Tahsis building permits: when you need one and how to apply
Do I need a building permit in Tahsis, and how do I apply?
Short answer
In Tahsis you need a building permit to build, alter, repair, demolish or move a building, and an occupancy permit before using it. Building inspections are done by the Strathcona Regional District's senior building official. Call the SRD at 250-830-6713 to check whether your project needs one.
Key facts
| Needed for | A building permit is needed to construct, alter, repair, demolish, move or change the occupancy of a building or structure, and an occupancy permit before it is used. The Village-hosted guide lists new buildings, additions, structural repairs, garages, sheds and decks, secondary suites and new bathrooms or kitchens. Masonry fireplaces and wood stoves need their own permit.Building Bylaw No. 525, 2006, ss. 6.1-6.2, 8.1; When do I need a building permit?, Village-hosted SRD guide · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wordingNo person shall commence or continue any construction, alteration, placement, reconstruction, demolition, removal or relocation or change the occupancy of any building or structure a fireplace and chimney permit prior to the construction of a masonry fireplace or the installation of a wood burning appliance or chimney A BUILDING PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR NEW BUILDINGS ADDITIONS STRUCTURAL REPAIRS BUILDING OR ALTERING A GARAGE, SHED OR DECK ADDING A SECONDARY SUITE TO AN EXISTING HOME ADDING A NEW BATHROOM OR KITCHEN, MOVING PLUMBING |
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| Not needed for | The bylaw does not apply to retaining structures under 1.5 m high, clearing blocked pipes or fixing leaks without rearranging pipes, or work exempted by Part 1 of the BC Building Code. Fences are not "structures". The guide also lists flooring, cosmetic repairs, painting and drywall repair, plumbing repairs and fixture replacement, and accessory buildings under 10 m² (107.6 sq ft) that shelter no occupancy.Building Bylaw No. 525, 2006, ss. 2.1 "Structure", 5.2; When do I need a building permit?, Village-hosted SRD guide · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wording(b) to retaining structures less than 1.5 meters in height; (a) to buildings or structures exempted by Part 1 of the Building Code but specifically excludes landscaping, fences, paving, and retaining structures less than 1.5 meters in height. MANY SMALL PROJECTS AND REPAIRS DO NOT REQUIRE A PERMIT REPLACING FLOORING PAINTING AND DRYWALL REPAIRS PLUMBING REPAIRS, REPLACING FIXTURES ACCESSORY BUILDINGS UNDER 10 m2 (107.6 sq ft) THAT DO NOT SHELTER AN OCCUPANCY |
| How to apply | Apply on the form provided by the Building Official. Building inspections for Tahsis are done by the Strathcona Regional District's senior building official; to check whether a permit is needed, contact the SRD at 250-830-6713 or building@srd.ca.Building Bylaw No. 525, 2006, s. 8.2; Zoning and Building; When do I need a building permit?, Village-hosted guide "When do I need a building permit?" (Strathcona Regional District) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wordingAn application for a permit required under this Bylaw shall be made in the form Building inspections are conducted by the senior building Official for the Strathcona Regional District. When in doubt, contact the SRD. 250-830-6713 or building@srd.ca to determine if you are required to have a permit for |
| What to submit | A completed application with all supporting documents and plans showing the designer's name and address. Complex buildings need letters of assurance from registered professionals; residential buildings need the home warranty evidence required by the Homeowner Protection Act. The Building Official may ask for a geotechnical or riparian report. A plan-processing fee goes with the application.Building Bylaw No. 525, 2006, ss. 8.3, 8.5, 12.2, 13.1-13.2 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wordingAll plans submitted with permit applications shall bear the name and a completed application, including all required supporting documentation has been submitted; The Building Official may require a geotechnical report completed by a unless the owner provides the evidence required by section 30(1) of the The applicable plan-processing fee prescribed in Schedule "A" shall |
| Processing time | Not confirmed. The published pages do not say how long a permit takes. |
| Inspections | Give the Village at least two weeks' notice when requesting an inspection, and get the work accepted before concealing it (for example drain tile and damp-proofing before backfilling, ground preparation before a concrete slab).Building Bylaw No. 525, 2006, s. 17.4 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wordingshall give at least two week's notice to the Village when requesting an inspection installation of perimeter drain tile and damp-proofing, prior to backfilling; |
| Contact | Strathcona Regional District building inspection: 250-830-6713, building@srd.ca. Village Municipal Office: 250-934-6344, reception@villageoftahsis.com.When do I need a building permit?, Village-hosted guide "When do I need a building permit?" (Strathcona Regional District); Bylaws and Policies, Municipal Office contact box · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wordingWhen in doubt, contact the SRD. 250-830-6713 or building@srd.ca to determine if you are required to have a permit for Address 977 South Maquinna Dr. P.O. Box 219 Tahsis, BC V0P 1X0 Phone (250) 934-6344 Fax (250) 934-6344 Fax (250) 934-6622 Email reception@villageoftahsis.com Hours Open 8:30 - 4:30 Monday - Friday. Closed Stat Holidays |
| Bylaw | Village of Tahsis Building Bylaw No. 525, 2006Building Bylaw No. 525, 2006, s. 1.1 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wordingThis Bylaw may be cited as the "Village of Tahsis Building Bylaw 525, 2006". |
How it works
Tahsis's Building Bylaw No. 525, 2006 says no one may start or continue building, altering, placing, rebuilding, demolishing, removing or moving a building or structure, or change how it is occupied, without a permit. The Village-hosted guide lists new buildings, additions, structural repairs, garages, sheds and decks, secondary suites, and new bathrooms or kitchens. Masonry fireplaces and wood stoves need their own permit.
The Village's building inspections are done by the Strathcona Regional District's senior building official.
Steps
- Call the SRD building inspection office (250-830-6713, building@srd.ca) to check whether your project needs a permit.
- Apply on the form provided by the Building Official, with the supporting documents and plans showing the designer's name and address. A plan-processing fee goes with the application.
- Complex buildings need letters of assurance from registered professionals. Residential buildings need the home warranty evidence required by the Homeowner Protection Act. The Building Official may also ask for a geotechnical or riparian report.
- Give the Village at least two weeks' notice when you want an inspection, and get the work accepted before you cover it up (for example drain tile and damp-proofing before backfilling).
Good to know
- No permit is needed for retaining structures under 1.5 m high, clearing blocked pipes or fixing leaks without rearranging pipes, or work exempted by Part 1 of the BC Building Code. Fences are not "structures" under the bylaw.
- The guide also lists flooring, cosmetic repairs, painting, drywall repair, plumbing repairs, fixture replacement, and accessory buildings under 10 m² (107.6 sq ft) that shelter no occupancy.
- A permit expires if work does not start within six months.
- The pages we read do not mention an online application.
Official forms and pages
The same question in other places
Gold River · Sayward · Alert Bay · Port Alice · Port McNeill · Campbell River
Building permits in British Columbia: how to apply, by municipality →
Sources
- Building Bylaw No. 525, 2006 (PDF), Village of Tahsis (read 2026-11-08)
- When do I need a building permit? (PDF), Village of Tahsis (read 2026-11-08)
- Zoning and Building, Village of Tahsis (read 2026-11-08)
- Bylaws and Policies, Village of Tahsis (read 2026-11-08)
Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 8 facts was matched to the official text; 1 could not be confirmed. How answers are checked.