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

constructing, repairing or altering a building or structure, unless exempted by this bylaw or

including a pool or retaining wall exceeding 1.2 metres in height;

moving a building or structure into or within the boundaries of the City;

demolishing a building or structure;

changing the occupancy of a building;

is greater than or equal to 1.2 meters in height without first obtaining a building permit.

(e) constructing a masonry fireplace or installing a wood-burning appliance or chimney,

A Building Permit is required when you plan to:

construct a deck;

enclose your carport or change your garage to living space;

finish existing basement;

This bylaw does not apply to

fences and landscaping and retaining walls, excepting as set out in Part 12 of this bylaw;

an accessory building or structure with a building area of less than 10 square metres that does not contain plumbing fixtures, sleeping or cooking facilities;

An unenclosed deck or raised platform less than 0.6m above finished grade; and

maintenance.

A building permit is not required for detached accessory buildings (sheds) less than 10 m2 (107 sq ft) in building area and 3.048 m2 (10 ft) tall, when used for the purpose of storage on a residential zoned property only.

Both building & planning permit applications are no longer accepted in paper or by email and must be submitted through Cloudpermit.

If a development permit is required for your project, you must apply for this permit first.

To get started, register for a Cloudpermit account online: https://ca.cloudpermit.com/gov/login

Starting June 4, 2025, building permit applications are accepted and issued online through Cloudpermit.

Completed Building Permit Application Form (and payment of Plan Check Fee, if applicable)

Land Title Search (dated within 30 days of application submission)

Copies of all covenants, right of ways, and easements registered on title.

One set of design drawings, to scale, and suitable for construction *

9.39 Pre-Construction Energy Compliance Report from a Certified Energy Advisor – Step 3 required

New Home Warranty Registration Form – refer to BC Housing

City of Fernie offers inspections on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (excluding Stat Holidays), and must be requested at least 2 days prior to schedule.

Building Officials will contact the requestor within 10 working days to confirm the time.

Inspections can be booked by logging into Cloudpermit and sending a request.

For all work in respect of simple buildings the owner must give at least 2 business days notice to the City when requesting an inspection

we’ll get you set up online - building@fernie.ca

Fernie, B.C. V0B 1M0 Phone: 250-423-6817

Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 2526

ADOPTED this 15th day of April, 2025.

On April 15, 2025, Council adopted a new City of Fernie Building and Plumbing Bylaw.