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

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

Vernon, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-05

How it works

Under Building Bylaw 5900, 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.

Steps

1. Check the list below, or call 250-550-3634 if you are unsure.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Once approved, the City emails the fee and payment instructions. The permit is issued after payment.
5. 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.

Good to know

• 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.
• Replacing a whole deck, changing its size, or fitting a window or door of a different size does need a permit.
• 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.
• An application expires 180 days after a complete application is received if no permit has issued, unless the delay is the City's.
• Re-inspections and after-hours inspections carry extra fees.