{"title":"Kimberley 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/kimberley","name":"Kimberley","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 Kimberley","url":"https://www.kimberley.ca"},"short_answer":"In Kimberley you need a City building permit to build, repair or alter a building or structure (including a pool), move or demolish one, install a wood-burning appliance, or change plumbing. A new detached building over 10 m² also needs one. Apply to the Building Official at City Hall.","aliases":["building permit kimberley","do I need a permit kimberley bc","apply for building permit kimberley","kimberley building official"],"cost":"$50 for work valued at $1,000 or less, then $10 for each $1,000 or part of $1,000, plus a security deposit paid with the application. See the building-permit-fees answer.","how_long":"The City's page says complete applications are generally assessed within ten working days, then the City contacts you when the permit is ready to issue. An application expires 180 days after a complete one is received if no permit has issued.","where":[{"type":"in_person","label":"City Hall (forms and applications)","value":"340 Spokane Street, Kimberley, BC V1A 2E8"},{"type":"phone","label":"Building Official","value":"250-427-9655","note":"The City's application guide also lists 250-432-1330."},{"type":"email","label":"Building Official","value":"building.official@kimberley.ca"}],"documents":["Signed application form","Current title certificate, dated within 30 days","Construction drawings (plot plan, floor plans, structural details, cross-section, elevations)","Proof of ownership, or the owner's authorization if an agent applies","BC Housing New Home Registration for new residential construction","An access permit for a new driveway"],"forms":[{"title":"Building Permits and Inspections (City page)","url":"https://www.kimberley.ca/development/building/permits-inspections"},{"title":"Building Permit Application Guide (PDF)","url":"https://kimberley.civicweb.net/document/974"},{"title":"Building Permit Application Form (PDF)","url":"https://kimberley.civicweb.net/document/840"},{"title":"Building Permit Application Guide for Dwelling Units (PDF)","url":"https://kimberley.civicweb.net/document/62141"},{"title":"Building Bylaw No. 2620, 2018 (PDF)","url":"https://kimberley.civicweb.net/document/122885"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit-fees","title":"Kimberley building permit fees","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/building-permit-fees/"},{"slug":"deck-shed-garage-permit","title":"Kimberley permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"slug":"secondary-suite","title":"Kimberley secondary suite and carriage house rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/secondary-suite/"},{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Kimberley zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/zoning-lookup/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/cranbrook","name":"Cranbrook","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/cranbrook/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/canal-flats","name":"Canal Flats","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/canal-flats/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/fernie","name":"Fernie","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/fernie/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/creston","name":"Creston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/creston/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kaslo","name":"Kaslo","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kaslo/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/sparwood","name":"Sparwood","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sparwood/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":"A permit is needed to construct, repair or alter a building or structure (including a pool), move or demolish one, install a wood-burning appliance, change use or occupancy, or change plumbing. Also new detached buildings over 10 m², enclosing a deck, carport or porch, and retaining walls 1.2 m or higher.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://kimberley.civicweb.net/document/122885","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2620, 2018 (PDF), consolidated to Jan. 30, 2025, City of Kimberley","section":"s. 7.1","quotes":["constructing, repairing or altering a building or structure, including a pool or retaining","wall;","changing the use or occupancy of a building;","making changes to or adding to an existing plumbing system","retaining wall means a structure at or exceeding 1.2m in height that holds or retains soil or","No person may construct, or structurally repair, a retaining wall without a building permit."]},{"url":"https://www.kimberley.ca/development/building/permits-inspections","title":"Building Permits & Inspections, City of Kimberley","section":"Do you need a Building Permit?","quotes":["Construction of any new detached building or structure over 10 square metres (108 square feet)","Enclosing a deck, carport or porch","Moving, adding or removing interior structural walls","New construction, additions or exterior alterations to commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential buildings also require a separate Development Permit."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"The City page says a permit is needed for retaining walls over 1.2 m (4 ft) in height above grade; the bylaw (s. 3.3(c)) says it does not apply to a wall supporting soil less than 1.5 m in height. The two differ between 1.2 m and 1.5 m, so ask the Building Official. Electrical and gas permits come from Technical Safety BC."},"not_needed_for":{"label":"Not needed for","value":"No permit under the Building Bylaw for a fence (except retaining walls), an accessory building under 10 m², or a trellis or arbour. Painting, non-structural re-roofing, cabinets, flooring, fixture swaps and non-structural window or door replacement are exempt. Retaining walls: s. 3.3(c) says under 1.5 m but 1.2 m or more needs a permit; ask the Building Official.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://kimberley.civicweb.net/document/122885","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2620, 2018 (PDF), consolidated to Jan. 30, 2025, City of Kimberley","section":"s. 3.3","quotes":["a fence, except as set out in Part 11 [Retaining Walls] of this bylaw;","an accessory building with a floor area of less than 10 square metres;","a wall supporting soil that is less than 1.5 metres in height","(c) a trellis, an arbour, a wall supporting soil that is less than 1.5 metres in height, or","retaining wall means a structure at or exceeding 1.2m in height that holds or retains soil or"]},{"url":"https://kimberley.civicweb.net/document/974","title":"Building Permit Application Guide (PDF), City of Kimberley","section":"When is a building permit not required","quotes":["Painting and exterior finish upgrades","Non-structural roof repairs","Plumbing fixture replacement only","Non-structural window or door replacement"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"how_to_apply":{"label":"How to apply","value":"Get the forms at City Hall (340 Spokane Street) during office hours or download them from the City's Building Permits & Inspections page. Electronic drawings are preferred. The City page does not describe an online portal.","short":"Paper form; no online portal described","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.kimberley.ca/development/building/permits-inspections","title":"Building Permits & Inspections, City of Kimberley","section":"Application process","quotes":["Building Permit applications may be obtained at City Hall during regular office hours","(electronic copies are preferred)"]},{"url":"https://kimberley.civicweb.net/document/974","title":"Building Permit Application Guide (PDF), City of Kimberley","section":"Building Permit Application Guide","quotes":["340 Spokane Street, Kimberley, BC V1A 2E8","(electronic preferred)"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"what_to_submit":{"label":"What to submit","value":"Signed application form; current title certificate (within 30 days); construction drawings (plot plan, floor plans, structural details, cross-section, elevations); BC Housing New Home Registration for new residential construction; an access permit for new driveways. Proof of ownership or owner's authorization is also listed.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://kimberley.civicweb.net/document/974","title":"Building Permit Application Guide (PDF), City of Kimberley","section":"What to include in your application","quotes":["Current Title Certificate (Within last 30 days of application)","Set of Construction Drawings (electronic preferred)","BC Housing Certified New Home Registration Form (new residential","Access Permit (required for new driveways or new access onto property)"]},{"url":"https://www.kimberley.ca/development/building/permits-inspections","title":"Building Permits & Inspections, City of Kimberley","section":"Submitting your application","quotes":["Provide proof of property ownership or a letter of authorization from the owner"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"processing_time":{"label":"Processing time","value":"Complete applications are generally assessed within ten working days; the City then contacts the applicant when the permit is ready to issue.","short":"Ten working days","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.kimberley.ca/development/building/permits-inspections","title":"Building Permits & Inspections, City of Kimberley","section":"Submitting your application","quotes":["Complete applications will generally be assessed within ten working days."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"inspections":{"label":"Inspections","value":"The owner must give at least 48 hours written notice when requesting an inspection of a standard building and get written acceptance before concealing the work. Inspection stages are listed on the permit (footing forms, foundation, under-slab plumbing, framing, insulation, final).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://kimberley.civicweb.net/document/122885","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2620, 2018 (PDF), consolidated to Jan. 30, 2025, City of Kimberley","section":"s. 10.32","quotes":["the owner must give at least 48 hours","written notice to the City when requesting an inspection"]},{"url":"https://kimberley.civicweb.net/document/974","title":"Building Permit Application Guide (PDF), City of Kimberley","section":"Required inspections","quotes":["Stages of inspection will","Footing forms, reinforcing and building siting (prior to concrete)","Final inspection/ Final plumbing inspection"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"contact":{"label":"Contact","value":"Building Official: 250-427-9655 (guide also lists 250-432-1330), building.official@kimberley.ca. City Hall is at 340 Spokane Street.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.kimberley.ca/development/building/permits-inspections","title":"Building Permits & Inspections, City of Kimberley","section":"Do you need a Building Permit?","quotes":["contact the Building Official at 250-427-9655 or building.official@kimberley.ca"]},{"url":"https://kimberley.civicweb.net/document/974","title":"Building Permit Application Guide (PDF), City of Kimberley","section":"header","quotes":["Phone: 250.427.9655/250.432.1330 or Email: building.official@kimberley.ca"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"City of Kimberley Building Bylaw No. 2620, 2018 (consolidated to Jan. 30, 2025, including Amending Bylaw 2775), as further amended by Bylaw No. 2819, Amendment No. 3, 2026 (adopted Oct. 13, 2026), which replaces Part 15 on energy and emissions.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://kimberley.civicweb.net/document/122885","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2620, 2018 (PDF), consolidated to Jan. 30, 2025, City of Kimberley","section":"title page","quotes":["CITY OF KIMBERLEY","BUILDING BYLAW NO. 2620, 2018","CONSOLIDATED FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY: Jan. 30, 2025"]},{"url":"https://kimberley.civicweb.net/document/137578/","title":"Building Bylaw Amendment No. 2819 (PDF), City of Kimberley","section":"Bylaw 2819","quotes":["Part 15 Energy Conservation and GHG Emission Reduction is deleted and replaced","Adopted on the 13thday of October, 2026;"]}],"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\nBuilding permits in Kimberley are issued under [Building Bylaw 2620, 2018](https://kimberley.civicweb.net/document/122885), which applies the BC Building Code. Amending Bylaw 2819 (October 2026) replaces the energy and emissions part only. Electrical and gas permits come from Technical Safety BC. New construction, additions or exterior changes to commercial, industrial and multi-family buildings also need a Development Permit. If you are in the Alpine Resort area, zoning comes from a separate bylaw (see the zoning-lookup answer).\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Check your zone and setbacks, or ask the Building Official.\n2. Get the forms at City Hall or download them from the City's Building Permits & Inspections page.\n3. Gather the signed form, title certificate and drawings (electronic drawings are preferred).\n4. Hand in the application. The City page does not describe an online portal or say where completed applications are delivered, so call or email the Building Official to confirm.\n5. When the City says the permit is ready, pay the permit fee and collect it.\n6. Give at least 48 hours written notice for each inspection, and get written acceptance before covering up work.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- A permit is also needed to change use or occupancy, to enclose a deck, carport or porch, and for a new detached building over 10 m².\n- The bylaw does not apply to a fence, an accessory building under 10 m², or a trellis or arbour. Painting, non-structural re-roofing, cabinets, flooring, fixture swaps and non-structural window or door replacement are exempt. Exactly 10 m² is not addressed.\n- Retaining walls: the bylaw says 1.2 m or higher needs a permit in one place and under 1.5 m is exempt in another. Confirm with the Building Official.\n- Starting before the permit is issued doubles the fee.\n- A permit expires if work does not start within 180 days, stops for 180 days, or is not finished within two years. One extension of up to twelve months costs $100 and must be requested at least 30 days before expiry.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.kimberley.ca/development/building/permits-inspections","title":"Building Permits & Inspections, City of Kimberley","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://kimberley.civicweb.net/document/122885","title":"Building Bylaw No. 2620, 2018 (PDF), consolidated to Jan. 30, 2025, City of Kimberley","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://kimberley.civicweb.net/document/974","title":"Building Permit Application Guide (PDF), City of Kimberley","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://kimberley.civicweb.net/document/137578/","title":"Building Bylaw Amendment No. 2819 (PDF), City of Kimberley","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/kimberley/building-permit/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/building-permit.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kimberley/building-permit.json"}}