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

A building permit needs to be issued before the start of ANY construction or renovation within the District of Sechelt.

Building permits are required for all new construction, alterations, additions, decks, pools, chimneys, house moves, temporary buildings/structures, demolitions, structural repair, renovations and accessory buildings.

A permit is required whenever work regulated under this bylaw is to be undertaken.

(2) retaining structures less than 1.2 meters (4 ft) in height (3) fences (4) non-structural repairs to a building or the repair of a plumbing system

(8) deck additions, except a deck where the difference in elevation between the deck surface and the ground surface within 1.2 m of the deck at any point is 0.6 m (2 ft) or more

An accessory building, with less than 10 sq. metres (107 sq. ft.) in floor area, may not require a building permit depending on use

(2) fences

(6) free standing decks, except a deck where the difference in elevation between the deck surface and the ground surface at any point is 0.6 metres (2 ft) or more

retaining structures less than 1.2 meters (4 ft) in height or a series of retaining structures not less than 1 vertical element to 2 horizontal elements with a cumulative height of not more than 1.2 m.

Finishing or refinishing on houses, i.e. painting, wallpaper, paneling, trim work, etc. do not require permits.

Submitting a building permit can now be done electronically. Using Cloudpermit, applicants can:

The first time you use Cloudpermit, you will need to create an account.

Pay online for permits through a secure payment portal;

An application for a building permit with respect to a standard building shall:

include a copy of a title search made within 30 days of the date of the application;

include copies of approvals required under any enactment relating to health or safety, including, without limitation, sewage disposal permits

include a sealed foundation plan prepared by a registered professional

Include four (4) sets of plans showing, but not limited to:

Missing documents will result in an incomplete permit application.

take photos of any existing damage to roads, curbs and/or sidewalks that abut your property

A building permit can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks, possibly longer, to issue depending on how many applications are in the queue.

The owner or agent or his or her representative shall give at least 24 hours notice to the District of Sechelt when requesting an inspection

Inspection requests can be made online through Cloudpermit or by calling our front desk at 604-885-1986.

Inspection requests should be made 48 hours in advance; however, we can usually accommodate next day bookings.

All work being inspected must be complete and ready prior to inspection

Building Department T: 604.740.8468

Please contact the Building Department by phone (604-885-1986)

Municipal Hall Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

DISTRICT OF SECHELT BUILDING BYLAW NO. 409, 2003

District of Sechelt Building Bylaw 409, 2003