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

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

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

**Short answer:** In the District of Kent you need a building permit before new construction, alterations, demolition or changing a building's occupancy. Apply to the Building Department at Municipal Hall in Agassiz with the application form and two copies of plans. The District posts no processing time.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Kent, https://www.kentbc.ca)  
**Cost:** A $150 plan review application fee is paid up front and applied to the permit fee. See the building-permit-fees answer.  
**How long:** The District does not state a processing time.  
**Where:**
- Phone: Building Department, 604-796-2235
- Email: Building Department, building@kentbc.ca
- In person: Municipal Hall, 7170 Cheam Avenue, Agassiz, BC V0M 1A0 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

## Key facts

- **Needed for:** A building permit is required before new construction, alterations, reconstruction, demolition, and removal, relocation or change of occupancy of any building or structure. The homeowner guide also lists additions, finishing a basement, decks, swimming pool fencing, retaining walls over 1 m, and wood-burning chimneys.
  - Source: [Building Permits, Building Permits page](https://www.kentbc.ca/business-and-development/development-and-planning/building-permits/)
  - Official wording: "You must have a building permit prior to:" … "Removal, relocation or change of occupancy of any building (or structure)"
  - Source: [Homeowner Guide, February 2025, s. 2(a)](https://kentbc-ca.govstack.com/media/dudkhejx/district-of-kent-a-guide-for-the-homeowner-february-2025.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Complete an unfinished area in an existing building" … "Construct retaining walls greater than 1 metre (3.28 feet) in height." … "Installing a chimney for a wood burning appliance. • Decks."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Not needed for:** The Homeowner Guide (general information only) says no permit is needed for cupboards, painting, planters, patios under 600 mm above grade, sidewalks, driveways, fences, roof or siding repair, or one accessory building under 10 m² (no mechanical equipment). Bylaw 1116 lists no exemptions. Work must still meet the Building Code and zoning.
  - Source: [Homeowner Guide, February 2025, s. 2(b)](https://kentbc-ca.govstack.com/media/dudkhejx/district-of-kent-a-guide-for-the-homeowner-february-2025.pdf)
  - Official wording: "One accessory building with a floor area less than 10 square metres" … "Landscaping, including patios less than 600 mm (2.0 feet) above grade;" … "Roofing repair or replacement" … "Although the above does not require permits, homeowners are responsible to" … "These guidelines are for general information" … "only and should not be used as a substitute for District of Kent Bylaws and Regulations."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **How to apply:** Fill in the Building Permit Application form and submit two copies of plans with a plan review application to the Building Department at Municipal Hall, 7170 Cheam Avenue, Agassiz. Building enquiries and document uploads go to building@kentbc.ca.
  - Source: [Building Permits, Additional Links](https://www.kentbc.ca/business-and-development/development-and-planning/building-permits/)
  - Official wording: "For any Building Inquires, or Documentation Uploads please email at building@kentbc.ca."
  - Source: [Homeowner Guide, February 2025, s. 2(d)](https://kentbc-ca.govstack.com/media/dudkhejx/district-of-kent-a-guide-for-the-homeowner-february-2025.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Submit two copies of plans for the proposed project to the Building Department and" … "complete a plan review application form."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **What to submit:** Two copies of scale plans showing the nature and extent of the work, plus the plan review application. Pre-1990 buildings need a WorkSafeBC clearance letter. Signed and sealed engineered drawings, Letters of Assurance and a geotechnical soils report may be required. Proof of ownership may be required.
  - Source: [Homeowner Guide, February 2025, s. 2(d)-(e)](https://kentbc-ca.govstack.com/media/dudkhejx/district-of-kent-a-guide-for-the-homeowner-february-2025.pdf)
  - Official wording: "If your building was constructed prior to 1990, WorkSafe BC requires a Clearance Letter" … "Two sets of engineered signed and sealed drawings may be required." … "Proof of ownership may be required if you have recently purchased the property"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Processing time:** Not confirmed. The official pages do not state this detail.
- **Inspections:** Request inspections during office hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at Municipal Hall, by phone at 604-796-2235, fax or in person. Notice is at least one full working day; for next-day inspection request before 4:30 p.m. Two business days' notice is needed before starting construction or covering drains or sewers.
  - Source: [Homeowner Guide, February 2025, s. 3(c)](https://kentbc-ca.govstack.com/media/dudkhejx/district-of-kent-a-guide-for-the-homeowner-february-2025.pdf)
  - Official wording: "An inspection can be requested during office hours (8:30 am to 4:30 pm) from the" … "Keep in mind that if you require an inspection for the next business day, you must request" … "the inspection prior to 4:30 pm."
  - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 1116, 1997 (PDF, 2009 consolidation), s. 13.01(1)-(2)](https://www.kentbc.ca/media/mx2av5qt/doc_636886040467766759.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Such notice shall be a minimum of one full working day." … "Every holder of a building permit shall give at least two business days’"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Contact:** Building Department, District of Kent: 604-796-2235 or building@kentbc.ca. Municipal Hall, 7170 Cheam Avenue, Agassiz.
  - Source: [Contacts directory, Development Services](https://www.kentbc.ca/contacts-directory/)
  - Official wording: "Send Email to Planning Department ### Building Department T: 604-796-2235 Municipal Hall , 7170 Cheam Avenue , Agassiz, BC" … "### Building Department T: 604-796-2235 Municipal Hall , 7170 Cheam Avenue , Agassiz, BC Send Email to Building Department"
  - Source: [Building Permits, Additional Links](https://www.kentbc.ca/business-and-development/development-and-planning/building-permits/)
  - Official wording: "- BC Housing (formerly Homeowner Protection Office) For any Building Inquires, or Documentation Uploads please email at building@kentbc.ca. Contact Us"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Building Bylaw No. 1116, 1997 (fees are in Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1717)
  - Source: [Building Bylaw No. 1116, 1997 (PDF, 2009 consolidation), cover](https://www.kentbc.ca/media/mx2av5qt/doc_636886040467766759.pdf)
  - Official wording: "BUILDING BYLAW NO. 1116, 1997"
  - Source: [Building Permits, Additional Links](https://www.kentbc.ca/business-and-development/development-and-planning/building-permits/)
  - Official wording: "Building Reports provide information on the number, type and value of current development in the District. Please contact the Development Services department for recent reports. ## Additional Links - Building Bylaw - Zoning Bylaw - BC Housing (formerly Homeowner Protection Office)"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

You must have a building permit before new construction, alterations, reconstruction, demolition, or removal, relocation or change of occupancy of any building or structure, under the District's [Building Bylaw No. 1116](https://www.kentbc.ca/media/mx2av5qt/doc_636886040467766759.pdf). The [Homeowner Guide](https://kentbc-ca.govstack.com/media/dudkhejx/district-of-kent-a-guide-for-the-homeowner-february-2025.pdf) also lists additions, finishing a basement, decks, swimming pool fencing, retaining walls over 1 m, and wood-burning chimneys.

The Guide (general information only) says no permit is needed for cupboards, painting, planters, patios under 600 mm above grade, sidewalks, driveways, fences, roof or siding repair, or one accessory building under 10 m² with no mechanical equipment. The bylaw itself lists no exemptions, and work must still meet the BC Building Code and zoning. When in doubt, ask the Building Department.

## Steps

1. Check your zoning first (see the zoning-lookup answer).
2. Fill in the Building Permit Application form, linked on the District's [Building Permits page](https://www.kentbc.ca/business-and-development/development-and-planning/building-permits/).
3. Submit two copies of scale plans with a plan review application to the Building Department at Municipal Hall, 7170 Cheam Avenue, Agassiz. Questions and document uploads can go to building@kentbc.ca. No online portal is described.
4. Buildings from before 1990 need a WorkSafeBC clearance letter. Signed and sealed engineered drawings, Letters of Assurance and a geotechnical soils report may be required, and proof of ownership may be requested.
5. Book inspections during office hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at 604-796-2235 or in person. Give at least one full working day's notice; request before 4:30 p.m. for a next-day inspection. Two business days' notice is needed before starting construction or covering drains or sewers.

## Good to know

- The District does not state how long a permit takes to issue. A permit not picked up within 30 days of notice that it is ready is forfeited, along with the application fee.
- The bylaw sets a penalty of up to $2,000 or six months for breaking it.
- Building Bylaw 1116 is posted as a 2009 consolidation. Confirm current requirements with the Building Department at 604-796-2235.

## Official forms and pages

- [Building Permits, District of Kent](https://www.kentbc.ca/business-and-development/development-and-planning/building-permits/)
- [Homeowner Guide, February 2025 (PDF)](https://kentbc-ca.govstack.com/media/dudkhejx/district-of-kent-a-guide-for-the-homeowner-february-2025.pdf)
- [Building Bylaw No. 1116, 1997 (PDF, 2009 consolidation)](https://www.kentbc.ca/media/mx2av5qt/doc_636886040467766759.pdf)

## Related questions

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

## The same question elsewhere

- [Building permits in British Columbia: how to apply, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/building-permit.md)
- [Harrison Hot Springs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/harrison-hot-springs/building-permit.md)
- [Chilliwack](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chilliwack/building-permit.md)
- [Hope](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hope/building-permit.md)
- [Abbotsford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/abbotsford/building-permit.md)
- [Mission](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mission/building-permit.md)
- [Maple Ridge](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/maple-ridge/building-permit.md)

## Sources

- [Building Permits, District of Kent](https://www.kentbc.ca/business-and-development/development-and-planning/building-permits/) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Homeowner Guide, February 2025 (PDF)](https://kentbc-ca.govstack.com/media/dudkhejx/district-of-kent-a-guide-for-the-homeowner-february-2025.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Building Bylaw No. 1116, 1997 (PDF, 2009 consolidation)](https://www.kentbc.ca/media/mx2av5qt/doc_636886040467766759.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Contacts directory, District of Kent](https://www.kentbc.ca/contacts-directory/) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 1717, 2023 (PDF, consolidated)](https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/kentbc-ca/media/0tcgzwdh/bylaw1717consolidated.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 District of Kent. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/building-permit/_