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

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

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

How it works

The District of Peachland's Building Department reviews applications under Building Bylaw No. 2273, 2020. A permit is needed to construct, renovate, demolish or change the use of a building. Examples are new homes, additions, secondary suites, swimming pools, attached decks 0.6 m (2 ft) or higher or supporting a roof, accessory buildings over 10 m² (108 sq ft), and retaining walls over 1.22 m (4 ft). The FAQ lists more triggers, such as plumbing and heating changes, solar panels, load-bearing walls and hot tubs deeper than 60 cm.

No building permit is needed for accessory buildings under 10 m² (107.64 sq ft), decks or patios less than 2 ft above ground, fences (except pool fences and retaining walls), trellises, arbours and retaining walls under 1.22 m on single-family residential parcels, or landscaping. Not needing a building permit does not remove zoning or other permit requirements.

Steps

1. Check zoning and whether your property is in a development permit area. Other permits may apply, such as driveway, water or sewer, earthworks and tree cutting.
2. Gather a title certificate dated within 30 days (plus easements and covenants), the legal description, a septic approval if there is no sewer, truss details if applicable, Home Protection Act forms, site plans, and drawings (floor plans, cross sections, construction details, elevations) as PDFs. The portal shows which forms are mandatory for your application type.
3. Apply through the online application portal. Paper copies may still be submitted in person, with a digital PDF copy (USB or email) when possible.
4. Pay the fees (see building-permit-fees) and wait for the permit.
5. Request inspections in writing, using the District's online inspection request form. For simple buildings the owner must give at least 48 hours' notice.

Good to know

• An architect is required when the footprint exceeds 600 sq m, the building is over 3 storeys, or it is for assembly use.
• The District's web page says permits are needed for accessory structures greater than 10 m², while the bylaw exempts those under 10 m². Ask the Building Department if yours is close to that size.
• Contact the Building Department at 250-767-3707 or building@peachland.ca. The Building Department page lists the main reception number 250-767-2647.