How to get a building permit in Slocan, BC

Step by step in Slocan

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 — Slocan 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 Slocan. Electrical and gas are separate and are issued by Technical Safety BC (issues all electrical and gas permits/inspections). Plumbing is usually part of the building permit.

3. 3

   Prepare drawings and documents

   Village of Slocan asks for: Building permit required before construction commences; structures over 10 m2 require a permit; Complete application per the Building Brochure requirements; Owner's Representative Form signed by owner and representative; Project-type checklist (17 available); Construction drawings / plans and site plan; Certification of Heating Systems; Certification of Plumbing Test; BC Housing new-home registration for new dwellings; BC Energy Step Code compliance for new residential construction; WorkSafeBC / asbestos clearance for demolition or renovation.

4. 4

   Submit your application

   In person / email — NO online portal. Building permits accepted/approved under the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Building Service. Applications by PDF to buildingdepartment@rdck.bc.ca or via RDCK office; Village Office (Thursdays) and RDCK by appointment.

5. 5

   Pay the permit fee

   Per RDCK Fee Schedule (rdck.ca Fee-Schedule.pdf) and RDCK Building Bylaw No. 2200, 2010 Schedule A; plan-check deposit (SFD $100; commercial/multi $200; accessory/addition $50) plus value-of-construction-based permit fee. Village also has Building Bylaw No. 605, 2011. Confirm the current schedule with Slocan 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.

Slocan permit questions