{"title":"Vernon 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/vernon","name":"Vernon","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 Vernon","url":"https://www.vernon.ca"},"short_answer":"Yes, in the City of Vernon you need a building permit to construct, alter, repair, add to, demolish or relocate a building or structure, including renovations and secondary suites. Apply online through the City's portal or on paper at 3001 32 Avenue. Digital PDF plans are required.","aliases":["building permit vernon","do i need a permit vernon bc","apply for building permit vernon","permit exemptions vernon"],"cost":"Non-refundable application fee $150 (simple building) or $250 (complex), plus a permit fee based on project value and a refundable security deposit. See the building-permit-fees answer.","how_long":"The City's page and Building Bylaw 5900 do not state a review time.","where":[{"type":"online","label":"Apply online","value":"https://ecommerce2.vernon.ca/TempestApps/eapply/prospero/dashboard/Template/Welcome.aspx?TemplateName=BUILDING%20PERMIT"},{"type":"in_person","label":"Community Services Building (building counter)","value":"3001 32 Avenue, Vernon, BC V1T 2L8","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."},{"type":"phone","label":"Building Permits","value":"250-550-3634"},{"type":"email","label":"Building counter","value":"buildingcounter@vernon.ca"},{"type":"phone","label":"Book an inspection","value":"250-550-3592"}],"documents":["Building Permit checklist (City PDF)","Site plan and design drawings as digital PDF files","Title search dated within 30 days"],"forms":[{"title":"Building Permit Application page","url":"https://www.vernon.ca/homes-building/permits-applications/building-permit-application/building-permit-application"},{"title":"Building Permit checklist (PDF)","url":"https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/building-planning/permits-applications/Building%20Permit_Checklist_WEB.pdf"},{"title":"Building Bylaw 5900 (PDF)","url":"https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/bylaws/5900_building_bylaw.pdf"}],"related":[{"slug":"building-permit-fees","title":"Vernon building permit fees","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/building-permit-fees/"},{"slug":"deck-shed-garage-permit","title":"Vernon permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/deck-shed-garage-permit/"},{"slug":"fence-rules","title":"Vernon fence rules: permits and height limits","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/fence-rules/"},{"slug":"secondary-suite","title":"Vernon secondary suite and carriage house rules","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/secondary-suite/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/coldstream","name":"Coldstream","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coldstream/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/lake-country","name":"Lake Country","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/spallumcheen","name":"Spallumcheen","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/spallumcheen/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/armstrong","name":"Armstrong","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/armstrong/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/lumby","name":"Lumby","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lumby/building-permit/"},{"place":"ca/bc/enderby","name":"Enderby","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/enderby/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 needed to construct, alter, repair, add to, demolish, remove or relocate a building or structure, or change its use or occupancy. This includes new buildings, renovations, secondary suites and structural changes. Swimming pools and retaining walls (except low ones on single-family lots) also need permits.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.vernon.ca/homes-building/permits-applications/building-permit-application/building-permit-application","title":"Building Permit Application, City of Vernon","section":"Building Permit Application page","quotes":["A Building Permit is required for the construction, alteration, repair, or addition to a building or structure.","This includes new buildings, renovations, secondary suites, and structural changes."]},{"url":"https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/bylaws/5900_building_bylaw.pdf","title":"Building Bylaw 5900 (PDF)","section":"s. 4.1","quotes":["A person must not commence or continue any construction, alteration, excavation, reconstruction, demolition, removal, relocation or change the use or"]},{"url":"https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/bylaws/5900_building_bylaw.pdf","title":"Building Bylaw 5900 (PDF)","section":"s. 11.1 and 14.1","quotes":["No person may construct, or structurally repair, a retaining wall without a","structurally repair, a swimming pool without a valid building permit."]},{"url":"https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/bylaws/5900_building_bylaw.pdf","title":"Building Bylaw 5900 (PDF)","section":"s. 3.3(c)","quotes":["a retaining wall supporting soil that is less than 1.2"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"not_needed_for":{"label":"Not needed for","value":"No permit for: an accessory building under 10 m² that creates no hazard (adding plumbing needs a permit); a fence; like-for-like replacement of roofing, siding, fixtures, cabinetry, flooring, windows or doors in the same opening; a deck within 600 mm of grade all round; trellises and arbours on single-family lots.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.vernon.ca/homes-building/permits-applications/building-permit-application/building-permit-application","title":"Building Permit Application, City of Vernon","section":"Do I Need a Permit?","quotes":["Accessory buildings with an area less than 10 m² and that does not create a hazard.","Adding plumbing to an accessory building will require a building permit.","Decks that are within 600mm of grade around the entire deck.","Replacing windows or doors in the same rough opening.","Fencing and other landscaping."]},{"url":"https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/bylaws/5900_building_bylaw.pdf","title":"Building Bylaw 5900 (PDF)","section":"s. 3.3(a)-(c)","quotes":["an accessory building with a floor area of less than 10 square metres;","a trellis, an arbour, a retaining wall supporting soil that is less than 1.2"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"how_to_apply":{"label":"How to apply","value":"Online through the City's web portal (MyCity account), or on paper in person at the Community Services Building, 3001 32nd Avenue. Digital copies of all documents and drawings, in PDF, must be provided before an application is accepted.","short":"Online (MyCity) or in person","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.vernon.ca/homes-building/permits-applications/building-permit-application/building-permit-application","title":"Building Permit Application, City of Vernon","section":"How to Apply","quotes":["Submit your application through our secure web portal:","Community Services Building 3001 32nd Avenue","All plans and drawings must be submitted in PDF format."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"what_to_submit":{"label":"What to submit","value":"Per the City checklist: MyCity login, owner details, construction value and floor area, description of work, Damage to Public Works form, title search dated within 30 days, Owner's Undertaking, new home registration (new construction), and design drawings with a site plan. Complex buildings also need drawings sealed by a professional engineer or architect.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/building-planning/permits-applications/Building%20Permit_Checklist_WEB.pdf","title":"Building Permit checklist (PDF)","section":"Building Permit Checklist","quotes":["Title Search dated within 30 days of application (required).","Owner’s Undertaking completed form (required)","Design Drawings including Site Plan (required)","Complete sets of drawings signed, sealed and dated by Professional Engineer or Architect (as required)"]},{"url":"https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/bylaws/5900_building_bylaw.pdf","title":"Building Bylaw 5900 (PDF)","section":"s. 10.4(c)-(d)","quotes":["include a copy of a title search for the relevant property made within 30","include a copy of a survey plan prepared by a British Columbia land"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"processing_time":{"label":"Processing time","value":null,"status":"unknown","reason":"not_published","note":"The published pages do not say how long a permit takes.","sources":[]},"inspections":{"label":"Inspections","value":"Book by calling 250-550-3592 or using the online Building Inspection form. For simple buildings the owner must give at least 48 hours' notice when requesting an inspection; for complex buildings, at least 24 hours' online or written notice for the pre-construction and pre-occupancy meetings.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.vernon.ca/homes-building/permits-applications/building-permit-application/building-permit-application","title":"Building Permit Application, City of Vernon","section":"Application Status & Next Steps","quotes":["Inspections can be scheduled by calling 250-550-3592 or submitting a request using the online Building Inspection form"]},{"url":"https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/bylaws/5900_building_bylaw.pdf","title":"Building Bylaw 5900 (PDF)","section":"s. 10.32 and 10.36","quotes":["the owner must give at least 48 hours’ notice to the City when requesting an inspection","give at least 24 hours’ online or written notice to the City when requesting"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"contact":{"label":"Contact","value":"Building Permits (Planning & Community Services), 3001 32 Ave., Vernon BC V1T 2L8; phone 250-550-3634; Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Email buildingcounter@vernon.ca.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.vernon.ca/government-services/contact-us","title":"Contact Us, City of Vernon","section":"Contact Us page","quotes":["Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm","3001 32 Ave. Vernon, BC V1T 2L8 250-550-3634"]},{"url":"https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/building-planning/permits-applications/Building%20Permit_Checklist_WEB.pdf","title":"Building Permit checklist (PDF)","section":"Building Permit Checklist header","quotes":["3001 32 Avenue, Vernon BC V1T 2L8 Phone:(250) 550-3634 Email: buildingcounter@vernon.ca www.vernon.ca  MyCity Account Login Credentials (required). If you don't already have an account: register here"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"City of Vernon Building Bylaw No. 5900, 2021","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/bylaws/5900_building_bylaw.pdf","title":"Building Bylaw 5900 (PDF)","section":"s. 1.1","quotes":["City of Vernon Building Bylaw No. 5900, 2021"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":8,"stated":7,"matched":7,"none":0,"unknown":1},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nUnder [Building Bylaw 5900](https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/bylaws/5900_building_bylaw.pdf), you need a building permit to construct, alter, repair, add to, demolish, remove or relocate a building or structure, or to change its use or occupancy. That covers new buildings, renovations, secondary suites and structural changes. Swimming pools also need permits, as do retaining walls except low ones on single-family lots.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Check the list below, or call 250-550-3634 if you are unsure.\n2. Gather the City's checklist items: MyCity login, owner details, construction value and floor area, a description of the work, the Damage to Public Works form, a title search dated within 30 days, the Owner's Undertaking, new home registration (new construction), and design drawings with a site plan. Complex buildings also need drawings sealed by a professional engineer or architect.\n3. Apply online through MyCity, or on paper at the Community Services Building, 3001 32 Avenue. Digital PDF copies of all documents and drawings must be provided before an application is accepted.\n4. Once approved, the City emails the fee and payment instructions. The permit is issued after payment.\n5. Book inspections on 250-550-3592 or with the online Building Inspection form. For a simple building, give at least 48 hours' notice. For a complex building, give at least 24 hours' online or written notice for the pre-construction and pre-occupancy meetings. After the approved inspections, the Occupancy Permit is emailed to you.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- No permit is needed for: an accessory building under 10 m² that creates no hazard (adding plumbing needs a permit); a fence; like-for-like replacement of roofing, siding, fixtures, cabinetry, flooring, windows or doors in the same opening; a deck within 600 mm of grade all round; or trellises and arbours on single-family lots.\n- Replacing a whole deck, changing its size, or fitting a window or door of a different size does need a permit.\n- Retaining walls: the City's page says a permit is required for walls 1.2 m or higher, where there is substantial surcharge, or in a sensitive land area.\n- An application expires 180 days after a complete application is received if no permit has issued, unless the delay is the City's.\n- Re-inspections and after-hours inspections carry extra fees.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.vernon.ca/homes-building/permits-applications/building-permit-application/building-permit-application","title":"Building Permit Application, City of Vernon","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/bylaws/5900_building_bylaw.pdf","title":"Building Bylaw 5900 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/building-planning/permits-applications/Building%20Permit_Checklist_WEB.pdf","title":"Building Permit checklist (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.vernon.ca/government-services/contact-us","title":"Contact Us, City of Vernon","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 7 of 8 facts was matched to the official text; 1 could not be confirmed."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/building-permit/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/building-permit.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/building-permit.json"}}