Single/Two Family Dwelling Alteration Permit

A building permit is required when you are altering an existing dwelling including constructing additions, covered front entries or decks, deck covers, and stairs onto the building.

What information is required for the permit?

Applications must include the following:

• Building Permit Application
• Appointment of Agent (PDF) - if you are not the registered owner;  
• Plans to scale 1/4"=1' or 1:50 showing the specifications of the building (see the application guide below for more plan requirement details);
• • Site plan [survey by a British Columbia Land Surveyor (BCLS) may be required for setbacks depending on design]
  • Foundation/floor plan including point loads and engineered beams (if applicable)
  • Elevation view
  • Cross-Section view

Expected level of detail required for a building permit application:

• Sample Plans (PDF)

And documents as listed in:

• Residential Building Permit Application Guide (PDF)

Is this a Heritage Building?

• Heritage Building Renovations and Alterations

Building a deck

A building permit is required to build a new deck, repair existing structural members and to rebuild an existing deck and/or stairs. In the following circumstances a permit is not required:

• the deck is not part of the principle entrance into your dwelling;
• the deck is not more than two feet above grade within four feet of the edge of the deck;
• the deck is not covered with a roof;
• the deck is not attached to the dwelling; and,
• where an existing deck (previously approved under a building permit) requires only minor, non-structural repairs.

Restrictive covenants (registered on title), watercourse and riparian setbacks, utility rights-of-way, and distances to property lines may affect the location of your deck, whether a building permit is required or not. Determining if any of these factors will affect the location of your deck is the responsibility of the homeowner.

What information is required for the permit?

Applications must include the following:

• Building Permit Application
• Appointment of Agent (PDF) - if you are not the registered owner

Level of detail to show in the plans as follows:

• Deck Addition Guide and Sample Plans (PDF)

Replacing a deck railing

A building permit is not required to replace deck railings previously approved under a building permit. The current 2018 British Columbia Building Code is applicable to all structures built in the province and the homeowner is responsible to ensure the railings meets the requirements of the code.