How to get a building permit in Smithers, BC

Step by step in Smithers

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 — Smithers won't issue until land use is settled.

2. 2

   Work out which permits you need

   Structural work needs a building permit from Town of Smithers. Electrical and gas are separate and are issued by Technical Safety BC — electrical and gas permits are not issued by the Town; they are handled provincially by Technical Safety BC (the page does not administer them). Plumbing is usually part of the building permit.

3. 3

   Prepare drawings and documents

   Town of Smithers asks for: Building Permit application form + $80 application fee; Site Plan (2 copies) showing lot shape/size, driveway, existing buildings, setbacks, project location; Building plans (2 copies): elevations, floor plans, cross sections; Site Disclosure Statement; Layout and certificates for engineered components (trusses, joists, beams); Home Owner Protection Office (BC Housing / home warranty) approval for new residences; Owner's Authorization Form (Appendix D) and Owner's Undertaking (Appendix E); Letters of Assurance from a Registered Professional (for engineered/complex work); Confirmation of Insurance (Appendix F) and required documentation for major occupancies (Appendix G).

4. 4

   Submit your application

   In person / email — Building Permit applications (hard copies) available at and submitted to the Town Office, 1027 Aldous Street. No online e-permitting portal noted.

5. 5

   Pay the permit fee

   $80 application fee plus construction-value fee: $6.25 per $1,000 of value up to $1,000,000, then $5.50 per $1,000 above $1,000,000. Building inspector estimates value from submitted plans. Confirm the current schedule with Smithers 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.

Smithers permit questions