---
title: "White Rock building permits: when you need one and how to apply"
question: "Do I need a building permit, and how do I apply?"
place: White Rock, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/white-rock
category: Building, renovating and your property
owner: municipal
owner_body: City of White Rock
sources_read: 2026-11-05
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/building-permit/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/building-permit.json"
---

# White Rock building permits: when you need one and how to apply

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

**Short answer:** In the City of White Rock you need a building permit before you build, repair, alter or change the use of a building or structure. To apply, book an intake appointment with a Building Official at Planning and Development Services by calling 604-541-2149. Fences need no building permit.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (City of White Rock, https://www.whiterockcity.ca)  
**Cost:** See the building-permit-fees answer. In 2026 the non-refundable application fee is $227 for an addition or alteration to an existing home and $840 for a new single-family or small-scale multi-unit home, plus a fee based on construction value.  
**How long:** The City's pages and the Building Bylaw do not state a processing time. An application expires if there is no meaningful activity on information requests within 6 months, and a permit expires after 2 years of inactivity.  
**Where:**
- Phone: Book an intake appointment (Building Department), 604-541-2149
- Email: Building Department, Building@whiterockcity.ca
- In person: Planning and Development Services, City Hall, 15322 Buena Vista Avenue, White Rock, BC V4B 1Y6 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
- Phone: 24-hour Inspection Line (permit holders), 604-541-2135

## Key facts

- **Needed for:** A building permit is required before constructing, repairing, altering, or changing the use or occupancy of any building or structure. The City's guide also lists new homes, new accessory buildings, additions, interior wall changes, finishing a basement or creating a suite, pools and hot tubs, porches and sundecks, and chimneys and wood stoves. Demolition and moving need their own permits.
  - Source: [Building Bylaw 1928 (PDF, consolidated March 2022), s. 8.1(a)](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/266/Building-Bylaw-2012-Number-1928-PDF)
  - Official wording: "a building permit before constructing, repairing, altering, or changing the use" … "a demolition permit before demolishing a building or structure"
  - Source: [Guide for Building Permit Applications (PDF, February 2025), Permits required list](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/217/Guide-for-Building-Permit-Applications-PDF)
  - Official wording: "Constructing a new accessory building or accessory structure." … "Constructing a new home." … "Constructing, covering or enclosing a porch or sundeck." … "Constructing a swimming pool, hot tub or spa pool."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Not needed for:** The Building Bylaw does not apply to buildings or structures exempted by Division A Part 1 of the BC Building Code, to retaining structures 1.2 m (3.9 ft) or less in height, or to clearing stoppages or repairing leaks without replacing pipes, valves or fixtures. The 2026 Good Neighbour Guide adds a permit for any retaining wall on a slope steeper than 2:1. (Sources differ: Conflict on retaining walls: the Guide for Building Permit Applications (Feb 2025) says a permit is needed for retaining walls over 1 m; the Building Bylaw s. 5.3(b) excludes retaining structures up to 1.2 m. Value follows the bylaw. The Code Part 1 exemptions themselves (e.g. small sheds) are not spelled out in the City text I read.)
  - Source: [Building Bylaw 1928 (PDF, consolidated March 2022), s. 5.3](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/266/Building-Bylaw-2012-Number-1928-PDF)
  - Official wording: "buildings or structures exempted by Division A Part 1 of the Building Code" … "retaining structures less than or equal to 1.2 meters in height"
  - Source: [Building Bylaw 1928 (PDF, consolidated March 2022), s. 8.1(f)](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/266/Building-Bylaw-2012-Number-1928-PDF)
  - Official wording: "for the repair of leaks in water pipes or for the replacement of plumbing"
  - Source: [Guide for Building Permit Applications (PDF, February 2025), Permits required list](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/217/Guide-for-Building-Permit-Applications-PDF)
  - Official wording: "Constructing retaining walls over 1m in height."
  - Source: [Good Neighbour Guide, Retaining Walls](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/12898)
  - Official wording: "Over 1.2 m (4 ft) in height; or" … "Located on land with a slope steeper than 2:1."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **How to apply:** Book an intake appointment with a Building Official at Planning and Development Services (City Hall) by calling 604-541-2149. Staff do a preliminary review; if documents are missing the application is not accepted and you must book another appointment.
  - Source: [Single-Family Dwelling / Houseplex Renovation Permits, Apply](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/1278/SFD-Houseplex-Renovation-Permit)
  - Official wording: "To submit, you must book an Intake Appointment with a Building Official." … "To book your appointment for a building permit application, call: 604-541-2149"
  - Source: [Guide for Building Permit Applications (PDF, February 2025), Building permit application process](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/217/Guide-for-Building-Permit-Applications-PDF)
  - Official wording: "an appointment with a Building Official is required."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **What to submit:** A completed Building Permit Application form plus the checklist for your project type. For a Part 9 building the bylaw also asks for the owner's acknowledgement (Form A), a title search made within 30 days, a site plan by a BC Land Surveyor (may be waived for repairs or alterations), floor plans, and two sets of drawings.
  - Source: [Guide for Building Permit Applications (PDF, February 2025), Application checklists](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/217/Guide-for-Building-Permit-Applications-PDF)
  - Official wording: "Different scopes of work contain different requirements:"
  - Source: [Building Bylaw 1928 (PDF, consolidated March 2022), s. 10.1](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/266/Building-Bylaw-2012-Number-1928-PDF)
  - Official wording: "include a copy of a title search for the relevant property made within thirty (30) days of the date of the permit application" … "include two copies of specifications and two sets of drawings at a suitable scale" … "include proposed plans prepared by a British Columbia Land Surveyor" … "include floor plans showing the dimensions and uses of all areas, including:"
  - Source: [Building Bylaw 1928 (PDF, consolidated March 2022), s. 10.1(b)](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/266/Building-Bylaw-2012-Number-1928-PDF)
  - Official wording: "be accompanied by the owner's acknowledgment of responsibility and"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Processing time:** Not confirmed. Not found in the official sources that were read.
- **Inspections:** Permit holders call the 24-hour Inspection Line, 604-541-2135, with the site address, permit number, site contact and inspection type. Requests before 3:30 p.m. are booked for the next business day. Inspections run 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on business days; no specific times are given. The bylaw requires at least 24 hours' notice.
  - Source: [Inspections, Building Inspections](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/172/Inspections)
  - Official wording: "call the 24-hour Inspection Line: 604-541-2135" … "All inspection requests received prior to 3:30pm will be booked for the next business day." … "Inspections occur each business day between 9:30am and 3:30pm."
  - Source: [Building Bylaw 1928 (PDF, consolidated March 2022), s. 18.4](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/266/Building-Bylaw-2012-Number-1928-PDF)
  - Official wording: "shall give at least 24 hours of notice to the City when requesting an inspection"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Contact:** Planning and Development Services (Building Department), City Hall, 15322 Buena Vista Avenue: 604-541-2149, Building@whiterockcity.ca. Inspection line for permit holders: 604-541-2135.
  - Source: [Good Neighbour Guide, Ancillary buildings](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/12898)
  - Official wording: "Contact the Building Department by email Building@whiterockcity.ca or call 604-541-2149."
  - Source: [Guide for Building Permit Applications (PDF, February 2025), Header](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/217/Guide-for-Building-Permit-Applications-PDF)
  - Official wording: "15322 Buena Vista Avenue, White Rock, B.C. V4B 1Y6" … "Phone: 604 541 2149"
  - Source: [Inspections, Building Inspections](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/172/Inspections)
  - Official wording: "call the 24-hour Inspection Line: 604-541-2135"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Building Bylaw, 2012, No. 1928
  - Source: [Building Bylaw 1928 (PDF, consolidated March 2022), Title](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/266/Building-Bylaw-2012-Number-1928-PDF)
  - Official wording: "Building Bylaw, 2012, No. 1928" … "A Bylaw for the administration of the Building Code."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

The [Building Bylaw 1928](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/266/Building-Bylaw-2012-Number-1928-PDF) requires a permit before you construct, repair, alter or change the use or occupancy of any building or structure. The City's guide also lists new homes, new accessory buildings, additions, interior wall changes, finishing a basement or creating a suite, pools and hot tubs, porches and sundecks, and chimneys and wood stoves. The guide says its list is not limited to these. Demolition, moving, oil tank removal, fireplace or chimney, plumbing and pool work need their own permits.

The bylaw does not apply to buildings the BC Building Code exempts, to retaining structures 1.2 m (3.9 ft) or less in height, or to clearing stoppages or repairing leaks without replacing pipes, valves or fixtures.

## Steps

1. Read the Guide for Building Permit Applications and the checklist for your project.
2. Call 604-541-2149 to book an intake appointment. Staff do a preliminary review; if documents are missing the application is not accepted and you must book another appointment.
3. The plan review (application) fee goes in with the application. The permit fee must be paid in full before the permit is reviewed and issued, along with any bonds. The City's pages do not say which payment methods it accepts.
4. Once the permit is issued, call the 24-hour Inspection Line, 604-541-2135, with the site address, permit number, site contact and inspection type. Requests before 3:30 p.m. are booked for the next business day. Inspections run 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on business days.

## Good to know

- The bylaw requires at least 24 hours' notice for an inspection. No specific inspection times are given.
- Gas and electrical inspections come from the BC Safety Authority, 866-566-7233, not the City.
- Retaining walls: the City's guide says a permit is needed over 1 m, but the bylaw excludes those 1.2 m or less. Confirm with the Building Department.
- The City's 2026 Good Neighbour Guide also asks for a permit for any retaining wall on a slope steeper than 2:1.

## What you'll need

- Completed Building Permit Application form and the checklist for your project type
- For a Part 9 building, the owner's acknowledgement (Form A), a title search made within 30 days, a site plan by a BC Land Surveyor (the Building Official may waive it for a repair or alteration) and two sets of drawings

## Official forms and pages

- [Application Forms and Guidelines](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/171/Applications-Forms-Guidelines)
- [Guide for Building Permit Applications (PDF)](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/217/Guide-for-Building-Permit-Applications-PDF)
- [Inspections](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/172/Inspections)
- [Building Bylaw 1928 (PDF)](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/266/Building-Bylaw-2012-Number-1928-PDF)

## Related questions

- [White Rock building permit fees](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/building-permit-fees.md)
- [White Rock permits for decks, sheds, carports and garages](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/deck-shed-garage-permit.md)
- [White Rock fence rules: permits and height limits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/fence-rules.md)
- [White Rock tree removal rules and permits](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/tree-removal.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Building permits in British Columbia: how to apply, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/building-permit.md)
- [Surrey](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/surrey/building-permit.md)
- [Langley City](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langley/building-permit.md)
- [Township of Langley](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langley-township/building-permit.md)
- [Delta](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/delta/building-permit.md)
- [New Westminster](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/building-permit.md)
- [Burnaby](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/building-permit.md)

## Sources

- [Single-Family Dwelling / Houseplex Renovation Permits, City of White Rock](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/1278/SFD-Houseplex-Renovation-Permit) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Guide for Building Permit Applications (PDF, February 2025), City of White Rock](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/217/Guide-for-Building-Permit-Applications-PDF) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Inspections, City of White Rock](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/172/Inspections) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Building Bylaw 1928 (PDF, consolidated March 2022), City of White Rock](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/266/Building-Bylaw-2012-Number-1928-PDF) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Good Neighbour Guide (PDF), City of White Rock](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/12898) (read 2026-11-05)
- [2026 Fees and Charges Bylaw 2554 (PDF), City of White Rock](https://www.whiterockcity.ca/DocumentCenter/View/12092/Bylaw-2554---2026-Fees-and-Charges-Bylaw) (read 2026-11-05)

_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. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of White Rock. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/white-rock/building-permit/_