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

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

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

**Short answer:** In Creston you need a Town building permit for any change, alteration or addition to a structure, and to construct or move a building. The Building Bylaw lists no size exemption. Apply with the application form and drawings at Town Hall.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (Town of Creston, https://www.creston.ca)  
**Cost:** Based on the value of the work; the minimum is $100, plus applicable taxes. See the building-permit-fees answer.  
**How long:** The Town does not state a processing time. A permit lapses if construction does not start within six months (Building Bylaw s. 11.1).  
**Where:**
- In person: Town Hall, 238 - 10th Ave. N., Creston, BC (Pay in person Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
- Phone: Town Hall, 250-428-2214
- Email: Building Department, building@creston.ca
- Email: Development Services, communityservices@creston.ca

## Key facts

- **Needed for:** A permit is required for any changes, alterations or additions to a structure, and for constructing or moving any building. Plumbing work needs its own plumbing permit. Retaining walls within 1.5 m of a property boundary, or over 0.5 m high where they relate to a structure's safety, also need a permit.
  - Source: [Apply for a Building Permit, Apply for a Building Permit page](https://www.creston.ca/apply-building-permit)
  - Official wording: "A building permit is required for any changes, alterations, or additions to a structure."
  - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 1394, 1997 (PDF, consolidated to June 28, 2022), s. 5.1, 5.3, 21.3](https://www.creston.ca/sites/default/files/2023-07/Building-1394.pdf)
  - Official wording: "No person shall construct, or move any building unless he has first obtained a permit" … "plumbing services regulated by this bylaw unless the owner of the property, or his agent, has first obtained a plumbing permit" … "No person shall construct a retaining wall within 1.5 meters (4.92 feet) of a property boundary or where a retaining wall pertains to the safety of a structure greater than 0.5 meters (1.97 feet) in height"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Not needed for:** Cosmetic changes such as painting, flooring, replacing baseboards and resurfacing cabinets do not need a building permit.
  - Source: [Building permit: home additions or renovations, Home Additions or Renovations page](https://www.creston.ca/node/418)
  - Official wording: "Cosmetic changes such as painting, flooring, replacing baseboards and resurfacing cabinets do not require a building permit."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **How to apply:** Complete the Building Permit Application Form and Owner's Authorization Form (every owner on title signs); a separate application is needed for each building. The Town's checklist asks for two sets of drawings plus a digital copy emailed to building@creston.ca. Full-size paper plans and truss packages are accepted at Town Hall; arrange drop-off with Development Services.
  - Source: [Building permit: new home, New Home or Detached Accessory Dwelling page](https://www.creston.ca/node/417)
  - Official wording: "A separate application is required for each building." … "Submissions of full sized paper copies of plans and roof truss packages will be accepted at Town Hall." … "Owner's Authorization Form (All property owners on title must sign this form)"
  - Source: [https://www.creston.ca/sites/default/files/2023-09/Renovations%20and%20Additions%20Checklist.pdf, Renovations and Additions Checklist (Bulletin 01-06, Sept 15, 2023)](https://www.creston.ca/sites/default/files/2023-09/Renovations%20and%20Additions%20Checklist.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Two (2) sets of Drawings and one digital copy emailed to building@creston.ca"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **What to submit:** For a new home: application form, owner's authorization, BC Energy Step Code pre-compliance form, state of title (within 30 days), scaled drawings and site plan, roof and truss design package, and structural/geotechnical schedules, warranty confirmation and septic approval where they apply. Other building types have their own lists.
  - Source: [Building permit: new home, New Home or Detached Accessory Dwelling page](https://www.creston.ca/node/417)
  - Official wording: "BC Energy Step Code Pre-compliance form from Energy Advisor" … "State of Title, current within last 30 days" … "Roof and truss design package" … "Septic approval, if applicable"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Processing time:** Not confirmed. The Town's pages do not state a processing time.
- **Inspections:** Give the Building Inspector at least 24 hours' notice, not counting Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays, at each stage: footings, dampproofing and drainage, plumbing, framing, insulation, air barrier and flashing, and final (before occupancy).
  - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 1394, 1997 (PDF, consolidated to June 28, 2022), s. 12.1.4, 12.1.5](https://www.creston.ca/sites/default/files/2023-07/Building-1394.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Give at least 24 hours notice exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and Statutory Holidays to the Building Inspector" … "When the building or portion is completed and ready for occupancy but prior to occupancy."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Contact:** Building Department, Town Hall, 238 10th Avenue North: building@creston.ca, 250-428-2214 (from the Town's building permit application form). Development Services can also be reached at communityservices@creston.ca.
  - Source: [Contact Directory](https://www.creston.ca/contact-directory-0)
  - Official wording: "Development Services" … "Donna Cassel | Administrative Assistant | Email | 250-428-2214" … "ext. 410"
  - Source: [Development Permits, Development Permits page](https://www.creston.ca/development-permits)
  - Official wording: "For more informations contact communityservices@creston.ca."
  - Source: [Building Permit Application form, Building Permit Application form header](https://www.creston.ca/sites/default/files/2024-02/Building%20Permit%20Application-2024.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Email: building@creston.ca | P: 250.428.2214 | F: 250.428.9164"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Building Bylaw Number 1394, 1997
  - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 1394, 1997 (PDF, consolidated to June 28, 2022), s. 1.1](https://www.creston.ca/sites/default/files/2023-07/Building-1394.pdf)
  - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as the "Building Bylaw Number 1394, 1997"."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

The Town of Creston's Building Department reviews drawings against the [Building Bylaw No. 1394](https://www.creston.ca/sites/default/files/2023-07/Building-1394.pdf) and the BC Building Code, then inspects the work. A permit is required for any changes, alterations or additions to a structure, and to construct or move any building. Plumbing work needs its own plumbing permit. A retaining wall also needs a permit if it is within 1.5 m of a property boundary, or is over 0.5 m high where it relates to the safety of a structure.

The bylaw lists no size or value below which a permit is not needed, so ask the Town about small projects. The Town's page says cosmetic changes such as painting, flooring, replacing baseboards and resurfacing cabinets do not need a building permit.

## Steps

1. Pick the checklist for your project on the [Apply for a Building Permit](https://www.creston.ca/apply-building-permit) page (new home, additions and renovations, secondary suite, sheds and garages, and others).
2. Fill out the Building Permit Application Form and the Owner's Authorization Form. Every owner on title signs, and each building needs its own application.
3. For a new home, add a BC Energy Step Code pre-compliance form, a state of title dated within 30 days, scaled drawings and a site plan, and a roof and truss design package. Structural or geotechnical schedules, warranty confirmation and septic approval are needed where they apply.
4. Send two sets of drawings plus a digital copy to building@creston.ca. Full-size paper plans and truss packages are accepted at Town Hall; arrange drop-off with Development Services.
5. Pay the fee once the permit is issued.
6. Give the Building Inspector at least 24 hours' notice, not counting Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays, at each stage: footings, dampproofing and drainage, plumbing, framing, insulation, air barrier and flashing, and final (before occupancy).

## Good to know

- A development permit may be needed first if your lot is in a mapped wildfire or environmentally sensitive area. See the Town's [Development Permits](https://www.creston.ca/development-permits) page.
- The pages read do not say how to book an inspection. Call 250-428-2214 or email building@creston.ca.
- Occupying a building without the final inspection can bring a $200 bylaw notice under the [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw](https://www.creston.ca/sites/default/files/2026-04/Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement.pdf).
- A building inspector may require 48 hours' notice before work starts on site (Building Bylaw s. 12.1.3).

## Official forms and pages

- [Apply for a Building Permit, Town of Creston](https://www.creston.ca/apply-building-permit)
- [Building permit: new home, Town of Creston](https://www.creston.ca/node/417)
- [Building permit: home additions or renovations, Town of Creston](https://www.creston.ca/node/418)
- [Building Bylaw No. 1394, 1997 (PDF, consolidated to June 28, 2022)](https://www.creston.ca/sites/default/files/2023-07/Building-1394.pdf)
- [Building Permit Application form (PDF)](https://www.creston.ca/sites/default/files/2024-02/Building%20Permit%20Application-2024.pdf)

## Related questions

- [Creston building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/building-permit-fees.md)
- [Creston permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/deck-shed-garage-permit.md)
- [Creston secondary suite and carriage house rules](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/secondary-suite.md)
- [Creston zoning: find your zone and what it allows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/zoning-lookup.md)
- [Creston fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/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)
- [Salmo](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/salmo/building-permit.md)
- [Kimberley](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/building-permit.md)
- [Cranbrook](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cranbrook/building-permit.md)
- [Fruitvale](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fruitvale/building-permit.md)
- [Nelson](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nelson/building-permit.md)
- [Montrose](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/montrose/building-permit.md)

## Sources

- [Apply for a Building Permit, Town of Creston](https://www.creston.ca/apply-building-permit) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Building permit: new home, Town of Creston](https://www.creston.ca/node/417) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Building permit: home additions or renovations, Town of Creston](https://www.creston.ca/node/418) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Building Bylaw No. 1394, 1997 (PDF, consolidated to June 28, 2022)](https://www.creston.ca/sites/default/files/2023-07/Building-1394.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Building Permit Application form (PDF)](https://www.creston.ca/sites/default/files/2024-02/Building%20Permit%20Application-2024.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Contact Directory, Town of Creston](https://www.creston.ca/contact-directory-0) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Development Permits, Town of Creston](https://www.creston.ca/development-permits) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1763 (PDF, consolidated to May 12, 2026)](https://www.creston.ca/sites/default/files/2026-06/Fees%20and%20Charges-1763.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1760 (PDF)](https://www.creston.ca/sites/default/files/2026-04/Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [https://www.creston.ca/sites/default/files/2023-09/Renovations%20and%20Additions%20Checklist.pdf](https://www.creston.ca/sites/default/files/2023-09/Renovations%20and%20Additions%20Checklist.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)

_Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 8 facts was matched to the official text; 1 could not be confirmed. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Town of Creston. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/building-permit/_