GovHandbook

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

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

Comox, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-06

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.

Key facts

Needed forA 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).Building Bylaw No. 1472 (PDF, consolidated to January 15, 2025), s. 8(1)-(2); Building, Building page · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
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
Permits are issued for a wide range of projects, including, but not limited to, sign permits, decks, pools, and single-family dwellings
Not needed forThe 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.Building Bylaw No. 1472 (PDF, consolidated to January 15, 2025), s. 5(2), s. 2 definition of Structure, s. 21 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
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
How to applyApply 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.Get a Building Permit, Get a Building Permit page; Building Department | Town of Comox, Building Department page · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
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
Building Permit applications are accepted in person at Town Hall.
What to submitThe 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.Building Bylaw No. 1472 (PDF, consolidated to January 15, 2025), s. 10(1) (standard buildings); Get a Building Permit, Get a Building Permit page · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
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
You do NOT need to add all of these documents to submit the application, only the ones identified at time of submission
Processing timeThe 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.Get a Building Permit, Get a Building Permit page · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
the Town strives to process building permits within 2–4 weeks
InspectionsFor 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.Building Bylaw No. 1472 (PDF, consolidated to January 15, 2025), s. 17(4)-(5); Get a Building Permit, Get a Building Permit page · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
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
check inspection status once your permit is issued
ContactBuilding 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.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).Building, Building page; Departmental Directory; Get a Building Permit, Get a Building Permit page · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
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
Building Department Phone: (250) 339-2259
Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, or by email or phone at 250-339-1118
BylawBuilding Bylaw No. 1472 (a bylaw to regulate, prohibit and impose requirements in relation to buildings and other structures), consolidated to January 15, 2025.Building Bylaw No. 1472 (PDF, consolidated to January 15, 2025), Title page · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
Official wording
CONSOLIDATED BYLAW NO. 1472
A BYLAW TO REGULATE, PROHIBIT AND IMPOSE REQUIREMENTS IN RELATION TO BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES
(Consolidated to Jan 15, 2025)

How it works

The Town of Comox's Building Bylaw No. 1472 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.

Steps

  1. Check your zone and whether a Development Permit applies (see the zoning-lookup answer or call Development Services at 250-339-1118).
  2. 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.
  3. Upload the documents the portal lists for your permit type. Staff will ask for more if needed.
  4. Several Town departments, including Engineering and Planning, review each application. Answer any deficiency notices promptly.
  5. 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.

Good to know

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • The pages read do not say which phone number or form books an inspection; ask the Building Department.

What you'll need

  • 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

Official forms and pages

The same question in other places

Courtenay · Cumberland · Powell River · Campbell River · Port Alberni · Qualicum Beach

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

Sources

  1. Building Bylaw No. 1472 (PDF, consolidated to January 15, 2025), Town of Comox (read 2026-11-06)
  2. Get a Building Permit, Town of Comox (read 2026-11-06)
  3. Building, Town of Comox (read 2026-11-06)
  4. Departmental Directory, Town of Comox (read 2026-11-06)
  5. Building Department | Town of Comox (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. How answers are checked.