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

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

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.

No building permit is required for a fence; however, the fence must be in compliance with the Zoning Bylaw.

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

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.

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

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]

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:

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

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

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.

shall give at least 24 hours’ notice to the municipality when requesting an inspection

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)

Building Bylaw 2016 No. 7224