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

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

Metchosin, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-06

How it works

Under the District's Building Bylaw 2024, No. 694, you need a building permit before constructing, repairing or altering a building or structure, including accessory buildings. Each building or structure on a site needs its own permit. Separate permits are needed to move or demolish a building, build a fireplace or install a solid fuel appliance, install plumbing or a pool, or build a retaining wall over 1.2 m high. The District's page also lists completing an undeveloped area, a secondary suite, a change of use or occupancy, and a manufactured home.

No permit is needed for minor repairs or alterations to non-structural parts of a building, such as roof retrofits, or replacing windows and doors with the same sizes in a single-family dwelling. You also do not need a plumbing permit to clear a stoppage, repair a leak, or replace a fixture, faucet, water heater or valve without changing the piping. The bylaw sets no size cut-off for sheds, decks or fences in its exemptions.

Steps

1. Fill in the Building Permit Application (with appendices) from the District's Building Permits page and follow the application checklist.
2. Gather the items on the checklist: the application review fee, a title search dated within 30 days, two site plans and two sets of building plans, a rain water management plan, septic filing acceptance from Island Health, and a Homeowner Protection Office declaration for new homes. Staff may ask for other documents after review.
3. Email the plans as one PDF to building@metchosin.ca and deliver or send the application to Municipal Hall, 4450 Happy Valley Road, 250-474-3167.
4. Once the permit is issued, book inspections by calling 250-474-3167.

Good to know

• Inspection notice: the Building Bylaw requires at least 24 hours' notice for standard buildings, but the District's web page says to book at least 48 hours in advance. Confirm when you call. Pre-construction and pre-occupancy meetings for complex buildings need at least 3 working days.
• No processing time is stated in the bylaw, on the Building Permits page or on the checklist. An application is cancelled if the permit is not issued and the fee paid within 180 days of the first notice that it is ready.
• The checklist also lists a hazmat report for renovations or demolitions of pre-1990 buildings and an energy compliance report for new residential construction. Contractors need a valid business licence.