How to get a building permit in Summerland, BC

Step by step in Summerland

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

3. 3

   Prepare drawings and documents

   District of Summerland asks for: Completed Building Permit Application - 2025 form; BC Building Code compliance documentation; BC Energy Step Code materials (referenced as "BC Step Code & Building Bylaw"); Site plans and schedules per the building-type checklist; New-home warranty (BC Housing) for new residential construction; Works & Infrastructure items (driveway access, utilities, earthwork) handled separately via works@summerland.ca.

4. 4

   Submit your application

   Provincial "Building Permit Hub" at buildingpermit.gov.bc.ca (login via BC Services Card / BCeID) — mandatory for all new applications as of Feb 3, 2026 (replaced the old CityView system). In-person submission also available at Municipal Hall.

5. 5

   Pay the permit fee

   Per Building Bylaw No. 2022-002 fee schedule (based on construction value); permits valid for two years. Confirm current amounts with Development Services. Confirm the current schedule with Summerland 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 Summerland

Summerland permit questions