How to get a building permit in Stewart, BC

Step by step in Stewart

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 — Stewart 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 Stewart. Electrical and gas are separate and are issued by Technical Safety BC (province). Plumbing is usually part of the building permit.

3. 3

   Prepare drawings and documents

   District of Stewart asks for: Step 1: Review zoning requirements in Zoning Bylaw 881, 2014; Step 2: Read Building Bylaw 843, 2010 and complete the Building Permit Application Form; Step 3: Submit form by email or in person at 705 Brightwell Street; Step 4: Pick up approved permit at the District office after CAO approval; BC Building Code, BC Plumbing Code and BC Fire Code apply (updated regs effective Dec 20, 2012).

4. 4

   Submit your application

   In person / email. Submit the completed Building Permit Application Form by email (clerk@districtofstewart.com or cao@districtofstewart.com) or in person at 705 Brightwell Street. Permit is picked up at the District office after CAO approval. No online portal.

5. 5

   Pay the permit fee

   Not published online — set under Building Bylaw 843, 2010. Confirm with the District office (typically value-of-construction based). Confidence: partial on fees. Confirm the current schedule with Stewart 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.

Stewart permit questions