NEW! Building Permit Applications for Demolition and Interior Strip Out are now accessed through MyCity Online. See below for more information.
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.
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
Please note that the B.C. Building Code 2024 is in effect. As per this Ministerial Order, drawings for Permit Applications that have been prepared prior to March 8, 2024 , may use the 2018 version of the B.C. Building Code if the building permit application is submitted before March 8, 2027. For more information, consult pages 2-3 of the B.C. Building Code 2024 (found on pages 6 and 7 of the linked PDF).
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
Consult the Fee Schedule for a breakdown of the relevant fees and deposits for your application. For a detailed explanation of these fees and deposits, including the applicable bylaw, please consult the Guide to Building Permit Fees and Deposits.
Any applicable Development Permits must be issued before applying for Building Permits. To help applicants navigate this process, City staff can facilitate a pre-application meeting upon request. This meeting can be a useful tool in the planning process that 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 a pre-application meeting.
If you require an inspection, you can submit an inspection request online via MyCity.
Building Permit - Demolition
A Demolition Permit is required for applicants who will be demolishing a building before new construction. Use the link below to begin this application in the MyCity Online portal and consult the Demolition Application Checklist to ensure you have all the necessary information to complete your application.
Building Permit Application - Demolition
Building Permit - Interior Strip Out
An Interior Strip Out Permit is required for applicants who will be stripping out the inside of a building down to the studs. Use the link below to begin this application in the MyCity Online portal and consult the Interior Strip Out Application Checklist to ensure you have all the necessary information to complete your application.
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.
Helpful Resources
The forms, information and checklists below may be applicable to your application.