewer Application; $1,500.00 damage/security deposit; Evidence of compliance with the Homeowner Protection Act (home warranty) for new residential occupancy unless exempted (s.20(1)/30(1)); Modular/mobile/park-model foundation & anchorage design by a registered professional per BCBC Part 4 / CSA Z240.10.1 with Schedule B letters of assurance; Occupancy Permit application + Schedule C-A required before occupancy; BC Energy Step Code Step 3 applies province-wide (permits on/after May 1, 2023).

4. 4

   Submit your application

   In person / email — submit the Building Permit Application package to the Village Office (village@saywardvalley.ca); no online permit portal

5. 5

   Pay the permit fee

   Plan processing fee + building permit fee per Village of Sayward Fees and Charges Bylaw (Bylaw 451); plus a $1,500 damage deposit. Contact office for current rates. Confirm the current schedule with Sayward 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 Sayward

Sayward permit questions