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

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

Highlands, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-08

Short answer

In the District of Highlands you need a building permit to construct, repair, alter or move a building or structure. Buildings of 10 m² or less in building area and minor non-structural repairs do not need one. Apply online through the provincial Building Permit Hub.

Key facts

Needed forA building permit before constructing, repairing or altering a building or structure, and before moving one. Separate permits for plumbing, for a masonry fireplace or wood-burning appliance (unless covered by a building permit), and for demolition.Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003, s. 3.1.2 and 3.3.7 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
Official wording
a building permit before constructing, repairing or altering a building or structure;
a plumbing permit prior to commencing the installation of any plumbing;
a demolition permit prior to demolishing a building or structure.
A building permit is required for the relocation of a building or structure on the property to which it is to be moved.
Not needed forNo permit for minor repairs or alterations to non-structural parts of a building, for repairing or replacing a valve, faucet, fixture or service water heater, or for a building or structure of 10 m² or less in building area.Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003, s. 3.1.3 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
Official wording
for minor repairs or alterations to non-structural components of a building;
if a building or structure does not exceed 10 square meters in building area.
How to applyOnline through the Building Permit Hub (provincial portal, BCeID needed). The District's Building Permit Application and Checklist are also posted. Only complete applications are accepted.Building Permits & Inspections, Building Permits & Inspections page · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
Official wording
Use the Building Permit Hub to submit your application online.
Only complete applications which all required documents will be accepted.
What to submitApplication form (Appendix A) with a title search (the form says last 30 days; Bylaw 192 s. 3.3.6(b) says within 14 days), driveway access permit evidence, sewage disposal filing or ROWP letter, potable water source, Owner's Undertaking (Appendix M), site plan, floor plans, drawings.Building Permit Application and Checklist, Appendix A form, items 1 to 6; Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003, s. 3.3.6 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
Official wording
Copy of a recent (last 30 days) CERTIFICATE OF TITLE
Evidence of Driveway Access Permit application and location obtained from the District of Highlands
Sewage Disposal filing from Health Authority or letter from Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (ROWP).
Source of potable water indicated on plans.
Owner’s Undertaking (Appendix M).
include two copies of specifications and two sets of drawings
include a copy of a title search made within 14 days of the date of the
Processing timeNot confirmed. The official pages do not state this detail.
InspectionsBook by calling 250-474-1773 or emailing info@highlands.ca. 24 hours' notice is required. A final inspection is required before an occupancy permit.Building Permits & Inspections, Building Permits & Inspections page; Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003, s. 4.5.4 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
Official wording
To book an inspection, contact 250-474-1773 or email info@highlands.ca. Inspections require 24-hour notice.
A final inspection is required upon completion of a project and before an occupancy permit can be issued.
shall obtain an inspection and receive a Building Official's acceptance prior to concealing any aspect of the following work:
ContactBuilding Official / Bylaw Enforcement Officer Chris Leek, 250-474-1773, cleek@highlands.ca. General: info@highlands.ca.Staff Directory; Building Permits & Inspections, Building Permits & Inspections page · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
Official wording
Chris Leek
Building Official / Bylaw Enforcement Officer
250-474-1773
cleek@highlands.ca
To book an inspection, contact 250-474-1773 or email info@highlands.ca.
BylawBuilding Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003, Title page and Part 1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08
Official wording
Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003
It includes amendments up to July 15, 2024

How it works

The District of Highlands requires a permit under its Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192. You need a building permit before constructing, repairing or altering a building or structure, and before moving one. Plumbing and demolition have their own permits, and so does a masonry fireplace or wood-burning appliance unless a building permit covers it.

You do not need a permit for minor repairs or alterations to non-structural parts, for repairing or replacing a valve, faucet, fixture or water heater, or for a building or structure of 10 m² or less in building area. A permit-free structure must still meet the Zoning Bylaw.

Steps

  1. Check your zoning and any development permit area rules first (see the zoning-lookup answer).
  2. Gather the documents listed above. Only complete applications are accepted.
  3. Apply online through the Building Permit Hub (you need a BCeID).
  4. Pay the plan-processing fee with the application, and the permit fee before the permit is issued.
  5. Book inspections at each stage by calling 250-474-1773 or emailing info@highlands.ca. Inspections need 24 hours' notice, and a final inspection is required before an occupancy permit.

Good to know

  • Electrical and gas permits come from Technical Safety BC. Septic and drinking water approvals come from Island Health.
  • The bylaw says you must get an inspection and acceptance before concealing certain work, such as footings, drain tile, framing and insulation.
  • The District's page does not state how long a review takes. Ask the Building Official.
  • The posted bylaw is a consolidation through July 15, 2024, and the District says it may not include the latest amendment.

What you'll need

  • Application form (Appendix A) and Owner's Undertaking (Appendix M)
  • Recent title search
  • Evidence of a Driveway Access Permit application from the District
  • Sewage disposal filing from the Health Authority or a letter from a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner
  • Source of potable water shown on the plans
  • Site plan, floor plans and drawings

Official forms and pages

The same question in other places

Langford · View Royal · Central Saanich · Colwood · Esquimalt · Saanich

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

Sources

  1. Building Permits & Inspections, District of Highlands (read 2026-11-08)
  2. Building Regulation Bylaw No. 192, 2003 (PDF) (read 2026-11-08)
  3. Building Permit Application and Checklist (PDF) (read 2026-11-08)
  4. Staff Directory, District of Highlands (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. How answers are checked.