---
title: "Fruitvale building permits: when you need one and how to apply"
question: "Do I need a building permit in Fruitvale, and how do I apply?"
place: Fruitvale, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/fruitvale
category: Building, renovating and your property
owner: municipal
owner_body: Village of Fruitvale
sources_read: 2026-11-08
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fruitvale/building-permit/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fruitvale/building-permit.json"
---

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

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

**Short answer:** In Fruitvale you need a building permit before you construct, repair, move, install or alter a building or structure, and a demolition permit before you demolish one. Storage sheds up to 10 m² are exempt. Apply to the Village Office on the Village's permit form.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (Village of Fruitvale, https://fruitvale.ca)  
**Cost:** A plan-processing fee is paid with the application and the permit fee before the permit is issued. See the building-permit-fees answer.  
**How long:** Not stated in the Village's bylaw, brochure or development guide. An incomplete application expires 6 months after it is made.  
**Where:**
- In person: Village Office, 1947 Beaver Street, Fruitvale, BC V0G 1L0 (Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
- Phone: Village Office, 250-367-7551
- Email: Village Office, info@village.fruitvale.bc.ca
- Phone: RDKB Building Officials, Trail, 250-368-0222 (Office: 202 - 843 Rossland Ave, Trail, BC V1R 4S8.)

## Key facts

- **Needed for:** A building permit is required before constructing, repairing, moving, installing or altering a building, structure, sign, change in occupancy or plumbing system, and a demolition permit before demolishing, except work exempt under s. 5.2 (such as small storage sheds). The 2015 RDKB pamphlet also lists carports, garages, re-roofing and enclosing a porch.
  - Source: [Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 698, 2003, s. 12.1](https://fruitvale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/698-Building-Bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "a building permit before constructing, repairing, moving, installing or" … "a demolition permit before demolishing a building or structure." … "This Bylaw does not apply to storage sheds provided that:"
  - Source: [Building Permit Information brochure, Pamphlet, 'A building permit is required to'](https://fruitvale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Building-Permit-Information-brochure.pdf)
  - Official wording: "- construct a new accessory building such as a carport;" … "- re-roof a building;" … "- enclose a porch or roof over a sundeck;"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Not needed for:** Bylaw 698 s. 5.2 exempts storage sheds up to 10 m², one storey and 3 m to the peak that meet zoning; one-storey farm or animal buildings under 46 m²; non-structural repairs under $1,000; retaining structures under 1.2 m. Fences, landscaping and paving are not "structures". The 2015 pamphlet adds painting, sidewalks and driveways.
  - Source: [Building Permit Information brochure, Pamphlet, 'A building permit is not required'](https://fruitvale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Building-Permit-Information-brochure.pdf)
  - Official wording: "WHEN YOU DO NON-STRUCTURAL WORK such as:" … "- painting;" … "- landscaping, sidewalks, driveways;" … "- fencing (fence height must comply with Municipal and" … "Regional District Zoning Bylaws where applicable);"
  - Source: [Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 698, 2003, ss. 2 ("structure"), 5.2](https://fruitvale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/698-Building-Bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "The storage shed does not exceed 10 square metres in floor area;" … "This Bylaw does not apply to non-structural repairs valued at less than One Thousand" … "but specifically excludes landscaping, fences,"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **How to apply:** Complete the Village's Application for Building Permit form (PDF on the bylaw page) with a site plan and two sets of plans. The form lists the Village Office (250-367-7551) and the RDKB Building Official in Trail (250-368-0222). Online or email submission is not stated.
  - Source: [Fruitvale Development Guide, Development Guide, Checklist](https://fruitvale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Fruitvale-Development-Guide.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Building Officials with the" … "Phone: (250) 368-0222"
  - Source: [Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 698, 2003, s. 12.2](https://fruitvale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/698-Building-Bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Applications for the permits noted in 12.1 shall be made in the form prescribed"
  - Source: [Application for Building Permit, Building Permit Application PDF, pages 1-2](https://fruitvale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Building-Permit-Application.pdf)
  - Official wording: "1. Complete the building permit application form;" … "Two sets of plans required, drawn to scale and indicating all measurements."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **What to submit:** Application form; site plan; two sets of plans (floor, foundation, elevations, cross section, plumbing); engineered truss certificates; Record of Sewerage System for new construction; Homeowner Protection Office form for a new dwelling; highway access permit if built off a highway. A plan-processing fee comes with the application.
  - Source: [Fruitvale Development Guide, Development Guide, Checklist](https://fruitvale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Fruitvale-Development-Guide.pdf)
  - Official wording: "To get a building permit, Building Plan you'll need to contact the Floor Plans Building Officials with the scale not less than 1:50 metric (1/4 inch to 1 foot)" … "Address: 202 - 843 Cross Sectional Plans Rossland Ave, Trail, B.C. scale not less than 1:50 metric (1/4 inch to 1 foot)" … "Items to include in your variance request: • Site Plan: Include a detailed site plan showing existing conditions, proposed changes, and the area affected by the variance." … "industrial, and institutional buildings on all roads. Registered Professional Certification. When you apply for a permit, the Building Official might ask for a certified professional,"
  - Source: [Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 698, 2003, s. 16.2](https://fruitvale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/698-Building-Bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "An application made for a building permit shall be accompanied by the appropriate"
  - Source: [Application for Building Permit, Building Permit Application PDF, page 1, items 1-11](https://fruitvale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Building-Permit-Application.pdf)
  - Official wording: "5. Engineered truss certificates and truss layout;" … "A Homeowner Protection Office (HPO) form is required for a new dwelling."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Processing time:** Not confirmed. The Village's materials do not state a processing time.
- **Inspections:** The owner or representative must give at least 72 hours notice to the Building Official when requesting an inspection, and must get acceptance of certain work (perimeter drains, framing, insulation and vapour barrier, final) before concealing it. How to book is not stated.
  - Source: [Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 698, 2003, s. 21.4](https://fruitvale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/698-Building-Bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "at least 72 hours notice to the" … "installation of perimeter drain tiles and damp-proofing, prior to backfilling;" … "insulation and vapour barrier;"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Contact:** Building Officials of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, Trail office, 202 - 843 Rossland Ave: phone (250) 368-0222 (Development Guide). Village Office: (250) 367-7551.
  - Source: [Fruitvale Development Guide, Development Guide, Checklist](https://fruitvale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Fruitvale-Development-Guide.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Building Officials with the" … "Phone: (250) 368-0222"
  - Source: [Contact, Contact page](https://fruitvale.ca/contact/)
  - Official wording: "Submit ###### Fruitvale.ca is protected by reCAPTCHA V3 Ph (250) 367-7551 Fax (250) 367-9267 info@village.fruitvale.bc.ca ##### Hours:"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
- **Bylaw:** Village of Fruitvale Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 698, 2003
  - Source: [Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 698, 2003, s. 1.1](https://fruitvale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/698-Building-Bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "This bylaw may be cited for all purposes as the"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08

## How it works

The Village's [Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 698](https://fruitvale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/698-Building-Bylaw.pdf) requires a building permit before constructing, repairing, moving, installing or altering a building, structure, sign, change in occupancy or plumbing system, and a demolition permit before demolishing a building or structure. An RDKB brochure (revised January 2015) also lists a new carport or other accessory building, re-roofing, and enclosing a porch or putting a roof over a sundeck. New homes also need proof of warranty under the Homeowner Protection Act.

Bylaw s. 5.2 exempts storage sheds up to 10 m², one storey and 3 m to the peak that meet zoning; one-storey farm or animal buildings under 46 m²; non-structural repairs under $1,000; and retaining structures under 1.2 m. Fences, landscaping and paving are not "structures". The brochure adds painting, sidewalks and driveways.

## Steps

1. Complete the Application for Building Permit form (PDF).
2. Add a site plan and two sets of plans: floor, foundation, elevations, cross section and plumbing.
3. Add engineered truss certificates, a Record of Sewerage System for new construction, a Homeowner Protection Office form for a new dwelling, and a highway access permit if you build off a highway, where they apply.
4. Submit with the plan-processing fee. The form lists the Village Office (250-367-7551) and the RDKB Building Official in Trail (250-368-0222). Online or email submission is not stated.
5. Give the Building Official at least 72 hours notice to request an inspection. Get acceptance of perimeter drains, framing, insulation and vapour barrier, and the final work before you conceal them. How to book is not stated.

## Good to know

- Bylaw 698 has no processing time. Ask the Building Official how long yours is likely to take.
- More than two inspections for work that needs one can bring a re-inspection charge.
- Check with the Building Official before you start: the 2003 bylaw and 2015 brochure may not match current rules.

## Official forms and pages

- [Application for Building Permit (PDF)](https://fruitvale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Building-Permit-Application.pdf)
- [Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 698, 2003 (PDF)](https://fruitvale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/698-Building-Bylaw.pdf)
- [Building Permit Information brochure, RDKB, revised January 2015 (PDF)](https://fruitvale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Building-Permit-Information-brochure.pdf)
- [Fruitvale Development Guide (PDF)](https://fruitvale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Fruitvale-Development-Guide.pdf)

## Related questions

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

## The same question elsewhere

- [Building permits in British Columbia: how to apply, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/building-permit.md)
- [Montrose](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/montrose/building-permit.md)
- [Trail](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/trail/building-permit.md)
- [Warfield](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/warfield/building-permit.md)
- [Rossland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/rossland/building-permit.md)
- [Salmo](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/salmo/building-permit.md)
- [Castlegar](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/castlegar/building-permit.md)

## Sources

- [Building and Plumbing Bylaw No. 698, 2003 (PDF)](https://fruitvale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/698-Building-Bylaw.pdf) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Building Permit Information brochure (PDF)](https://fruitvale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Building-Permit-Information-brochure.pdf) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Application for Building Permit (PDF)](https://fruitvale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Building-Permit-Application.pdf) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Fruitvale Development Guide (PDF)](https://fruitvale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Fruitvale-Development-Guide.pdf) (read 2026-11-08)
- [Contact, Village of Fruitvale](https://fruitvale.ca/contact/) (read 2026-11-08)

_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 Village of Fruitvale. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fruitvale/building-permit/_