Chilliwack building permits: when you need one and how to apply

Do I need a building permit, and how do I apply?

Chilliwack, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-05

Short answer

In Chilliwack you need a City building permit to build, repair or alter a building, move or demolish one, or install a wood-burning appliance. Small accessory buildings under 10 m² are exempt if they meet zoning rules. Apply online through MyCity or on paper at City Hall.

Key facts

Needed for	A building permit is needed before constructing, repairing or altering a building or structure; before moving a building; before demolishing one; and before building a masonry fireplace or installing a wood-burning appliance or chimney (unless covered by another permit). It is also needed to install or modify a fire alarm system or a commercial cooking ventilation system.Building Regulation Bylaw 2003, No. 2970 (PDF, consolidated March 16, 2021), s. 71 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-05 Official wording Every person must apply for and obtain a building permit: before constructing, repairing or altering a building or structure; before moving a building or structure; before the construction of a masonry fireplace or the installation of a wood
Not needed for	Bylaw s. 15 says it does not apply to: a fence permitted under the Zoning Bylaw; on a single-family residential parcel, an accessory building with a floor area less than 10 square metres, a trellis, an arbour, a wall supporting soil less than 4 feet in height and other such landscape features, if they comply with Zoning Bylaw siting requirements; non-structural repair and maintenance of lawfully conforming structures on single-family parcels; a building or structure exempted by Part 1 of the Building Code (except as provided in the bylaw); public works on a highway or within an easement or statutory right of way; and mechanical or other equipment and appliances not regulated under the bylaw or the Building Code.Building Regulation Bylaw 2003, No. 2970 (PDF, consolidated March 16, 2021), s. 15(1)-(3) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-05 Official wording a fence permitted to be constructed under the City’s Zoning Bylaw, in force from an accessory building with a floor area less than 10 square metres, a trellis, an non-structural repair and maintenance of lawfully conforming structures on a a building or structure exempted by Part 1 of the Building Code except as public works located on a highway or within an easement or statutory right of mechanical or other equipment and appliances not regulated under this Bylaw or
How to apply	Online through the City's MyCity portal (Building Permits, then Apply for a New Permit), with drawings uploaded through ProjectDox. Hard-copy submissions are still accepted. Online applications are accepted for all construction types.Online Building Permit Applications; Building Permits, Online Building Permit Applications · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-05 Official wording We are now accepting digital Building Permit applications for all construction types Click Apply for a New Permit and follow the prompts to create your application. Hard-copy Building Permit submissions are still accepted
What to submit	A simple-building application needs the signed application form (Schedule A) and owner's undertaking (Schedule D), a title search made within 30 days, a survey plan (may be waived), a site plan, floor plans, cross section, elevations, cross-sectional details, two sets of drawings, copies of required health or safety approvals (such as a sewage disposal permit), and a foundation and excavation design from a registered professional of record accompanied by signed letters of assurance. A geotechnical report may be required if site conditions warrant. The City's page also lists proof of ownership, a letter of authorization if an agent applies, and septic filing papers if there is no sanitary sewer.Building Regulation Bylaw 2003, No. 2970 (PDF, consolidated March 16, 2021), s. 76; Building Permits and Inspections, Single Family / Two Family Dwellings, Application Submission · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-05 Official wording An application for a building permit with respect to a simple building must: include a copy of a title search made within 30 days of the date of the application; include two sets of drawings at a suitable scale of the design including the Code, accompanied by letters of assurance in the form of Schedule B as referred include a geotechnical report if the chief building official determines that the site proof of ownership as evidenced by a State of Title Certificate; an authorization form, should the owner of the property have an agent/developer act on his/her behalf;
Processing time	Not confirmed. The City does not state a fixed processing time.
Inspections	For simple buildings the owner must give at least 24 hours' notice to the City when requesting an inspection (bylaw s. 102), and at least 48 hours' notice to the chief building official before starting work (s. 38). The City says general inspection requests must be received before 3:30 p.m. at least one business day before the inspection; book online through eInspections (24/7) or call 604 793-2905 during business hours. Inspections are not performed on weekends or statutory holidays.Building Regulation Bylaw 2003, No. 2970 (PDF, consolidated March 16, 2021), s. 102; Building Regulation Bylaw 2003, No. 2970 (PDF, consolidated March 16, 2021), s. 38; Building Permits, Building Inspections · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-05 Official wording For all work in respect of simple buildings the owner must give at least 24 hours’ notice at least 48 hours prior to commencing work at the building site General Building Inspection requests must be received before 3:30pm at least one business day prior to the inspection being required. using our online eInspections system. Alternatively, you can call 604 793-2905 during business hours.
Contact	Building Department (Development and Regulatory Enforcement Services), City of Chilliwack, 8550 Young Road, Chilliwack, BC V2P 8A4. Phone 604-793-2905; email building.department@chilliwack.com.General Information, Building Department, General Information - Building Department · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-05 Official wording E-MAIL: BUILDING.DEPARTMENT@CHILLIWACK.COM T: 604-793-2905 DEVELOPMENT & REGULATORY ENFORCEMENT SERVICES 8550 Young Road, Chilliwack, BC V2P 8A4
Bylaw	Building Regulation Bylaw 2003, No. 2970Building Regulation Bylaw 2003, No. 2970 (PDF, consolidated March 16, 2021), title; Building Permits, Bylaws · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-05 Official wording A Bylaw for the Administration and Enforcement of the Building Code Building Regulation Bylaw 2970 - Bylaw regulating the administration and enforcement of the Building Code in Chilliwack

How it works

The City of Chilliwack's Building Division reviews drawings against the BC Building Code, the City's Building Regulation Bylaw 2970 and zoning rules before it issues a permit, then inspects the work at set stages. Starting work without a permit risks a stop-work order, so check first.

A permit is needed to build, repair or alter a building or structure, move a building, demolish one, build a masonry fireplace, or install a wood-burning appliance or chimney (unless another permit covers it). The bylaw does not apply to a permitted fence, or, on a single-family parcel, an accessory building under 10 m², a trellis, an arbour or a retaining wall under 4 feet high, if they meet zoning siting rules. It also excludes non-structural repair and maintenance of lawful single-family buildings.

Steps

Call or email the Building Division before you apply to confirm what documents, drawings and fees your project needs.
Gather the application form, proof of ownership, drawings and site plan. Stake out the building and driveway on the lot and post a temporary street address sign.
Apply through MyCity (drawings upload to ProjectDox) or bring a paper set to City Hall.
The City pre-screens for completeness and may ask for corrections or extra permits, such as a development variance permit or flood-protection covenant. An application may be cancelled if requested information does not arrive within 5 to 7 business days.
Pay the fees when staff tell you the amount; the permit is then issued.
Book inspections at each stage, ahead of the next step of work.

Good to know

Inspection requests must arrive before 3:30 p.m. at least one business day ahead. Book online with eInspections (24/7) or call 604-793-2905. For simple buildings the bylaw asks for at least 24 hours' notice, and 48 hours' notice to the City before starting work. No inspections on weekends or statutory holidays.
Gas work is inspected by Technical Safety BC (1-866-566-7233) and electrical work by the Electrical Inspector (604-795-8415).
The City does not accept asbestos abatement reports; demolition needs a Verification of Hazardous Risk Assessment form.
The City's web page calls accessory buildings over 10 m² permit-required, while the bylaw exempts those under 10 m² that meet zoning. Confirm with the Building Division for your size.

What you'll need

Completed Building Permit Application Form (Schedule A) and owner's undertaking (Schedule D)
Title search made within 30 days, or State of Title Certificate (proof of ownership)
Letter of Authorization, if someone applies for the owner
Site plan, floor plans, cross section, elevations and details, two sets of drawings
Foundation and excavation design from a registered professional, with signed letters of assurance
Copies of required health or safety approvals, such as a septic filing from a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner if there is no sanitary sewer

Official forms and pages

The same question in other places

Harrison Hot Springs · Kent · Abbotsford · Mission · Hope · Township of Langley

Building permits in British Columbia: how to apply, by municipality →

Sources

Building Permits and Inspections, Single Family / Two Family Dwellings, City of Chilliwack (read 2026-11-05)
Building Permits, City of Chilliwack (read 2026-11-05)
Online Building Permit Applications, City of Chilliwack (read 2026-11-05)
Turnaround Times, City of Chilliwack (read 2026-11-05)
Building Regulation Bylaw 2003, No. 2970 (PDF, consolidated March 16, 2021) (read 2026-11-05)
General Information, Building Department, City of Chilliwack (read 2026-11-05)

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