Building Permits

Before starting work related to your project, you must obtain a Building Permit. The Building and Plumbing Regulation Bylaw regulates the construction, alteration, repair and demolition of buildings and other structures within the City of Victoria. Additionally, the B.C. Building Code 2024 is in effect. As per the Ministerial Order on Page 2 and 3 (6 and 7 of PDF) of the Building Code 2024, drawings that have been prepared prior to March 8, 2024 may use the BC Building Code 2018 as long as the building permit application is made before March 8, 2027.
 

A Building Permit is required before starting work on:

  • a new building - each building or other structure to be constructed on a site requires a separate building permit
  • demolition (removal) of buildings
  • replacing structural components of existing structure - i.e., stairs, decks, beams, posts, load bearing walls, etc.
  • interior alterations of a building - i.e., tenant improvements, floor plan alterations, mechanical system alterations etc.
  • alterations to life safety systems, such as fire suppression, fire alarm alterations
  • changing the use or occupancy, refer to A-3.1.2.1.(1) Major Occupancy Classification. This includes creation of suites (secondary suites) and new or changing businesses
  • finishing undeveloped spaces such as basements, attics, garages, crawlspaces, etc.

A Building Permit is not required for the following (please note: other permit types may be required):

  • accessory buildings less than 10 m2 in building area
  • replacing existing finishes such as carpets, flooring, cabinets, countertops
  • replacement and maintenance of the following with like for like materials: cladding, roofing, windows and doors
  • retaining structures less than 1.2 metres in height
  • platforms less than 0.6 metres above grade

Building Permit Applications

Permit applications may be submitted to permits@victoria.ca. Please contact a Permit Services Representative at 250.361.0344 if you need additional information on Building Permit submission requirements.

Building Permit Application Form

Fee Schedule

Any applicable Development Permits must be issued before applying for Building Permits. The City facilitates a pre-application meeting with staff at your request. This meeting can be a tool in the planning process and helps to expedite the building permit application process. Please email Building and Inspection Services staff at permits@victoria.ca for more information or to book an appointment.

If you require an inspection, you can submit an inspection request online via MyCity.

Partial Permits

Applying for a Complex Building Permit? Consider requesting a partial permit at no additional cost and no delay in review time. All you need to do is check the box on your application form when submitting your permit application!  

Partial permits allow you to start work before all of the requirements of the full permit are addressed. The most common type of partial permit requested is foundation to grade. You will be notified when your partial permit is ready to be issued.

If you have any questions about partial permits, please contact us at permits@victoria.ca or call 250.361.0344.  

The following checklists will help you prepare all the documents required for your application:

The following forms and information may be applicable to your submission. 

New Policies and Bulletins