{"title":"Nanaimo 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/nanaimo","name":"Nanaimo","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 Nanaimo","url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca"},"short_answer":"In the City of Nanaimo you need a building permit for a detached building over 10 square metres, any structural change, addition, demolition or layout change, and any change to water or drain piping. Apply online. The City aims to process a complete residential application in three weeks.","aliases":["building permit nanaimo","when do i need a permit nanaimo","apply for building permit nanaimo","nanaimo building inspections"],"cost":"Based mainly on the value of construction; see the building permit fees answer and the City's Permit Fee Calculator.","how_long":"Residential: the City's commitment is three weeks for a complete application. Online applications take 5 to 10 business days to be received and processed once the signed application is complete.","where":[{"type":"online","label":"Online Building Permit Application","value":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/property-development/building-permits/online-building-permit-application"},{"type":"in_person","label":"Service and Resource Centre (Building Inspections)","value":"411 Dunsmuir Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 0E4","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except statutory holidays"},{"type":"phone","label":"Building Inspections","value":"250-755-4429"},{"type":"email","label":"Building Inspections","value":"building.inspections@nanaimo.ca"}],"documents":["Signed application form with the owner's acknowledgement of responsibility","Appointment of Agent form, if you are not the registered owner","Plans to scale (1/4 inch = 1 foot or 1:50) and a site plan"],"forms":[{"title":"Residential Building Permit page","url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/property-development/building-permits/residential-building-permit"},{"title":"Online Building Permit Application","url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/property-development/building-permits/online-building-permit-application"},{"title":"Residential Building Permit Application Guide (PDF)","url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/docs/property-development/building-permits/residentialbuildingpermitapplicationguide.pdf"},{"title":"Building Bylaw 2016 No. 7224 (PDF)","url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/bylaws/ViewBylaw/7224.pdf"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit-fees","title":"Nanaimo building permit fees","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/building-permit-fees/"},{"slug":"deck-shed-garage-permit","title":"Nanaimo permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"slug":"secondary-suite","title":"Nanaimo secondary suite and carriage house rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/secondary-suite/"},{"slug":"zoning-lookup","title":"Nanaimo zoning: find your zone and what it allows","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/zoning-lookup/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/lantzville","name":"Lantzville","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lantzville/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/ladysmith","name":"Ladysmith","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/ladysmith/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/parksville","name":"Parksville","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/sechelt","name":"Sechelt","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/qualicum-beach","name":"Qualicum Beach","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/lake-cowichan","name":"Lake Cowichan","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-cowichan/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 building permit is required for any detached building over 10 m² (107.64 ft²); any structural alteration, addition, demolition or layout change; any change of layout or use of part of a house; any change to water supply or drain-waste-vent piping; and any addition or relocation of sprinkler heads. New decks, deck covers and stairs also need one (see deck answer).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/property-development/building-permits/residential-building-permit","title":"Application for a Residential Building Permit, City of Nanaimo","section":"Residential building permit page, 'When do I need a building permit?'","quotes":["any detached building over 107.64 ft² / 10 m²","any structural alterations, additions, demolitions or layout changes","any construction that will result in a change of layout or use of a portion of the house","any addition, alteration, relocation, or removal of water supply and drain waste vent piping","any addition or relocation of sprinkler heads"]},{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/property-development/building-permits/residential-building-permit/alteration-permit","title":"Alteration Permit, City of Nanaimo","section":"Alteration permit page","quotes":["A building permit is required when you are altering an existing dwelling including constructing additions, covered front entries or decks, deck covers, and stairs onto the building."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"not_needed_for":{"label":"Not needed for","value":"No permit for a fence (zoning rules still apply) or retaining structures under 1.2 m. A deck needs none only if it is not the main entrance, is no more than 2 feet above grade within 4 feet of its edge, has no roof and is not attached to the house. Minor non-structural repairs to an approved deck, and replacing approved railings, need none.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/property-development/building-permits/residential-building-permit/fence-or-retaining-wall-permit","title":"Fence or Retaining Wall Permit, City of Nanaimo","section":"Building a Fence","quotes":["No building permit is required for a fence; however, the fence must be in compliance with the Zoning Bylaw."]},{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/bylaws/ViewBylaw/7224.pdf","title":"Building Bylaw 2016 No. 7224 (PDF, consolidated 2026-OCT-05)","section":"s. 5.2","quotes":["This bylaw does not apply to buildings or structures exempted by Part 1 of the","nor to retaining structures less than 1.2 metres in height"]},{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/property-development/building-permits/residential-building-permit/alteration-permit","title":"Alteration Permit, City of Nanaimo","section":"Building a deck","quotes":["the deck is not part of the principle entrance into your dwelling;","the deck is not more than two feet above grade within four feet of the edge of the deck;","the deck is not covered with a roof;","the deck is not attached to the dwelling; and,","where an existing deck (previously approved under a building permit) requires only minor, non-structural repairs.","A building permit is not required to replace deck railings previously approved under a building permit."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"how_to_apply":{"label":"How to apply","value":"Apply online with the City's building permit application, which all owners or their agents sign digitally. Some permit types use the City's eApply system instead (commercial new construction, demolition, non-dwelling accessory buildings, small-scale multi-unit housing). An agent needs an Appointment of Agent form.","short":"Online or eApply by permit type","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/property-development/building-permits/online-building-permit-application","title":"Online Building Permit Application, City of Nanaimo","section":"Online Building Permit Application","quotes":["This one application process works for both Residential and Commercial Building Permit Applications","We have launched a streamlined system called eApply to apply for some building permit types.","Digitally sign the document as yourself","Appointment of Agent form FIRST"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"what_to_submit":{"label":"What to submit","value":"A signed application form with the owner's acknowledgement of responsibility (and an Appointment of Agent if you are not the owner), plus plans to scale (1/4\"=1' or 1:50): site plan (a BC Land Surveyor survey may be required for setbacks), floor plan, elevations and cross-sections, and copies of any required health or safety approvals such as sewage or highway access permits.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/property-development/building-permits/residential-building-permit/alteration-permit","title":"Alteration Permit, City of Nanaimo","section":"Alteration permit page, required information","quotes":["Applications must include the following:","Plans to scale 1/4\"=1' or 1:50 showing the specifications of the building","Site plan [survey by a British Columbia Land Surveyor (BCLS) may be required for setbacks depending on design]"]},{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/bylaws/ViewBylaw/7224.pdf","title":"Building Bylaw 2016 No. 7224 (PDF, consolidated 2026-OCT-05)","section":"s. 10.1","quotes":["be accompanied by the owner’s acknowledgement of responsibility and","include copies of approvals required under any enactment relating to health or safety","include a site plan prepared by a British Columbia Surveyor showing:"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"processing_time":{"label":"Processing time","value":"Under normal conditions the City's commitment is to process a complete residential permit application in three weeks. For online applications, allow 5-10 business days once the signed application is complete for it to be received and processed. Incomplete applications cause delays. The City's Processing Times page shows the current queue.","short":"Three weeks (residential)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/property-development/building-permits/residential-building-permit","title":"Application for a Residential Building Permit, City of Nanaimo","section":"How long does it take before I can get my permit?","quotes":["our commitment is to process residential permit applications in three weeks","Under normal conditions, our commitment is to process residential permit applications in three weeks.","This is assuming the permit application is complete"]},{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/property-development/building-permits/online-building-permit-application","title":"Online Building Permit Application, City of Nanaimo","section":"Building Permit Application Process","quotes":["please allow 5-10 business days to receive and process your application","if your application is not 100% complete, your application may not hold its spot"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"inspections":{"label":"Inspections","value":"Request an inspection through the City's online inspection request form. Requests made by 4:00 p.m. on a business day are done the next business day; times are not booked and inspectors can arrive any time after 9 a.m. The Building Bylaw requires at least 24 hours' notice.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/request-inspection/","title":"Building Permit Inspection Request, City of Nanaimo","section":"Building Permit Inspection Request page","quotes":["Inspections requested by 4:00 p.m. of any business day will be carried out the next business day.","we do not book times","Inspectors can arrive any time after 9 a.m. on the inspection day."]},{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/bylaws/ViewBylaw/7224.pdf","title":"Building Bylaw 2016 No. 7224 (PDF, consolidated 2026-OCT-05)","section":"s. 17.4","quotes":["shall give at least 24 hours’ notice to the municipality when requesting an inspection"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"contact":{"label":"Contact","value":"Building Inspections Section, 250-755-4429, building.inspections@nanaimo.ca. Staff are available 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, excluding statutory holidays.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/property-development/building-permits","title":"Building Permits, City of Nanaimo","section":"Building Permits page","quotes":["Building Inspections Section 250-755-4429 building.inspections@nanaimo.ca","available between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays (excluding statutory holidays)"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Building Bylaw 2016 No. 7224","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/bylaws/ViewBylaw/7224.pdf","title":"Building Bylaw 2016 No. 7224 (PDF, consolidated 2026-OCT-05)","section":"s. 1","quotes":["Building Bylaw 2016 No. 7224"]}],"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\nThe City of Nanaimo's Building Inspections section reviews plans, issues the permit and inspects the work. [Building Bylaw 7224](https://www.nanaimo.ca/bylaws/ViewBylaw/7224.pdf) says no one may start construction, alteration, demolition, removal or relocation without a valid permit.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Check what you need. A permit is required for a detached building over 10 m² (107.64 sq ft); any structural alteration, addition, demolition or layout change; a change of layout or use of part of a house; any change to water supply or drain-waste-vent piping; and adding or moving sprinkler heads. New decks, deck covers and stairs also need one.\n2. Prepare a signed application with the owner's acknowledgement, an Appointment of Agent form if you are not the owner, and plans to scale: site plan (a BC Land Surveyor survey may be required for setbacks), floor plan, elevations and cross-sections, plus any required approvals such as sewage or highway access permits.\n3. Apply online on the City's building permit application page; all owners or their agents sign digitally. Some types (commercial new construction, demolition, non-dwelling accessory buildings, small-scale multi-unit housing) use the City's eApply system instead.\n4. Request inspections through the City's online form. Requests made by 4:00 p.m. on a business day are done the next business day. Times are not booked; inspectors can arrive any time after 9 a.m.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- No permit is needed for a fence (zoning rules still apply) or for retaining structures under 1.2 m. A deck needs none only if it is not the main entrance, is no more than 2 feet above grade within 4 feet of its edge, has no roof and is not attached to the house.\n- Incomplete applications cause delays. Single family dwellings can pay a $150 surcharge for review in three working days.\n- The bylaw asks for at least 24 hours' notice for an inspection. Re-inspection costs $150 when more than the normal inspections are needed. Inspections on Protection Island are only on Tuesdays.\n- Complex buildings need more, including letters of assurance from registered professionals.\n- Files over 25 MB each need arrangements with staff.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/property-development/building-permits/residential-building-permit","title":"Application for a Residential Building Permit, City of Nanaimo","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/property-development/building-permits/residential-building-permit/alteration-permit","title":"Alteration Permit, City of Nanaimo","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/property-development/building-permits/residential-building-permit/fence-or-retaining-wall-permit","title":"Fence or Retaining Wall Permit, City of Nanaimo","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/property-development/building-permits","title":"Building Permits, City of Nanaimo","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/property-development/building-permits/online-building-permit-application","title":"Online Building Permit Application, City of Nanaimo","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/request-inspection/","title":"Building Permit Inspection Request, City of Nanaimo","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.nanaimo.ca/bylaws/ViewBylaw/7224.pdf","title":"Building Bylaw 2016 No. 7224 (PDF, consolidated 2026-OCT-05)","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/nanaimo/building-permit/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/building-permit.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/building-permit.json"}}