---
title: "Coldstream building permits: when you need one and how to apply"
question: "Do I need a building permit in Coldstream, and how do I apply?"
place: Coldstream, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/coldstream
category: Building, renovating and your property
owner: municipal
owner_body: District of Coldstream
sources_read: 2026-11-06
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/building-permit/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/building-permit.json"
---

# Coldstream building permits: when you need one and how to apply

**Question:** Do I need a building permit in Coldstream, and how do I apply?

**Short answer:** In Coldstream you need a District building permit before you build, alter, demolish, move or change the use of a building, unless the work is exempt (for example a hazard-free shed under 10 m² or a fence). Fill in the Building Permit Application Package from the District website.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Coldstream, https://www.coldstream.ca)  
**Cost:** Based on the value of the work, plus a non-refundable application fee of $50, $100 or $150. See the building-permit-fees answer.  
**How long:** The District's building permit FAQ, dated April 2021, says applications are handled first come, first served and may take upwards of 4-6 weeks, depending on volume in busy seasons and whether more information is requested. No current timeline is posted.  
**Where:**
- Online: Building Information page (application package and fee sheet), https://www.coldstream.ca/business-development/building-information (The pages do not say whether the package is handed in, emailed or submitted online; ask the Building Department.)
- Phone: Building Department, 250-550-1510
- Email: Building Department, building@coldstream.ca
- Phone: 24 Hour Inspection Request Line (voicemail), 250-550-1515
- In person: Municipal Hall, 9901 Kalamalka Road, Coldstream, BC V1B 1L6 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

## Key facts

- **Needed for:** A building permit is required for any construction, alteration, excavation, reconstruction, demolition, removal, relocation, or change of use or occupancy of a building or structure, unless the work is exempt. It must be issued before work starts.
  - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 1758, 2021, consolidated to May 23, 2023, ss. 4.2, 5.1, 6.1](https://coldstream.civicweb.net/document/203/)
  - Official wording: "This Bylaw applies to the design, construction or occupancy of new buildings or structures, and the alteration, addition, reconstruction, demolition, removal, relocation or occupancy or change of use or occupancy of existing buildings and structures." … "unless a Building Official has issued a valid and subsisting permit for the work under this Bylaw." … "A permit is required if work regulated under this Bylaw is to be undertaken."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Not needed for:** Not covered by the Building Bylaw: accessory buildings under 10 m² that create no hazard and meet zoning siting, retaining structures 1.2 m high or less, fences, deck additions unless the deck surface is 0.6 m or more above the ground at any point, and polyethylene-covered agricultural greenhouses.
  - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 1758, 2021, consolidated to May 23, 2023, s. 4.3](https://coldstream.civicweb.net/document/203/)
  - Official wording: "accessory buildings less than 10 m2 in building area that do not create a hazard, on the condition that the building is sited in accordance with the District’s current Zoning Bylaw;" … "retaining structures 1.2 m in height or less;" … "(d) fences;" … "deck additions, except a deck where the difference in elevation between the deck surface and the ground surface at any point is 0.6 m or more" … "greenhouses or other similar structures covered by a polyethylene film and intended to be used solely for the production of agricultural products;" … "accessory buildings less than 10 m2 in building area that do not create a hazard," … "deck additions, except a deck where the difference in elevation between the deck surface"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **How to apply:** Complete the Building Permit Application Package from the District website (Building Information page). The application checklist says documents can also be received electronically by email along with the application fee, and drawings are submitted in 2 sets and also emailed. An agent may apply using an Owner's Appointment of an Agent form.
  - Source: [Building Permits FAQ (PDF, April 2021), FAQ, How do I apply](https://www.coldstream.ca/sites/default/files/2022-11/FAQ%20BLDG%20PERMITS%20%283%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "The Building Permit Application Package is located on the District website under the Community Tab" … "Yes. In the application package, there is an Owners Appointment of an Agent form."
  - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 1758, 2021, consolidated to May 23, 2023, s. 11.2(a)](https://coldstream.civicweb.net/document/203/)
  - Official wording: "be made in the form provided by the District and signed by the owner, or a signing officer"
  - Source: [Building Permit Application Checklist (for a dwelling)](https://coldstream.civicweb.net/document/94023/)
  - Official wording: "These documents can also be received electronically by email along with the Application fee." … "Drawings x 2 sets" … "At application & electronic emailed."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **What to submit:** For a simple building: the signed application form and owner's acknowledgment, a title search made within 30 days, a site plan, floor plans, a cross-section, elevations, cross-sectional details, two sets of drawings, required health or safety approvals, and (except garages, carports and garden structures) a foundation and excavation design.
  - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 1758, 2021, consolidated to May 23, 2023, s. 11.2](https://coldstream.civicweb.net/document/203/)
  - Official wording: "include a copy of a title search for the relevant property made within 30 days of the date of the permit application;" … "include copies of approvals required under any enactment relating to health or safety," … "include two sets of drawings at a suitable scale of design" … "except for garages, carports and garden structures located on land, include a foundation and excavation design;"
  - Source: [Requirements before applying for a building permit, s. 11.1](https://www.coldstream.ca/sites/default/files/2022-11/Requirement%20b4%20applying.pdf)
  - Official wording: "the owner must apply for and obtain a development permit if the building or structure is in an area designated by the District’s current Official Community Plan as a development permit area;"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Processing time:** The District's building permit FAQ (dated April 2021) says applications are handled first come, first served and may take upwards of 4-6 weeks, depending on volume during busy seasons and whether more information is requested. No current timeline is posted.
  - Source: [Building Permits FAQ (PDF, April 2021), FAQ, What is the timeline](https://www.coldstream.ca/sites/default/files/2022-11/FAQ%20BLDG%20PERMITS%20%283%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Applications may take upwards of 4-6 weeks depending on volume during busy seasons" … "Building Permit Applications are received in priority sequence on a first come first serve basis."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Inspections:** Phone the 24 Hour Inspection Request Line at (250) 550-1515 and leave a voicemail with your request and information. The bylaw requires at least 48 hours' notice for each inspection of a simple building.
  - Source: [Building Information, Building Information page](https://www.coldstream.ca/business-development/building-information)
  - Official wording: "Phone in your inspection request at anytime using the 24 Hour Inspection Request Line. Call (250) 550-1515 and leave a voicemail with your request and information."
  - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 1758, 2021, consolidated to May 23, 2023, s. 11.31](https://coldstream.civicweb.net/document/203/)
  - Official wording: "the owner must give at least 48 hours’ notice to the District when requesting an inspection"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Contact:** Building Department: 250-550-1510, building@coldstream.ca. Inspection request line: (250) 550-1515.
  - Source: [Contact Directory](https://www.coldstream.ca/municipal-hall/contact-directory)
  - Official wording: "Building Department 250-550-1510 Email: building@coldstream.ca" … "24 Hour Building Inspection Request Line (250) 550-1515"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Building Bylaw No. 1758, 2021 (consolidated to May 23, 2023)
  - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 1758, 2021, consolidated to May 23, 2023, title page](https://coldstream.civicweb.net/document/203/)
  - Official wording: "DISTRICT OF COLDSTREAM BUILDING BYLAW NO. 1758, 2021" … "up to May 23, 2023"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

The District of Coldstream's Building Department checks your plans against the BC Building Code and the [Building Bylaw No. 1758](https://coldstream.civicweb.net/document/203/), then inspects the work. A permit must be issued before work starts.

A permit is required for any construction, alteration, excavation, reconstruction, demolition, removal, relocation, or change of use or occupancy of a building or structure, unless the work is exempt. The Building Bylaw does not cover accessory buildings under 10 m² that create no hazard and meet zoning siting rules, retaining structures 1.2 m high or less, fences, deck additions unless the deck surface is 0.6 m or more above the ground at any point, or polyethylene-covered agricultural greenhouses. Zoning still applies to exempt structures.

## Steps

1. Check your zone and whether the property is in a development permit area. If it is, a development permit must be obtained first.
2. Get the Building Permit Application Package from the Building Information page. Call the Building Department on 250-550-1510 if you are unsure which documents your project needs.
3. For a simple building, gather the signed form and owner's acknowledgment, a title search made within 30 days, a site plan, floor plans, a cross-section, elevations, cross-sectional details, two sets of drawings, and any required health or safety approvals. Complex buildings and larger projects have more requirements, including registered professionals and letters of assurance.
4. Submit the package with the application fee. The checklist says documents can also be received electronically by email, and drawings are submitted in two sets and also emailed.
5. Pay the permit fee before the permit is issued.
6. Phone the 24 Hour Inspection Request Line at 250-550-1515 and leave a voicemail for each inspection.

## Good to know

- The bylaw requires at least 48 hours' notice for each inspection of a simple building. Do not conceal work until the Building Official has accepted it in writing.
- Re-inspection and after-hours inspection fees apply.
- The 4 to 6 week estimate is from an April 2021 FAQ and depends on volume and on whether more information is requested.
- The pages we read do not say whether the package goes in online, in person or by email. Ask the Building Department before you apply.

## What you'll need

- Signed application form and owner's acknowledgment (an agent needs an Owner's Appointment of an Agent form)
- Title search made within 30 days
- Site plan, floor plans, cross-section, elevations and cross-sectional details, two sets of drawings
- Required health or safety approvals
- Foundation and excavation design (not needed for garages, carports and garden structures)

## Official forms and pages

- [Building Information, District of Coldstream](https://www.coldstream.ca/business-development/building-information)
- [Building Permit Application Checklist (for a dwelling)](https://coldstream.civicweb.net/document/94023/)
- [Building Bylaw No. 1758, 2021 (consolidated to May 23, 2023)](https://coldstream.civicweb.net/document/203/)

## Related questions

- [Coldstream building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/building-permit-fees.md)
- [Coldstream permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/deck-shed-garage-permit.md)
- [Coldstream secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/secondary-suite.md)
- [Coldstream zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/zoning-lookup.md)
- [Coldstream fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/fence-rules.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Building permits in British Columbia: how to apply, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/building-permit.md)
- [Vernon](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/building-permit.md)
- [Lumby](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lumby/building-permit.md)
- [Lake Country](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/building-permit.md)
- [Spallumcheen](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/spallumcheen/building-permit.md)
- [Armstrong](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/armstrong/building-permit.md)
- [Kelowna](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kelowna/building-permit.md)

## Sources

- [Building Bylaw No. 1758, 2021, consolidated to May 23, 2023, District of Coldstream](https://coldstream.civicweb.net/document/203/) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Building Information, District of Coldstream](https://www.coldstream.ca/business-development/building-information) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Building Permits FAQ (PDF, April 2021), District of Coldstream](https://www.coldstream.ca/sites/default/files/2022-11/FAQ%20BLDG%20PERMITS%20%283%29.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Building Permit Application Checklist (for a dwelling), District of Coldstream](https://coldstream.civicweb.net/document/94023/) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Requirements before applying for a building permit (PDF), District of Coldstream](https://www.coldstream.ca/sites/default/files/2022-11/Requirement%20b4%20applying.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Contact Directory, District of Coldstream](https://www.coldstream.ca/municipal-hall/contact-directory) (read 2026-11-06)

_Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 8 of 8 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with District of Coldstream. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/building-permit/_