How to get a building permit in Squamish, BC

Step by step in Squamish

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

2. 2

   Work out which permits you need

   Structural work needs a building permit from District of Squamish. Electrical and gas are separate and are issued by Technical Safety BC issues ALL electrical and gas permits. Plumbing is usually part of the building permit.

3. 3

   Prepare drawings and documents

   District of Squamish asks for: Complete application reviewed by a Development Services Representative at intake; application fee paid at submission; Residential Building Permit Checklist / Commercial Document Checklist (defines required drawings & docs); 'Minimum Requirements for Application Drawings' standard; BC Energy Step Code energy compliance / design verification reports; Owner authorization forms; Alternative Solutions Summary Information where certified professionals are used; Off-site servicing must be confirmed (or a Servicing Agreement executed) before permit issuance; Civic address must be posted and visible or inspections will not occur.

4. 4

   Submit your application

   Building permit applications are submitted IN PERSON at Municipal Hall (10 a.m.-3 p.m., Mon-Fri; note applications are not reviewed 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.). The district has an 'eApply' online portal but only for select items (building information requests, pre-applications, water on/off, residential demolitions) - not full building permits yet. Squamish is also listed on the provincial Building Permit Hub (buildingpermit.gov.bc.ca).

5. 5

   Pay the permit fee

   Tiered application fee by construction value: $200 (< $100,000), $500 (> $100,000, excluding tenant improvements & accessory dwelling units), $1,000 (> $1,000,000), $3,000 (> $5,000,000). Other charges may apply: offsite service connections, damage deposits, Lot Grading deposit, Development Cost Charges, Service Agreement charges. Details in the Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw. In-person credit card accepted up to $25,000 (2.4% surcharge) for some permits. Confirm the current schedule with Squamish 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 Squamish

Squamish permit questions