{"title":"Comox building permits: when you need one and how to apply","question":"Do I need a building permit in Comox, and how do I apply?","slug":"building-permit","place":{"path":"ca/bc/comox","name":"Comox","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"building-and-renovating","name":"Building, renovating and your property"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"Town of Comox","url":"https://www.comox.ca"},"short_answer":"In Comox you need a building permit from the Town before you construct, repair or alter a building or structure. Apply online through the Citywide portal, or in person at Town Hall. The Town aims to process complete applications in 2 to 4 weeks.","aliases":["building permit comox","how to apply for a building permit comox","renovation permit comox","comox building department"],"cost":"See the building-permit-fees answer. Permit fee is a minimum of $100 plus an application fee.","how_long":"The Town strives for 2 to 4 weeks when the application is complete.","where":[{"type":"online","label":"Citywide portal (online applications)","value":"https://www.citywideportal.com","note":"Create an account, choose Building Permits, and start an application for the Town of Comox."},{"type":"in_person","label":"Town Hall","value":"1809 Beaufort Avenue, Comox, BC V9M 1R9","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Building page says applications are accepted in person."},{"type":"phone","label":"Building Department (Building page)","value":"250-339-2250","note":"Building Inspector available Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 to 4:30 p.m."},{"type":"phone","label":"Building Department (departmental directory)","value":"250-339-2259"},{"type":"phone","label":"Development Services / Planning","value":"250-339-1118"}],"documents":["Application form signed by the owner, and the owner's acknowledgment of responsibility (Form II)","Title search made within 30 days, with copies of any charges on title in favour of the Town","Site plan, floor plans, cross section, elevations and cross-sectional details","Foundation design by a registered professional, except for a one- or two-family dwelling or its accessory building"],"forms":[{"title":"Get a Building Permit, Town of Comox","url":"https://www.comox.ca/businessanddevelopment/building/get-building-permit"},{"title":"Building Bylaw No. 1472 (PDF)","url":"https://www.comox.ca/sites/default/files/2025-01/Bylaw%201472%20Consolidated%20-%20Building%20-%20as%20at%20Jan%2015%2C%202025.pdf"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit-fees","title":"Comox building permit fees","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/building-permit-fees/"},{"slug":"deck-shed-garage-permit","title":"Comox permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"slug":"fence-rules","title":"Comox fence rules: permits and height limits","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/fence-rules/"},{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Comox zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/zoning-lookup/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/courtenay","name":"Courtenay","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cumberland","name":"Cumberland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cumberland/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/powell-river","name":"Powell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/powell-river/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/campbell-river","name":"Campbell River","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/campbell-river/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/port-alberni","name":"Port Alberni","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/building-permit/"}],"topic":{"title":"Building permits in British Columbia: how to apply, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/building-permit/"},"facts":{"needed_for":{"label":"Needed for","value":"A building permit is needed before constructing, repairing or altering a building or structure. Separate permits are needed to move or demolish a building, for plumbing work, and for a private swimming pool. A masonry fireplace or wood-burning appliance also needs a permit unless the building permit covers it. In a Development Permit area, the building permit application is not accepted until the development permit is approved (unless an exemption applies).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/sites/default/files/2025-01/Bylaw%201472%20Consolidated%20-%20Building%20-%20as%20at%20Jan%2015%2C%202025.pdf","title":"Building Bylaw No. 1472 (PDF, consolidated to January 15, 2025), Town of Comox","section":"s. 8(1)-(2)","quotes":["a building permit before constructing, repairing or altering a building or structure;","a demolition permit before demolishing a building or structure;","a swimming pool permit before constructing or installing a private","until a Development Permit for the building or structure has been approved by the Town of Comox, unless a development permit exemption applies"]},{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/businessanddevelopment/building","title":"Building, Town of Comox","section":"Building page","quotes":["Permits are issued for a wide range of projects, including, but not limited to, sign permits, decks, pools, and single-family dwellings"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"not_needed_for":{"label":"Not needed for","value":"The Building Bylaw does not apply to buildings or structures exempted by Part 1 of the BC Building Code, except where the bylaw itself requires a permit for them (an accessory building under 10 m² still needs a permit application). It does not apply to retaining structures 1.2 m or less in height. The bylaw's definition of \"structure\" excludes landscaping, fences, paving and retaining structures 1.2 m or less. No permit is required for a chicken coop of 5 m² or less.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/sites/default/files/2025-01/Bylaw%201472%20Consolidated%20-%20Building%20-%20as%20at%20Jan%2015%2C%202025.pdf","title":"Building Bylaw No. 1472 (PDF, consolidated to January 15, 2025), Town of Comox","section":"s. 5(2), s. 2 definition of Structure, s. 21","quotes":["This bylaw does not apply to buildings or structures exempted by Part 1 of the","nor to retaining structures 1.2 meters or less in height","but specifically excludes landscaping, fences, paving and retaining structures 1.2 meters or less in","a building permit shall not be required for a chicken coop 5 square metres or less in building area"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"how_to_apply":{"label":"How to apply","value":"Apply online through the PSD Citywide portal (citywideportal.com): create an account, choose Building Permits, start an application for the Town of Comox and upload documents. The Town's Building Department page also says applications are accepted in person at Town Hall. Development Services: 250-339-1118.","short":"Online (Citywide portal) or in person","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/businessanddevelopment/building/get-building-permit","title":"Get a Building Permit, Town of Comox","section":"Get a Building Permit page","quotes":["Permit applications may now be submitted through the PSD Citywide portal.","The Citywide building permit module allows you to start an application and finish it later","Development Services staff are available to help you navigate the new application process"]},{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/town-hall/department-directory/building-department","title":"Building Department | Town of Comox","section":"Building Department page","quotes":["Building Permit applications are accepted in person at Town Hall."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"what_to_submit":{"label":"What to submit","value":"The application form signed by the owner, the owner's acknowledgment of responsibility (Form II), a title search made within 30 days with copies of charges on title in favour of the Town, a site plan, floor plans, a cross section, elevations and cross-sectional details; plus a foundation design by a registered professional except for a one- or two-family dwelling or its accessory building. The portal lists the documents normally required for each permit type; only those identified at submission are needed to start, and staff will ask for more if needed.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/sites/default/files/2025-01/Bylaw%201472%20Consolidated%20-%20Building%20-%20as%20at%20Jan%2015%2C%202025.pdf","title":"Building Bylaw No. 1472 (PDF, consolidated to January 15, 2025), Town of Comox","section":"s. 10(1) (standard buildings)","quotes":["An application for a building permit with respect to a standard building shall:","include a copy of a title search made within 30 days of the date of the","include, except in the case of an application to construct a one-family or"]},{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/businessanddevelopment/building/get-building-permit","title":"Get a Building Permit, Town of Comox","section":"Get a Building Permit page","quotes":["You do NOT need to add all of these documents to submit the application, only the ones identified at time of submission"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"processing_time":{"label":"Processing time","value":"The Town strives to process building permits within 2 to 4 weeks when the application is complete and any deficiencies are addressed promptly. Times vary with project complexity; each permit is reviewed by several Town departments, including Engineering and Planning.","short":"2 to 4 weeks","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/businessanddevelopment/building/get-building-permit","title":"Get a Building Permit, Town of Comox","section":"Get a Building Permit page","quotes":["the Town strives to process building permits within 2–4 weeks"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"inspections":{"label":"Inspections","value":"For standard buildings the owner must give at least 24 hours' notice to a building official when requesting an inspection (notice need not be in writing unless the official requires it). For complex buildings, at least 24 hours' notice is required before specified stages of work (for example before pouring footings, backfilling, insulation and final occupancy). Inspection status can be checked in the Citywide portal after the permit is issued.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/sites/default/files/2025-01/Bylaw%201472%20Consolidated%20-%20Building%20-%20as%20at%20Jan%2015%2C%202025.pdf","title":"Building Bylaw No. 1472 (PDF, consolidated to January 15, 2025), Town of Comox","section":"s. 17(4)-(5)","quotes":["the owner shall give at least 24 hours’ notice to a building official, which need not be in writing unless required by the building","give at least 24 hours’ notice to a building official, which need not be in writing unless required by the building official, prior to"]},{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/businessanddevelopment/building/get-building-permit","title":"Get a Building Permit, Town of Comox","section":"Get a Building Permit page","quotes":["check inspection status once your permit is issued"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"contact":{"label":"Contact","value":"Building Department: Building Inspector available Monday to Friday 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 to 4:30 p.m., phone 250-339-2250. The Town's departmental directory lists the Building Department at 250-339-2259. Development Services/Planning staff: 250-339-1118, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/businessanddevelopment/building","title":"Building, Town of Comox","section":"Building page","quotes":["our Building Inspector is available to assist Monday through Friday, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. and 3:00-4:30 p.m. or by email or by phone at 250-339-2250"]},{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/town-hall/departmental-directory","title":"Departmental Directory, Town of Comox","section":"Departmental Directory","quotes":["Building Department Phone: (250) 339-2259"]},{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/businessanddevelopment/building/get-building-permit","title":"Get a Building Permit, Town of Comox","section":"Get a Building Permit page","quotes":["Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, or by email or phone at 250-339-1118"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"Two official pages give different phone numbers for the Building Department (250-339-2250 on the Building page, 250-339-2259 in the directory and on the Vacation Rental page)."},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Building Bylaw No. 1472 (a bylaw to regulate, prohibit and impose requirements in relation to buildings and other structures), consolidated to January 15, 2025.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/sites/default/files/2025-01/Bylaw%201472%20Consolidated%20-%20Building%20-%20as%20at%20Jan%2015%2C%202025.pdf","title":"Building Bylaw No. 1472 (PDF, consolidated to January 15, 2025), Town of Comox","section":"Title page","quotes":["CONSOLIDATED BYLAW NO. 1472","A BYLAW TO REGULATE, PROHIBIT AND IMPOSE REQUIREMENTS IN RELATION TO BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES","(Consolidated to Jan 15, 2025)"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":8,"stated":8,"matched":8,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe Town of Comox's [Building Bylaw No. 1472](https://www.comox.ca/sites/default/files/2025-01/Bylaw%201472%20Consolidated%20-%20Building%20-%20as%20at%20Jan%2015%2C%202025.pdf) requires a permit before you construct, repair or alter a building or structure. Separate permits are needed to move or demolish a building, for plumbing work, and for a private swimming pool. A masonry fireplace or wood-burning appliance also needs a permit unless your building permit covers it. In a Development Permit area, the Town will not accept the building permit application until the development permit is approved, unless an exemption applies.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Check your zone and whether a Development Permit applies (see the zoning-lookup answer or call Development Services at 250-339-1118).\n2. Apply through the Citywide portal (citywideportal.com): create an account, choose Building Permits, start an application for the Town of Comox and upload your documents. Paper applications are accepted at Town Hall.\n3. Upload the documents the portal lists for your permit type. Staff will ask for more if needed.\n4. Several Town departments, including Engineering and Planning, review each application. Answer any deficiency notices promptly.\n5. When you ask for an inspection, give a building official at least 24 hours' notice. For complex buildings, 24 hours' notice is required before set stages such as pouring footings, backfilling and insulation. You can check inspection status in the portal once the permit is issued.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Building Department phone: 250-339-2250 on the Building page (Building Inspector available 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday) and 250-339-2259 in the Town's directory. Call either; Development Services answers at 250-339-1118.\n- The Bylaw does not apply to retaining structures 1.2 m or less in height, or to work the BC Building Code exempts, except where the bylaw itself requires a permit. An accessory building under 10 m² still needs a permit application. A chicken coop of 5 m² or less needs no permit.\n- The pages read do not say which phone number or form books an inspection; ask the Building Department.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/sites/default/files/2025-01/Bylaw%201472%20Consolidated%20-%20Building%20-%20as%20at%20Jan%2015%2C%202025.pdf","title":"Building Bylaw No. 1472 (PDF, consolidated to January 15, 2025), Town of Comox","accessed":"2026-11-06"},{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/businessanddevelopment/building/get-building-permit","title":"Get a Building Permit, Town of Comox","accessed":"2026-11-06"},{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/businessanddevelopment/building","title":"Building, Town of Comox","accessed":"2026-11-06"},{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/town-hall/departmental-directory","title":"Departmental Directory, Town of Comox","accessed":"2026-11-06"},{"url":"https://www.comox.ca/town-hall/department-directory/building-department","title":"Building Department | Town of Comox","accessed":"2026-11-06"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-06","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 8 of 8 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/building-permit/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/building-permit.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/building-permit.json"}}