{"title":"Kamloops building permits: when you need one and how to apply","question":"Do I need a building permit, and how do I apply?","slug":"building-permit","place":{"path":"ca/bc/kamloops","name":"Kamloops","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"building-and-renovating","name":"Building, renovating and your property"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"City of Kamloops","url":"https://www.kamloops.ca"},"short_answer":"In Kamloops you need a building permit before you build, alter, repair, demolish or move a building or structure. Fences, sheds under 10 square metres with no electrical or plumbing, and retaining walls under 1.2 m are exempt. Homeowners apply online by ePermit with a MyCity profile.","aliases":["building permit kamloops","do I need a permit kamloops","epermit kamloops","apply for building permit kamloops"],"cost":"$175 non-refundable application fee for most permit types, plus a permit fee based on the value of construction (see the building-permit-fees answer). Online payments carry a 2.75% card fee.","how_long":"The City must confirm in writing within 21 working days (simple buildings) or 45 working days (complex buildings) whether it will issue or refuse the permit. This is a deadline for the decision, not a promise of an issue date.","where":[{"type":"online","label":"Apply by ePermit (MyCity profile needed)","value":"https://www.kamloops.ca/business-development/building-permits/apply-epermit"},{"type":"in_person","label":"Development, Engineering and Sustainability (paperless drop-off, 2nd floor)","value":"105 Seymour Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2C6","note":"Bring the application form and your documents on a USB key."},{"type":"phone","label":"Building Section","value":"250-828-3554"},{"type":"email","label":"Building Section","value":"building@kamloops.ca"},{"type":"phone","label":"Building inspection line (24 hours)","value":"250-828-3300"}],"documents":["Title search dated within the last three months, and charges on title","Site plan, lot grading plan and truss layout","Design drawings (foundation layout, floor plans, cross sections, elevations)","Letters of Assurance (Schedule B) when registered professionals are involved","For new builds, an Energy Step Code checklist and HOT 2000 report"],"forms":[{"title":"Apply by ePermit","url":"https://www.kamloops.ca/business-development/building-permits/apply-epermit"},{"title":"Building Permits Frequently Asked Questions","url":"https://www.kamloops.ca/business-development/building-permits/frequently-asked-questions"},{"title":"Building Regulation Bylaw 11-84 (PDF)","url":"https://kamloops.civicweb.net/document/204248/"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit-fees","title":"Kamloops building permit fees","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/building-permit-fees/"},{"slug":"deck-shed-garage-permit","title":"Kamloops permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"slug":"fence-rules","title":"Kamloops fence rules: permits and height limits","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/fence-rules/"},{"slug":"secondary-suite","title":"Kamloops secondary suite and carriage house rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/secondary-suite/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/sun-peaks","name":"Sun Peaks","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sun-peaks/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/chase","name":"Chase","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chase/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/barriere","name":"Barriere","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/barriere/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/logan-lake","name":"Logan Lake","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/logan-lake/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/ashcroft","name":"Ashcroft","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/ashcroft/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/cache-creek","name":"Cache Creek","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cache-creek/building-permit/"}],"topic":{"title":"Building permits in British Columbia: how to apply, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/building-permit/"},"facts":{"needed_for":{"label":"Needed for","value":"Before constructing, altering, repairing, demolishing or moving a building or structure. This includes new buildings, additions, alterations, plumbing, pools, retaining walls (1.2 m or higher), solid fuel appliances, chimneys and site grading. Some work needs a separate permit (demolition, building move, plumbing, pool).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://kamloops.civicweb.net/document/204248/","title":"Building Regulation Bylaw 11-84 (PDF), City of Kamloops","section":"ss. 9.1, 13.1, 13.3","quotes":["Every Owner shall apply for and obtain a Permit before constructing, altering,","repairing, demolishing or moving a Building or Structure.","Installation of a Pool, Retaining Walls, and site grading;","Installation of solid fuel burning appliances;","Where required, separate Permits and inspections may be required in the following"]},{"url":"https://www.kamloops.ca/business-development/building-permits/apply-epermit","title":"Apply by ePermit, City of Kamloops","section":"Homeowners","quotes":["building a deck, adding a garage, finishing a basement, or creating a secondary suite"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"not_needed_for":{"label":"Not needed for","value":"Per the bylaw: a fence (except pool fences); an accessory building under 10 m² with no electrical or plumbing; a trellis or arbour; a retaining wall under 1.2 m; a deck or patio under 600 mm above ground that is not attached to a building and has no walls or roof; repair and maintenance that does not reduce safety or performance; landscaping.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://kamloops.civicweb.net/document/204248/","title":"Building Regulation Bylaw 11-84 (PDF), City of Kamloops","section":"s. 6.4","quotes":["This bylaw does not apply to:","a fence, except as set out in Part 19 of this bylaw;","an accessory building with a floor area of less than 10m2 and does not","a trellis or arbour;","less than 1.2m in height;","decks or patios which are less than 600mm from the ground or finished","landscaping or other surfacing of land, except when creating a public parking"]},{"url":"https://www.kamloops.ca/business-development/building-permits/apply-epermit","title":"Apply by ePermit, City of Kamloops","section":"Homeowners","quotes":["A building permit is not required for:","fences, sidewalks, and planters","retaining walls that are less than 1.2 m in height"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"how_to_apply":{"label":"How to apply","value":"Online by ePermit through a MyCity profile (homeowner, residential contractor or commercial contractor); a started application can be saved for 30 days. In person: drop off the application form and a USB key of documents at 105 Seymour Street (2nd floor). Fees are paid by Visa or Mastercard.","short":"Online (MyCity ePermit) or in person","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.kamloops.ca/business-development/building-permits","title":"Building Permits, City of Kamloops","section":"Apply by ePermit","quotes":["Submit your construction permit application if you are a homeowner, residential contractor, or commercial contractor."]},{"url":"https://www.kamloops.ca/business-development/building-permits/apply-epermit/building-permits-homeowners/homeowner-single","title":"Homeowner Single-Family Dwelling Permit, City of Kamloops","section":"Before You Start","quotes":["You must have a MyCity profile to apply online.","Once you start the application you will have 30 days to submit it.","Application fees must be paid by Visa or Mastercard."]},{"url":"https://www.kamloops.ca/business-development/building-permits/apply-epermit","title":"Apply by ePermit, City of Kamloops","section":"Apply by ePermit, Alternative Construction Permit Submission Process","quotes":["How to Apply for a Building Permit Paperless in Person:","Drop off your building permit application form and USB key to a DES clerk at 105 Seymour Street (2nd floor)."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"what_to_submit":{"label":"What to submit","value":"Homeowner house applications: a title search dated within the last three months, charges on title, site plan, design drawings (foundation layout, floor plans, cross sections, elevations), truss layout, lot grading plan, and Schedule B letters of assurance when using registered professionals. New builds also need an Energy Step Code checklist and HOT 2000 report.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.kamloops.ca/business-development/building-permits/apply-epermit/building-permits-homeowners/homeowner-single","title":"Homeowner Single-Family Dwelling Permit, City of Kamloops","section":"How to Prepare to Apply","quotes":["Title Search - dated within the last three months","Lot Grading Plan","Truss and Floor Joist Layout","Energy Step Code Pre-Construction Compliance Checklist and HOT 2000 report (new builds only)","BC Building Code Letters of Assurance - Schedule B when using registered professionals","Additional documentation may be required, depending on the scope of work to be done."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"processing_time":{"label":"Processing time","value":"The City must confirm in writing within 21 working days whether it will issue or refuse a simple building permit application, and within 45 working days for a complex building. If it misses the deadline, the permit fee is reduced by 5% (to a maximum of $500).","short":"21 working days (simple); 45 (complex)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://kamloops.civicweb.net/document/204248/","title":"Building Regulation Bylaw 11-84 (PDF), City of Kamloops","section":"s. 13.28","quotes":["21 working days for Simple Building Permit applications; or","45 working days for Complex Building Permit applications."]},{"url":"https://kamloops.civicweb.net/document/204231/","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 44-14 (PDF), City of Kamloops","section":"Sch. C, item 16","quotes":["If confirmation of review notice is not provided within the timeframes outlined in","the building permit fee will be reduced by 5%"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"inspections":{"label":"Inspections","value":"Book through MyCity online or call the 24-hour inspection line, 250-828-3300, with your address, permit number and inspection type. Inspections run Monday to Friday in business hours; book by 2 p.m. for the next business day. Give 24 hours' notice before starting work or covering required work. Approved plans must be on site.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.kamloops.ca/business-development/building-permits/frequently-asked-questions","title":"Building Permits Frequently Asked Questions, City of Kamloops","section":"Residential FAQ: How do I request an inspection?","quotes":["You can request an inspection 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling the inspection line at 250-828-3300.","your address - permit number - the type of inspection you wish to have"]},{"url":"https://kamloops.civicweb.net/document/204248/","title":"Building Regulation Bylaw 11-84 (PDF), City of Kamloops","section":"ss. 9.8, 9.11, 13.44","quotes":["at least 24 hours prior to","at least 24 hours of online or written notice to a Building Official:","has requested the inspection online or in writing in accordance"]},{"url":"https://www.kamloops.ca/sites/default/files/2025-03/BLD_BuildingInspectionsGuide_8-5x11_Mar2025_FINAL-WEB.pdf","title":"https://www.kamloops.ca/sites/default/files/2025-03/BLD_BuildingInspectionsGuide_8-5x11_Mar2025_FINAL-WEB.pdf","section":"Building Inspection Guide, p. 3 Booking Inspections","quotes":["Inspections are performed Monday to Friday during","Inspections can be booked up to 2:00 pm","inspection line 250-828-3300 or through MyCity, an"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"The City FAQ gives a phone line, while s. 13.44 says an inspection is only carried out if requested online or in writing. The FAQ also says the inspector will not inspect unless approved plans are on site. A re-inspection fee applies if work is not ready more than once."},"contact":{"label":"Contact","value":"Building Section, Development, Engineering, and Sustainability Department, 105 Seymour Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2C6; phone 250-828-3554; email building@kamloops.ca.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.kamloops.ca/business-development/building-permits/apply-epermit/building-permits-homeowners/homeowner-single","title":"Homeowner Single-Family Dwelling Permit, City of Kamloops","section":"Contact","quotes":["contact the Building Section at 250-828-3554 or building@kamloops.ca.","105 Seymour Street, Kamloops, BC, V2C 2C6"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Building Regulation Bylaw No. 11-84, 2025","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://kamloops.civicweb.net/document/204248/","title":"Building Regulation Bylaw 11-84 (PDF), City of Kamloops","section":"s. 1.1","quotes":["Building Regulation Bylaw No. 11-84, 2025","Effective Date – April 1, 2025"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":8,"stated":8,"matched":8,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nUnder the City of Kamloops [Building Regulation Bylaw 11-84](https://kamloops.civicweb.net/document/204248/), the owner must get a permit before constructing, altering, repairing, demolishing or moving a building or structure. That includes new buildings, additions, plumbing, pools, retaining walls of 1.2 m or higher, solid fuel appliances, chimneys and site grading. Demolition, building moves, plumbing and pools need their own separate permits.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Check the exemptions below, or call the Building Section at 250-828-3554 if unsure.\n2. Create a MyCity profile, then choose the homeowner application for your project on the ePermit page. You can save a started application for 30 days.\n3. Upload your documents and pay the application fee by Visa or Mastercard.\n4. After the permit is issued, keep the approved plans on site. Book inspections through MyCity or on the 24-hour line, 250-828-3300, with your address, permit number and inspection type. Book by 2 p.m. for the next business day, and give 24 hours' notice before starting or covering required work.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- No permit is needed for a fence (pool fences excepted), an accessory building under 10 m² with no electrical or plumbing, a trellis or arbour, a retaining wall under 1.2 m, a deck or patio under 600 mm above ground that is not attached to a building and has no walls or roof, repair and maintenance that does not reduce safety or performance, or landscaping. The City's ePermit page also lists painting and minor like-for-like repairs.\n- A permit expires if work does not start within 180 days of issue or stops for 180 days. An application expires 90 days after it is accepted, unless the delay is the City's.\n- If the City misses its decision deadline, the permit fee is reduced by 5% (to a maximum of $500).\n- The City's FAQ gives a phone line for inspections, but the bylaw says an inspection is only done if requested online or in writing. Confirm with the Building Section.\n- Zoning rules still apply when no permit is needed.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.kamloops.ca/business-development/building-permits","title":"Building Permits, City of Kamloops","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.kamloops.ca/business-development/building-permits/apply-epermit","title":"Apply by ePermit, City of Kamloops","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.kamloops.ca/business-development/building-permits/frequently-asked-questions","title":"Building Permits Frequently Asked Questions, City of Kamloops","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.kamloops.ca/business-development/building-permits/apply-epermit/building-permits-homeowners/homeowner-single","title":"Homeowner Single-Family Dwelling Permit, City of Kamloops","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.kamloops.ca/business-development/building-permits/apply-epermit/building-permits-homeowners/homeowner-accessory","title":"Homeowner Accessory Building Permit, City of Kamloops","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://kamloops.civicweb.net/document/204248/","title":"Building Regulation Bylaw 11-84 (PDF), City of Kamloops","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://kamloops.civicweb.net/document/204231/","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 44-14 (PDF), City of Kamloops","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.kamloops.ca/sites/default/files/2025-03/BLD_BuildingInspectionsGuide_8-5x11_Mar2025_FINAL-WEB.pdf","title":"https://www.kamloops.ca/sites/default/files/2025-03/BLD_BuildingInspectionsGuide_8-5x11_Mar2025_FINAL-WEB.pdf","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 8 of 8 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/building-permit/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/building-permit.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/building-permit.json"}}